CH1OR2-Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Strength in A2 level Chemistry, or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CH1FC1 Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry 1 or CH1FC3 Molecular Studies for the Life Sciences or CH1OR1 Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry or CH1ORB Organic Chemistry for Biologists or
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Andrew Russell

Email: a.t.russell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To introduce students to the basic concepts in organic chemistry in order to better appreciate related subjects such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry.

Aims:

Students should be able to:

name simple organic compounds and write molecular formulae from given names; draw diagrams of molecules indicating the hybridisation state of individual atoms, showing the disposition of molecular orbitals; draw curved arrow mechanisms for selected organic reactions; assign the stereochemistry of simple organic compounds; explain the mechanisms of substitution and elimination reactions.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:

name simple organic compounds and write molecular formulae from given names; draw diagrams of molecules indicating the hybridisation state of individual atoms, showing the disposition of molecular orbitals; draw curved arrow mechanisms for selected organic reactions; assign the stereochemistry of simple organic compounds; explain the mechanisms of substitution and elimination reactions.

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain experience at problem solving during workshops.

Outline content:

L M Harwood (8 lectures) Foundations of Organic Chemistry and Nomenclature

Atomic structure, orbitals and hybridisation state, electron accounting, drawing structures, representing electron movement, bonding in alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic molecules, nomenclature.



A T Russell (6 lectures) Organic Stereochemistry

This course will continue the discussion of molecular shape and examine the consequence of 2 and 3-dimensional shape upon is omerism to provide a background to the following course on substitution and elimination reactions.



F J Davis (6 lectures) Substitution and Elimination Reactions

This course will examine nucleophilic substitution reactions, SN1, SN2 and SNi processes, leaving groups and pKa, and neighbouring group participation. We will discuss how organic molecules can behave as both electrophile and nucleophile in substitution reactions. This course will also consider the sy nthesis of alkenes via elimination reactions (E1, E2 and E1cB) and will seek to delineate why, in a given situation, elimination or substitution reactions predominate.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Two one-hour lectures per week with approximately one workshop/seminar every two weeks. A one-hour revision class in the Summer Term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	6		1
Guided independent study:	53		20
Total hours by term	79		21
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Report	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A one-and-a-half hour examination during the Summer Term based upon lecture and workshop material. 75%

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One-hour closed book examination at the beginning of the Spring Term based on lecture and workshop material. 25%

Submission dates:

Term Test, Week 2 Spring Term

Formative assessment methods:

Students will attend workshop/seminars on the material covered in this module. During these, students will work on set problems with members of staff present to give guidance and feedback. Attendance is compulsory.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be held in August 2019 and will be by examination only, worth 100%. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Students may wish to print out the notes provided on Blackboard, this will cost 5p per sheet in B&W or 15p per sheet colour at the prices offered by the Library.

Last updated: 4 April 2020