This module will introduce you to the key concepts of structure and reactivity in organic chemistry.
Structure of molecules: functional groups, isomerism including stereochemistry and optical activity, nomenclature, introduction to infra-red spectroscopy (functional groups), bonding (electronic structure, orbitals, hybridisation and shape), conformational analysis of linear and cyclic molecules.
Reactivity – drawing and predicting resonance structures and reaction mechanisms using curly arrows, electron-rich and electron-deficient sites and species, acidity (alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids etc), basicity (conjugate bases of all acids studied, also common bases such as hydroxide, amines, alkoxides, BuLi, LDA and NaH), connection between electronic effects and acidity/basicity, aromaticity and reactivity of aromatic compounds compared to alkenes.
Basic nucleophilic substitution reactions – SN1 and SN2 reaction mechanisms, reactions of alkyl halides with nucleophiles, formation of alcohols by hydrolysis of alkyl halides, reactions of alcohols with strong acids to form alkyl halides and dehydration to give alkenes.
Elimination reactions – substitution vs elimination in alkyl halides, dehydration of alcohols, elimination mechanisms (E1 and E2), stereochemistry and regiochemistry.
Electrophilic addition to alkenes – addition of HX, including regio- and stereo-chemistry in Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov reactions, bromination of alkenes, epoxidation
Nucleophilic substitution at the carbonyl group – addition-elimination reactions in carboxylic acid derivatives, mechanism of formation of esters and role of acid catalysis. Ester hydrolysis (acid and base catalysis).
The practical component of the module will develop the skills students need in their future practical work, including presentation of reports, awareness of health and safety procedures, time management, practical skills in the laboratory and problem solving.
Practical exercises could include recrystallizations, monitoring reactions, influencing equilibria, simple synthesis and analysis of molecules, observation and explanation of laboratory outcomes.

1. An understanding of the principles of the fundamental theoretical aspects of Organic chemistry KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
SS1

2. Application of theoretical principles to a variety of problems related to the subject matter of the module ANALYSIS
APPLICATION
PROBLEM SOLVING

3. Develop skills in carrying out practical chemistry associated with Organic chemistry
SS 2

4. Become competent in producing and presenting scientific reports based on practical exercises COMMUNICATION
ANALYSIS
PROBLEM SOLVING

Students will complete 3 elements of assessment for this module:

1. EXAMINATION 1 (at the end of Semester 1), 1 hour worth 25% of the module (learning outcomes 1 and 2)

2. PRACTICAL PORTFOLIO, worth 50% of the module (learning outcomes 3 and 4)
This will include a laboratory notebook, written reports of experiments, a reflective summary of knowledge and skills development (learning outcomes 1 and 2)

3. EXAMINATION 2 (at the end of semester 2), 1 hour worth 25% of the module - FINAL
Formative assessment: Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via practical classes, reports, and tutorial sessions and specimen exam/test questions

Each week there will be a 2-hour interactive lecture / seminar during which students will be introduced to core material and develop their understanding through problem-solving exercises undertaken in class = 48 hours

There will be 16 x 3 hour practical sessions during which students will develop their practical and experimental skills through undertaking a number of laboratory-based exercises that also develop the theoretical aspects of the module = 48 hours

Each experiment is preceded by a pre-laboratory exercise that involves a combination of audio visual resources, accessible via Blackboard, that helps students prepare for the practical work, with a short formative quiz based on the content to be completed before starting the relevant practical task. It is anticipated that students will spend 2 hours on each of these activities = 32 hours

The remaining 172 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to build the practical portfolio.

Housecroft and Constable (2010), Chemistry, 4th Ed, Prentice Hall

Clayden, Greeves and Warren (2012), Organic Chemistry, 2nd Ed, OUP Oxford