CH3615 Mechanism in Organic Chemistry

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof A D Smith

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr N S Keddie, Prof A D Smith

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The objective of this module is to provide the student with a thorough understanding of the mechanistic aspects of organic chemistry. A problem-solving approach is employed in order to develop the ability to elucidate information, both qualitative and quantitative, concerning reaction mechanisms from experimental data. The module will also focus on the critical role of orbitals in determining the reactivity and selectivity of organic compounds. Reaction mechanism described as a flow of electrons through a correctly aligned orbital manifold will be developed as a tool to explore key topics in synthetic chemistry, with particular emphasis on stereoelectronic effects and aspects of alicyclic chemistry.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS 1 MODULE FROM {CH2601, CH2603} AND PASS AT LEAST 1 MODULE FROM {CH2501, CH2701} ) OR PASS 2 MODULES FROM {CH2501, CH2701}

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 - 3 lectures per week over 9 - 10 weeks (within Weeks 1-11) and 2-3 tutorials in total.

Scheduled learning hours

98

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

52

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand fundamental stereo electronic effects and their origins
  • Apply this understanding to understand the reactivity, conformation and stability of a range of organic compounds and reaction processes
  • Understand fundamental physical organic chemistry concepts
  • Apply these concepts to understand changes in mechanism and to quantify reactivity of organic reactions