Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

BSc or equivalent in Chemistry or related subject

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To familiarise students with the key synthetic methods used to prepare critical functionality in drug molecules.

Outline Of Syllabus

Chemical structure of organic compounds and the resulting physical properties
The synthesis and reactivity of diverse carbonyl group functionality
Aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reactions e.g. SN1 and SN2
Elimination reactions e.g. E1 and E2
Structure and reactivity (e.g. SEAr, SNAr) of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds
Redox chemistry of selected functionality
Explanation of selectivity and reactivity based on mechanistic rationale

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• understand chemical structure and the effect on physical properties
• understand the methods available for the synthesis of carbonyl compounds
• understand the reactions of carbonyl containing compounds.
• understand SN1 and SN2 reactions and the effect of structure of selectivity and reactivity.
• understand E1 and E2 reactions and the effect of structure of selectivity and reactivity
• understand aromaticity and the factors that influence this
• understand the key reactions of aromatic systems
• understand the mechanistic rationale for selected chemical transformations

Intended Skill Outcomes

Subject specific or professional skills, able to:
interpret experimental evidence and use this to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
predict chemistry and reactivity based on key chemical concepts.

Cognitive or intellectual skills, able to:
draw curly arrow mechanisms for a wide range of reactions,
solve problems of synthesis and mechanism,
assess the overall efficiency of a given synthetic route.

Key skills, able to:
take accurate notes.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In lectures students learn concepts essential for the preparation of drug molecules, encompassing both synthetic and mechanistic principles. The online workshops allow practice of these methods.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment at the end of Semester 1 will test the students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of this module in the context of both synthetic and mechanistic chemistry. Two Interim Assessments will be set during Semester 1 to determine progress during the Module. Due to the diverse background of the students and that the material is taught as two blocks.

General Notes

N/A