CH1OR2-Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A 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
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Jessica Gusthart
Email: j.s.gusthart@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr John McKendrick
Email: j.e.mckendrick@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:

To further students’ understanding of basic concepts in organic chemistry in order to better appreciate related subjects such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• 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.


• Describe and explain the reactivity of alkenes and alkynes toward a selection of reagents.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop proficiency at problem solving.

Outline content:

Atomic structure, orbitals and hybridisation state, electron accounting, drawing structures, representing electron movement, bonding in alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic molecules, nomenclature, the discussion of molecular shape, isomerism. (8 lectures)

SN1 and SN2 processes, leaving groups and pKa will all be discussed alongside how organic molecules can behave as both electrophiles and nucleophiles in substitution reactions. Synthesis of alkenes via elimination reactions (E1, E2 and E1cB) will be described. Students will gain an appreciation for what conditions direct a substrate to undergo substitution or elimination. Electrophilic addition to alkenes and alkynes will be discussed, as will the regioselective addition of electrophiles to unsymmetrical alkenes.  (8 lectures)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Two one-hour lectures per week with approximately one tutorial every five weeks. Summer seminars are scheduled for revision.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	16		2
Tutorials	2
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	98	0	2
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Class test administered by School	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two-hour examination during the Summer Term based upon lecture and tutorial material.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One-hour closed book examination at the beginning of the Spring Term based upon lecture and tutorial material.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will attend tutorials on the material covered in this module. Tutorials will allow for focused discussions on topics related to the lecture material and will be based around a set of questions the students will prepare answers to before the event. Attendance is compulsory.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 the resit period and will be by examination only, worth 100%.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  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.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 15 May 2023