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Frontiers of Chemistry 1 - CHE00035H

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

Stage 2 concepts in inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry are developed and applied to current problems around organic synthesis, transition metal chemistry and applications of electrochemistry.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module looks at how the key principles of inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry meet important frontiers in research in each discipline. Here the lecturers have the opportunity to make connections between their own research specialisms and underlying theory that has been developed during Years 1 & 2

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:

  • Discuss core chemistry at a higher level, by applying core chemistry concepts from the frontiers of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, and theoretical approaches to selected areas.
  • Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills in workshops, and apply the module content to solve unseen problems.
  • Integrate the principles taught in this module with the skills and strategies developed in Stage 1 (Foundations of Chemistry) and Stage 2 (Advanced Chemistry Concepts) of the degree.

Module content

  • Asymmetric Synthesis (PAOB, 6 lectures, college workshop)

  • Metal-mediated Synthesis (IJSF, 6 lectures, college workshop)

  • Transition Metal Photochemistry (JML, 6 lectures, college workshop)

  • Dynamic Electrochemistry (AP, 5 lectures, college workshop)

  • Chemical Biology (GJD, 6 lectures, college workshop)

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The FoC1 exam paper will consist of five 20-mark questions, each aligning with one of the component lecture courses. One question will be compulsory. Candidates will have a free choice of three from the remaining four questions meaning they will answer four questions in total over the 2-hour exam duration.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

  • Tutorials/workshops: “Written feedback will be given for tutorial work within a week. Written and/or oral feedback for workshops will be given either during the sessions or within a week”.

  • Exams: “Closed exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to students and supervisors within 5 weeks (as per special approval by the University Teaching Committee). Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry VLE sites when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners’ reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry VLE.”

Indicative reading

Atkins, Overton, Rourke, Weller and Armstrong, “Shriver and Atkin’s Inorganic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.

Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers, “Organic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.

Atkins, de Paula, “Atkins' Physical Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.

Skoog, West, Holler and Crouch, “Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry”, Thomson/Brooks/Cole.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.