CH3O1-Advanced Organic Chemistry - Synthesis of Complex Targets

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr John McKendrick
Email: j.e.mckendrick@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Chris Smith
Email: c.d.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This course aims to extend the synthetic methods introduced in the first and second years to the preparation, characterisation and manipulation of macromolecules and materials of biological and synthetic origin.

Aims:
To extend the synthetic methods introduced in previous years to the preparation, characterisation and manipulation of macromolecules and materials of biological and synthetic origin.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Students who have successfully completed this module will be able to:


• Describe the various classes of chiral molecules that are available from natural sources.


• Outline the use of these chiral precursors in the synthesis of more complex natural products.


• Choose appropriate methods for the synthesis of specific polymers.


• Outline the relationship between structure and physical characteristics of macromolecular materials.

Additional outcomes:

Lectures will provide an overview of the synthesis and utility of natural and non-natural monomer units and their assembly into complex polymers. Students will gain experience of the chemistry used in the construction of such complex materials via workshops.

Outline content:

Introduction to the Chemistry of the Chiral Pool (10 hours) - Structures, typical reactions, protection and use of carbohydrates in synthesis. A survey of basic amino acid synthesis; N- and C-terminal protection and activation; peptide coupling in solution and in the solid phase.

Polymer Chemistry (10 hours) - Radical, cationic and anionic polymerisation processes and the structural classes of the polymers that may be formed. Molecular weight determination, polymer characterisation. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Two one hour lectures per week with two workshops on related material .

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	2
Guided independent study:	78
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1.5 hours.

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:

Online tests to be completed on Blackboard based on material covered.

Submission Dates: Test to be completed as detailed on Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:

Tutorial work and oral contribution. Students will attend seminars on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory. A seminar comprises both written work and oral contribution.

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 of the written examination is held during the University administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023