This module introduces basic descriptions of elemental properties and the periodic table, solid and molecular structures and bonding, and relates these to the electronic structure of atoms. The mole as a unit is introduced so that a quantitative treatment of stoichiometry can be considered. Practical work introduces the use and handling of basic chemical equipment, and illustrates the behaviour of simple chemical substances.

Knowledge

a) describe the basic physical and chemical properties of elements, compounds, mixtures, substances;

b) define the relative molecular mass and molar mass of elements and compounds and the concept of stoichiometry in chemical reactions;

c) recognise the classification of the elements in the periodic table, and be aware of the general trends across a period and down a group;

d) identify the fundamental particles in an atom and recall how each one was discovered;

e) label the quantum numbers in an atom and reproduce the electronic configuration of atoms using the aufbau principle;

f) describe the different types of bonding between atoms and molecules;

g) identify the different structures of solid materials;

h) describe how VSEPR can be used to predict shapes of molecules.

Understanding

a) carry out basic calculations on moles and molarity, and solve problems based on concentrations of masses in solutions;

b) manipulate and balance simple chemical equations;

c) predict the chemical reactivity of the elements based on their position in the periodic table;

d) demonstrate how the aufbau principle can be used to predict reactivity;

e) distinguish between ionic and covalent compounds;

f) predict properties of compounds based on an understanding of intra- and intermolecular interactions;    

g) assess the role of hydrogen bonding for influencing the properties of simple molecules.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

8 x 1h asynchronous lecture recordings, 8 x 1h synchronous lectures, 8 X face-to-face problem sessions 1 x 4.5h laboratory work.

The student should be able to:

a) carry out simple chemical calculations, including molar concentrations, percentage yields and conversions from grams to moles (and vice versa);

b) follow written chemical instructions and report results in an appropriate style;

c) carry out simple laboratory experiments, including titrations and gravimetric analysis.

A written exam (1 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and assignments) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information.  Practical skills will be assessed via a series of laboratory-based exercises.

Lectures

Introduction to chemistry – physical/chemical properties of substances. Law of chemical change, atomic mass/relative molar mass. The concepts of the mole, molar mass and Avogadro’s number. Equations and the mole. Concentration and molarity. Titrations and standard solutions.

History and features of the Periodic Table. Groups and rows, trends in the Table. Formulae of binary compounds. Introduction to atomic structure, Dalton’s atomic theory. Electrons, atomic nucleus, nucleides and isotopes.

Introduction to the Bohr model of the atom, Quantum numbers, shapes of atomic orbitals, orbital energies. Electronic configuration of atoms – exclusion principle, Hund’s rules, aufbau principle. Periodicity of physical and chemical properties, atomic radii, ionisation energy, electronegativity. Trends in chemical properties.

Bonding in compounds - ionic and covalent. Ionic lattices, lattice energy and Born-Haber cycle. Valency. Covalent bonds as electron “sharing”, covalent bonds as overlapping atomic orbitals. Concept of dipoles in binding and van der Waals interactions. Nature of hydrogen bonds.

Covalent bonds, polarity.

Characteristic properties of covalent, metallic and ionic compounds.

Predicting Lewis structures and 3-dimentional shapes of simple molecules (VSEPR) and assessing whether molecules have permanent molecular dipole moments. Multiple bonds and hydrogen bonds.

 Practical Work & Workshops

Assembling and using glassware (a video demonstration), titrimetric exercises including use of burettes and pipettes (measurement of errors and standardisation of HCl solution), precipitation titrations including determination of relative molecular masses of unknown substances, analysis of properties-bonding relationships for a series of unknown compounds and finally prediction of molecular shapes using VSEPR (via Internet resource material).

This module provides the basis for a quantitative understanding of (i) the kinetic theory of gases (which is developed to consider the nature of liquids and solids); (ii) equilibria and the concepts of the equilibrium constant and of pH; (iii) energy changes in chemical reactions and the fundamental principles of thermodynamics; (iv) the rates of chemical reactions and the concepts of the rate determining step and the activation energy.

Knowledge:

a) explain the concept of dynamic equilibrium and define an equilibrium constant;

b) extend the concept to sparingly soluble salts and acid dissociation;

c) state Le Chatelier’s principle;

d) describe Brønsted’s theory of acids and bases and the concept of pH;

e) state the empirical laws of Gay-Lussac, Avogadro, Boyle and Charles, and their summary in the Ideal Gas Law; recognise Graham’s law;

f) be aware of intermolecular forces and how these give rise to non-ideality in gases and liquids;

g) state Dalton’s law of ideal mixtures; Raoult’s law;

h) explain enthalpy changes and use Hess’s law.

Understanding

a) calculate equilibrium constants from titration results;

b) manipulate the equation for an equilibrium constant to derive concentrations;

c) predict the effect of changes to a chemical system at equilibrium;

d) understand the principles of buffer solutions;

e) explain the concept of absolute zero and the Kelvin temperature scale;

f) discuss the assumptions in the Ideal Gas Law and describe the conditions under which it is valid, and use it to calculate gas properties;

g) calculate standard enthalpy changes and rate constants;

h) understand the factors that affect reaction rates and recognise an order of reaction.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

16 x 1h  lectures, 5 x 1h seminars, 3 x 2h workshops, and 2 x 3h practicals.

On completion of the module rhe student should:

a) be able to interpret experimental observations in terms of molecular properties of the system;

b) have an appreciation of the requirement for accuracy and precision in obtaining, recording and reporting experimental measurements;

c) have experience in using experimental data to calculate constants.

A written exam (1 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and assignments) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information.  Practical skills will be assessed via a series of laboratory-based exercises.

Lectures

Equilibria and pH:

The concept of a dynamic equilibrium, the equilibrium constant, Le Chatelier's principle. The solubility constant for sparingly soluble salts. Bronsted's theory of acids and bases, the concept of pH. The acid dissociation constant, pH titrations and buffer solutions.

The Kinetic Theory of Gases:

The gas laws of Gay-Lussac, Avogadro, Boyle, Graham and Charles. Absolute zero and the Kelvin temperature scale. The ideal gas law. Non ideality in gases and liquids. Types of intermolecular forces. Dalton’s Law of ideal mixtures.

Liquids and Solids:

Intermolecular forces, vapour pressure, surface tension, Raoult’s law, phase changes.

Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions:

The concept of enthalpy. Exothermic and endothermic reactions. Hess' law and simple Born Haber cycles.

Rates of Chemical Reactions:

The concept of rate. The law of mass action, the order of reaction, the rate equation and the rate constant. Comparing experimental data with the integrated rate equations. The rate determining step. The effect of temperature on reaction rates, the Arrhenius equation and the concept of the activation energy. Catalysis.

Practical work & Workshops

These sessions provide experience in acquiring, recording and interpreting experimental data as well as reinforcing, through application, the concepts taught in the lectures. There will be a mixture of practical work in which the aim is to make and record accurate observations and ‘dry’ experiments in which the emphasis is on calculation and interpretation.

This module introduces the main types of organic compounds by reference to simple systems and to specific compounds of industrial, biological and medical importance. The more important reactions of each of these types are described, and are explained in terms of the electronic structure of the functional groups involved. The practical work illustrates the basic techniques involved in the preparation, isolation, and purification of organic compounds.

Knowing:

• Demonstrate awareness of the structures, properties and reactions of common classes of organic compound.
• Describe how organic compounds can be separated and analysed.

Acting:

• Predict and represent chemical reactions of common functional groups in organic chemistry.
• Perform basic laboratory procedures, chemical calculations and reporting.

Being:

• Retrieve and communicate chemical information.
• Act upon written and oral instructions to achieve objectives under time pressure.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (16 x 1 h across half a semester). This will address the learning outcomes under the ‘Knowing’ heading. There will be 5 x 1 h seminars which will include problem solving in organic chemistry to consolidate knowledge and give practice related to the first “Acting” learning outcome.

Workshops (2 x 1 h, formative) will be used to illustrate how organic compounds are separated and analysed (“Knowing” and “Acting” Learning Outcomes). A further workshop (3 h) will involve information retrieval and communication.

Laboratory sessions (2 x 3 h) will give practical experience in procedures and reporting.

Chemistry specific skills will include:

• safely using corrosive and volatile chemicals;
• purification of organic compounds by crystallisation;
• following written chemical instructions and reporting results in an appropriate style;
• drawing chemical structures;
• mole and yield calculations;
• predicting reactions of common functional groups.

Transferable skills:

• Searching for chemical information and evaluating its reliability;
• Presenting and reporting in written form;
• Working under time pressure.

Summative assessment: A written exam (1 h) will test the ability to demonstrate the “Knowing” learning outcomes and to apply these to previously unseen problems (“Acting”). Laboratory practicals will assess the ability to follow instructions, perform procedures, report on findings and work under time pressure. A workshop will involve searching for, retrieving and communicating chemical information in writing.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (1 h) or submit additional written coursework during the Resit Examination Period. 

Mandatory content:

Structure and bonding in organic compounds.

Representing organic molecules.

Nomenclature of simple organic compounds.

Organic functional groups.

Stable molecules vs. reactive intermediates (carbocations and radicals).

Double bond equivalents.

Organic reactivity – nucleophiles and electrophiles.

Structures, reactions and applications of common classes of organic molecules:

Hydrocarbons – alkanes and alkenes (addition reactions).

Haloalkanes – substitution and elimination.

Alcohols – physical properties, dehydration to alkenes, reaction as a nucleophile.

Amines – bases, conversion to amides. Amino acids.

Aldehydes/ketones – colour tests (DNPH, Tollens’, Fehling’s), oxidation and reduction.

Carboxylic acids – acid/base chemistry, hydrogen bonding, structure of carboxylate anion, natural occurrence.

Acid chlorides and anhydrides – use for making esters and amides.

Esters – synthesis, hydrolysis, polymers, natural occurrence.

Amides – synthesis, structure – planarity, polymers, natural occurrence (peptides and proteins).

Aromatic compounds –delocalisation, substitution reactions with Br₂ and nitration.

Techniques and methods in organic chemistry – practical preparative procedures with basic glassware. Recording and interpreting experimental results.

Separation techniques – filtration, solvent extraction, distillation, chromatography and recrystallisation. Melting point as an indication of purity. Calculation of percentage yield.

Basic principles of organic structure determination (IR, UV and NMR spectroscopy, CHN analysis, mass spectrometry). 

The module introduces the idea of periodicity in the properties of elements and covers a general range of topics. Some basic chemistry of hydrogen and selected elements from the periodic table is discussed. Simple coordination chemistry of metal ions in solution and the ideas of oxidation and reduction in relation to oxidation state changes and electron transfer are addressed. The principles and practice of quantitative analysis are also explored.

• Define oxidation states for a wide variety of chemical species.
• Calculate and use moles and concentration terms.
• Describe trends in the periodic table and outline characteristic traits of each block of elements.
• Define oxidation number, ionisation energy, electron affinity, effective nuclear charge, covalent and ionic radii.

Outline the general chemical and physical properties of elements in each group and provide details of how these react with a variety of species.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

The topics laid out in the syllabus will be introduced through 16 x 1 hour lectures. The lectures will be supplemented by 5 x 1 hour seminars in which the application of the knowledge acquired to problem solving will be emphasised.

Students will also take part in 3 x 2 hour workshops in which they will be perform problem solving activities.

Practical laboratory skills will be developed in 1 x 4.5 hour laboratory sessions.

Students will be expected to refer to the literature to build on the knowledge acquired in this module. The skills practised include the application of knowledge to solve previously unseen problems. Maintenance of a safe working environment will be particularly underlined during the laboratory sessions.

Transferable skills include following instructions/procedures correctly, making observations and recording results. Working as a team and management of time will also be practised.

Formative assessment: Two workshops will be assessed formatively with written or oral feedback being provided. This is to provide practice in the application of acquired knowledge to solve problems.

Summative assessment:

A written exam will determine the level of knowledge, understanding of concepts and ability to apply this in the solution of problems. A workshop session will test the ability to understand, manipulate and interpret data. The practical sessions will assess the ability to carry out laboratory experiments and grasp the significance of the results.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (1h) during the Resit Examination Period.

The module introduces a range of general topics all of which are required for completion of the module. These are:

Ionic and covalent bonding.

Chemical formulae.

Oxidation states and rules for definition. Reduction and oxidation processes, half-reaction, and overall stoichiometry.

Types of chemical reaction. Application of redox reaction – electrochemistry (Galvanic cells) and corrosion.

Quantitative analysis and estimation and treatment of errors.

Acids, bases and pH.

Introduction to the periodic table and the trends in properties. Ionisation energies, electron affinities, effective nuclear charge, ionic/covalent radii.

Chemical and physical properties of Group 1 and 2 elements, their reactions with water and oxygen and the solubilities of their sulphates and carbonates.

Introduction to the properties of transition metals and d-block elements. Complex formation, ligands, coordination number, chelate effect and the origin of coloured species.

Introduction to the p-block. Elements of Groups 13 and 14. Covalency of bonds formed and the occurrence of allotropes. Group 16 and 17 and the reactivity of halogens with hydrogen. Noble gases and their non-reactivity.

Laboratory work will include studies of Group 1 and Group 2 elements and redox titrations to determine the purity of iron.

Workshops will focus on the use of titration results for chemical analysis.

This module introduces the problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, plastic contamination, feedstock availability. After introducing the challenges, this module presents the concept of green chemistry, role of chemistry in addressing the above-mentioned challenges; metrics associated green chemistry, and sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable feedstock such as waste biomass including the differences between linear economy and circular economy. This module further introduces catalytic methodologies as a greener alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. 

Knowledge

a) describe the challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, CO₂emission, waste generation;

b) identify specific issues associated with using conventional feedstock for producing chemicals and energy;

c) define the metrics such as E-factor and Atom Economy used in green chemistry;

d) appreciate the importance of catalytic processes against reactions using stoichiometric reagents;

e) identify sustainable alternative feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels;

f) appreciate the difference between linear economy and circular economy;

Understanding

a) calculate the E-factor and Atom Economy for simple chemical reactions;

b) between two reactions identify which one is greener using the above metrics

c) identify sustainable and renewable feedstock;

e) identify environmentally benign waste products and hazardous waste in a given chemical reaction; 

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

8 x 1h asynchronous lecture recordings, 8 X 1h synchronous lectures, 1 x 3h group presentation .

The student should be able to:

a) carry out simple calculations, including molecular weight, E-factor calculation and atom economy calculation;

b) classify a reaction’s greenness using the above metrics;

c) differentiate a catalytic process from a non-catalytic process involving stoichiometric reagents

A written exam will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and assignments) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information and present. 

Lectures

Introduction to Green Chemistry and concepts of Sustainability. Source of environmental contamination including greenhouse gases and solid and liquid pollutants. Carbon capture and utilisation.

Society’s demands on chemicals and energy. Current and alternative sources of energy. Energy storage, batteries and hydrogen economy. 

Biomass and circular economy. Concept of zero waste. 

Introduction to life cycle analysis and sustainability. Measure of sustainability including the concepts on E-factor and atom economy. 

Introduction to homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis and how catalytic processes are environmentally benign compared to reactions involving stoichiometric reagents.  ,.

Assignment & Workshop

In this, students will be given an opportunity to choose a real world problem, relevant to green and sustainable future, analyse the problems and come with a possible solution for this problem. The solution will be presented to their peers along with the staff members. This gives the students an opportunity in problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.  

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of forensic chemistry. It will explain some of the key concepts relating to the chemical analysis of forensic evidence, for a range of trace and contact evidence such as DNA, body fluids, drugs, fingerprints and gunshot residue. A range of modern analytical methods will be covered.

Knowing(these are things that students will need to be able to do to pass the module)

Demonstrate awareness of the types of forensic evidence and how they can be used to lead to criminal convictions.

Describe how chemical analysis can be applied to forensic problems for a range of types of evidence.

Describe the application of modern instrumental methods to the resolution of chemistry problems of a forensic nature.

Acting(performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

Appreciate the relevance of the different chemical methods to forensic problems, and understand (at an appropriate level) the molecular basis of forensic science.

Propose plausible investigation routes for the evaluation of a range of crime scene evidence covering a range of scenarios.

Being(performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

Research and assess examples of forensic evidence as obtained from specific crime scenes, and to communicate the results of a forensic investigation in a critical manner.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (16 h across one semester). This will address the ‘Knowing’ and ‘Acting’ learning outcomes, while guidance in the retrieval of information will address the ‘Being’ learning outcome.

Workshops (4 x 2 h, two formative, two summative) will be used to deliver practical skills, analytical skills and to reinforce key principles.

Chemistry-specific skills will focus on developing an appreciation of molecular structure (drugs, substances of abuse, biological molecules), and how this relates to methods for chemical analysis.

An appreciation of the social importance of forensic chemistry (and hence chemistry in general) will be developed through examination of case studies.

Analytical and numerical skills will be practised by application of quantitative analytical methods to toxicological problems.

This module develops a number of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, information retrieval and numeracy, all of which are important for enhancing employability.

Formative assessment: Two of the four workshops will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided, either orally or in written form.

Summative assessment: A written exam (1 h) will test the students’ ability to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application of the syllabus content. Two workshops will be assessed summatively, assessing aspects such as information retrieval and analysis and numerical skills.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic year will set an examination (1 h) during the Resit Examination Period.

An introduction to forensic science and how chemistry is key to the success of this field. Brief introduction to drugs – cannabis, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD and barbiturates.

Identification of the drugs of abuse: schemes for identification of trace and bulk samples. Sampling techniques, presumptive tests, thin layer chromatography and instrumental techniques (GC, IR, GC-MS, GC-IR). Drug quantification.

Introduction to toxicology. Factors affecting toxic dose – carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, age and size, state of health, history of exposure, paradoxical reactions. Chemistry of poisoning; mode of action of poisons, ingestion, metabolism and excretion. Schemes for identification.

Contact and trace evidence. Amounts of material transferred and persistence of material. Recovery of trace materials. Characterisation and comparison of glass, fibres, paint and hair.

Analysis of body fluids. Description of blood and its components. Composition and analyses/tests. Semen; saliva.

Modern analytical instrumentation. GC/HPLC, MS, GC-MS, FTIR. Description of each technique and the merits and disadvantages of each.

This module introduces the fundamental, theoretical and practical concepts of forensic chemistry. It will explain some of the key concepts relating to the classification of drugs, toxicological investigations, trace and contact evidence, body fluid analyses, and the use of modern analytical instruments in forensic chemistry.

Knowing (these are things that students will need to be able to do to pass the module)

Demonstrate awareness of the types of forensic evidence and how they can be used to lead to criminal convictions.

Describe how to apply fundamental chemical principles to forensic problems for a range of types of evidence.

Describe the application of modern instrumental methods to the resolution of chemistry problems of a forensic nature.

Acting (performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

Appreciate the relationship between structure and function for a range of molecules found in crime scene evidence.

Propose plausible investigation routes for the evaluation of a range of crime scene evidence covering a range of scenarios.

Being (performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

Research and assess examples of forensic evidence as obtained from specific crime scenes, and to communicate the results of a forensic investigation in a critical manner.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (16 h across one semester). This will address the ‘Knowing’ and ‘Acting’ learning outcomes, while guidance in the retrieval of information will address the ‘Being’ learning outcome.

Workshops (4 x 2 h, two formative, two summative) will be used to deliver practical skills, analytical skills and to reinforce key principles.

Chemistry-specific skills will focus on developing an understanding of molecular structure (drugs, substances of abuse, biological molecules), and how this relates to methods for chemical analysis.

An appreciation of the social importance of forensic chemistry (and hence chemistry in general) will be developed through examination of case studies.

Analytical and numerical skills will be practised by application of quantitative analytical methods to toxicological problems.

This module develops a number of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, information retrieval and numeracy, all of which are important for enhancing employability.

Formative assessment: Two of the four workshops will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided, either orally or in written form.

Summative assessment: A written exam (1 h) will test the students’ ability to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application of the syllabus content. Two workshops will be assessed summatively, assessing aspects such as practical forensic chemistry, information retrieval and analysis.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic year will set an examination (1 h) during the Resit Examination Period.

An introduction to forensic science and how chemistry is key to the success of this field. Brief introduction to drugs – cannabis, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD and barbiturates.

Identification of the drugs of abuse: schemes for identification of trace and bulk samples. Sampling techniques, presumptive tests, thin layer chromatography and instrumental techniques (GC, IR, GC-MS, GC-IR). Drug quantification.

Introduction to toxicology. Factors affecting toxic dose – carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, age and size, state of health, history of exposure, paradoxical reactions. Chemistry of poisoning; mode of action of poisons, ingestion, metabolism and excretion. Schemes for identification.

Contact and trace evidence. Amounts of material transferred and persistence of material. Recovery of trace materials. Characterisation and comparison of glass, fibres, paint and hair.

Analysis of body fluids. Description of blood and its components. Composition and analyses/tests. Semen; saliva.

Modern analytical instrumentation. GC/HPLC, MS, GC-MS, FTIR. Description of each technique and the merits and disadvantages of each.

This module will look at the origins of the elements from the Big Bang onwards including nuclear synthesis within stars and supernovae. The formation of the first elements and the beginning of chemistry will be followed by an examination of the abundances of the various elements in both stars and planets, including a look at the atmospheric compositions of planets with emphasis on the Earth and our solar system.  We will then take a look at how life may have evolved from the pre-biotic soup on ancient Earth (or elsewhere) and examine just what life *is* and how it may have come about with a discussion on current theories on how life may have first evolved and how early life forms may have manifested.

Knowing(these are things that students will need to be able to do to pass the module)

·      The origins of the elements in the universe and the processes that formed them.

·      The nucleosynthesis processes that occur in stars to create the elements.

·      The Goldilocks principle – why is Earth so ideal for its chemistry to sustain long-term development of life.

·      The plausible prebiotic pathways for the formation of carbohydrates, amino acids, membranes, nucleobases 

·      Key driving forces in prebiotic chemical synthesis

·      The essence of the “RNA world” hypothesis (and its alternatives)

Acting (performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

·      Explain the relative abundances of the elements in the universe, the solar system and in planets, including their distributions in earth’s core, crust and atmosphere.

·      Explain the chemical evolution of planetary atmospheres.

·      Compare and contrast the biological and prebiotic pathways for the formation of life-essential chemicals

·      Explain the chemical principles that govern all fundamental biochemical reactions. 

Being (performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

·      Research and assess experimental techniques and findings that driven the generation of the theories for elemental origins, distribution and chemical evolution on Earth’s surface, including prebiotic chemistry.

·      Appreciate the relationship between experiment design and theories/hypothesis

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

16 × 1h Lectures plus 5 x 2hr workshops

On completion of this module, a student will be able to:

1. State the fundamental make of atoms and understand how atomic nuclei are formed;
2. Understand the stability of nuclei, when and how they were formed and relate this to their natural abundances;
3. Understand an overview Earth’s planetary atmosphere and how this has evolved since its formation;
4. Understand what constitutes a lifeform and give an overview of modern theories on how life evolved from the fundamental chemicals present on the ancient earth.

A written exam (1 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and assignments) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information. 

• Overview of the relative abundances of the elements.
• The Big Bang and formation of ¹H, ²H, He, Li.
• Stellar nucleosynthesis – from He to Fe.
• Supernovae and creation of the heavier elements.
• The beginning of chemistry, formation of atoms, molecules and ionic compounds.
• Elemental abundances on planets.
• Overview of the Earth’s chemical make-up – core, mantle, crust and atmosphere.
• The Goldilocks principle – the effects of the moon, the magnetic field, CO₂and water on the Earth’s environmental stability – is Earth ‘just right’?
• The prebiotic atmosphere of the ancient earth.
• What constitutes a life form? The fundamental parts of a living cell.
• Membranes, nucleic acids and proteins – polymers of simpler units.
• Biochemical reactions are just a subset of ordinary chemical reactions.
• Simple metabolism – extracting energy from the Sun and from fuel molecules – simple biosynthesis and coupling of the two.
• Storage and replication of genetic information.
• Theories on the origin of early biomolecules – getting the chemistry of life underway – The Miller-Urey experiments.
• The DNA-protein paradox – was early life an ‘RNA-world’?
• Possible origins of biotic redox chemistry, the oxygen catastrophe and the transformation to modern life.

In this module, we discuss the fundamental chemistry of the natural environment. You will encounter three sections focussed on the chemistries of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere. Here, you will engage with the chemical reactions and equilibria of the constituents along the atmosphere strata, as well as with the physical and chemical properties of planet Earth’s natural waters and soils. The knowledge delivered in this module will give you a chance to understand and appreciate to a much greater extent many of the natural phenomena and Earth dynamics that we ordinarily take for granted but that are at the core of our weather, seasonal changes, and indeed responsible for sustaining life on Earth. You will also examine how the finely tuned chemistry and physics can be unbalanced by anthropogenic (from the Greek ànthrōpos, human + genesis, origin, i.e., human-made) activities, as we will devote particular attention to the causes and effects of pollution in the environment, such as smog, acid rain, global warming, ozone depletion, water pollution, and the methods used for pollution control. In covering all these aspects, we will introduce important fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry that you will further develop in Year 2 and above. 

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• List the different strata, or layers, of the atmosphere and describe their main physical properties. 

• Describe the light-induced radical chemistry occurring in the atmosphere and list a few examples of radical reactions. 

• Describe the structures of soil and rock components such as silicates and aluminosilicates and the physical-chemical properties of soil, including weathering and erosion of rocks, distribution/uptake of inorganic salts, and related indicators. 

• Recall and describe the threats to healthy soil. 

• Present the main physical-chemical properties of water and relate them to the occurrence and characteristics of hydrogen bonding. 

• Discuss knowledge of solution chemistry in light of pH, solvation/coordination, and redox to describe the differences in the chemical composition of sea vs fresh water and the fundamentals of water pollution. 

The module will be delivered as a blend of face-to-face lectures and digital learning which will also be used to enhance the classroom learning experience, provide in-depth analysis of some of the Learning Outcomes, and provide support and feedback. 

The module comprises 10 weeks of 2 1-hour lectures (2 hours of face-to-face lecturing per week), three 2-hour workshops, and 1 online test.  

The final workshop will consist of group presentations on subjects chosen by you and your peers relevant to the chemistry of the natural environment; the climate emergency; sustainability; or any relevant aspects of the module that you feel passionate about and would like to go into further details. This formative exercise will be peer assessed. 

Whilst studying this Module, you will practise and develop the following skills. 

Academic skills that will be assessed formally and included as Learning Outcomes: 

• Describe the principles of atmospheric photophysics and photochemistry, including atmospheric radical chemistry. 

• Describe the fundamentals of hydrogen bonding. 

• Present elements of inorganic chemistry associated with ionic species in solution, including fundamentals of coordination and redox chemistry. 

• Presents the main causes of air, soil and water pollution and propose remediation technologies. 

Soft and transferrable skills that are fundamental for your future employability and professional development, whether you remain in a Chemistry-related field or not: 

• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding. 

• Consider your personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities. 

• Be mindful of the Climate Emergency and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

• Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback proposed by your lecturers or peers. 

• Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, and exercise critical judgement in evaluating sources of information. 

Collaborative skills that will be practised during the group presentations and that are aimed at enhancing your team working capabilities and employability: 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team, having an impact from the outset. 

• Demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to motivate yourself and positively influence your peers in meeting agreed responsibilities. 

• Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of your own skills/experience. 

• Develop presentations and web-based resources for communicating scientific concepts and ideas. 

Further transferrable skills that you will be practised during the online test as well as the final exam: 

• Identify and articulate your knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts. 

• Discern spurious information from the correct one. 

• Analyse critically data and numeric information. 

• Use web-based assessment resources. 

The module will be assessed via an online test, accounting for 20% of the final mark, plus a written one-hour exam, accounting for 80% of the final mark. 

The online test is formulated to assess your ability to discern spurious information from corrected one and provide you with an opportunity to test, prior to the final examination, your data analysis skills and some of the fundamental Learning Outcomes for this module. These include stratification and physical-chemical properties of the atmosphere; solution chemistry, including quick and easy calculations of solution pH; and soil properties. There are 30 questions in this assignment, 10 from each section of the module (i.e., atmosphere, hydrosphere and chemistry of the soil), with each question worth one point. 

You can use your lecture notes and any textbooks. You have 2 hours to complete this assignment, and you have only one attempt. You need to answer all the questions presented. 

The final exam is intended to evaluate your academic skills, knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the Learning Outcomes more generally and in full. In addition, the exam will also assess your transferrable skills related to the critical analysis of data and your ability to articulate, confidently, your knowledge and understanding in a written form. There 4 questions in the exam, one from each section of the module (i.e., atmosphere, hydrosphere and chemistry of the soil), plus a mixed one combining two out of the three sections of the module. Each question accounts for a maximum of 20 points. You need to answer 3 out of 4 questions during the exam. 

The transferrable and soft skills that are not assessed by the online test and/or final exam will be practised during the group presentations, which are not summative, and constitute a formative, although particularly important, piece of work. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme. If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

The reassessment is in the exact same format as the original assessment, and it continues to meet the module level learning outcomes. 

Type of assessment      %  Contribution    Title                                                                               Duration   Approx. date of Assess.

Online Test                        20                          CH2117 Environmental Chemistry Online Test    2 hours 

Final Written Exam           80                          CH2117 Environmental Chemistry Exam             1 hour 

A descriptive outline and summary of the topics that will be covered during the module are as follow.  

Atmospheric chemistry 

Structure and composition of the atmosphere; photochemical processes; photochemistry of the stratosphere and the ozone layer; chemistry and metereology of the Antarctic ozone hole; chemistry and photochemistry of the troposphere and inorganic pollutants; photochemical smog; acid rain; global warming. 

Chemistry of sea water, fresh water, and properties of the hydrosphere 

Hypotheses on the origin of water on Earth; Global water cycle; chemical composition of sea water; conservative and non-conservative properties; salinity. Physical and chemical properties of water; solvation and coordination; pH and buffers; redox properties; effect of dissolved carbonate and carbon dioxide and pH-dependent speciation; redox and pH dependent speciation of chemicals and Pourbaix diagrams; chemical pollution of natural waters; eutrophication; water purification. 

The lithosphere 

Structures of minerals; silicates and aluminosilicates; weathering/erosion chemistry of rocks and minerals; physical and chemical properties of soils; humic substances; cation exchange capacity; reactions with acids and bases; salt-affected (salinated) soils; soil erosion and contamination; threats to healthy soils. 

The above represent the mandatory content of the module and it is completely covered during the in-person lectures delivered by the module lecturers. In addition, we will provide you with the opportunity to choose areas and topics related to environmental chemistry, sustainability, pollution, to develop yourself and present during the group presentations. 

The aim of this module is to present the essential physical background needed to explain key concepts in physical chemistry. This includes the essential mathematical treatments and machinery required to understand the key concepts in this field. The module aims to provide the student with an understanding of how properties and events at the atomic level lead to changes and processes at the macroscopic level. 

By the end of this module you will be able to:

1.  Explain the concepts of molecularity and order of a reaction, the effect of concentration and temperature on reactions, and relate these to reaction mechanisms and energy barriers.

2.  Explain the ways that electromagnetic radiation may interact with molecules to yield spectroscopic transitions, and the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in which these may be observed. 

3.  Understand the properties of gases based on ideal and non-ideal behaviour and the kinetic behaviour of constituent molecules. 

4.  Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts in chemical thermodynamics, including enthalpy, entropy, free energy and equilibrium constants and their inter-relations. 

5.  Understand the properties of ionic solutions in ideal and non-ideal cases, and those of electrochemical cells. 

6.  Explain the interaction of X-rays with crystalline solids, interpret the resulting diffraction patterns, and describe the band structure of major classes of material. 

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback. 

40 x 1 h lectures, 4 x 1 h tutorials and 4 x 1 h workshops. Lectures will deliver the core course content, addressing all learning outcomes. Formative workshops and tutorials will selectively address learning outcomes, with emphasis on problem solving and forging links between topics.

ntellectual skills:

• Ability to link formal theory with the observed behaviour of molecules, solids and radiation. 

  Chemistry-specific skills:

• Interpretation of experimental observations in terms of the molecular properties of the system; 

• Use of measurements of quantities such as heat, composition and pressure to determine thermodynamic parameters, and to construct simple phase diagrams; 

• Use of integrated rate equations, initial rates and half-lives to determine reaction order, activation energy and pre-exponential factor from experimental data; 

• Interpretation of electronic, vibrational and rotational spectra; 

• Obtaining information on molecular properties such as bond length and bond strength from spectroscopic measurements; 

  Transferable skills:

• Use of qualitative arguments to develop a theoretical model of a process; 

• Use of quantitative measurements to verify or disprove theoretical models. 

Small-group tutorials will provide formative feedback, allowing students the chance to assess their competence. Formative workshops will be used to enhance this process. A January class test will provide 20% of the credit, and will allow students the chance to assess their progress and calibrate their performance.  A final exam at the end provides the bulk (80%) of the summative assessment. 

Tutorials and formative workshops will train students in problem solving associated with the syllabus, and incorporate material being taught at the time.

The January class test will address learning outcomes 1–3, with the end of module exam addressing all the learning outcomes. 

Both elements of summative assessment – the examination and the class test – consist of a variety of questions which test a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of concepts, and their ability to deploy those concepts on unseen problems.  The portfolio of question parts is constructed so that some parts can be answered with a basic level of knowledge and understanding, and other parts support the demonstration of deeper understanding and capability.  The overall balance of these aspects is designed such that candidates can demonstrate satisfaction of the learning outcomes at a basic level and receive the pass mark. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Type of assessment     %      Contribution     Title                                                                    Duration  (if applicable)        Approx. date of Assessment 

Class Test                       20                                 Class Test                                                        1 hour                                        January 

Exam                                80                                 Foundations of Physical Chemistry            2 hours                                     May Exam Period 

Reassessment: 

Exam                                100                               Foundations of Physical Chemistry            2 hours                                     August Exam Period 

• Spectroscopy: nature of light (wavelength, frequency and wavenumber). Atomic spectroscopy: electronic spectrum of H atom, Bohr theory, atoms with many electrons. Molecular spectra: vibrational spectroscopy, harmonic oscillators and anharmonicity effects, classification of molecules in rotational spectra (symmetric tops, spherical tops, asymmetric tops), Raman effect. Electronic transitions: photo-electron spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, Beer-Lambert law. Electron paramagnetic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies.  

• Chemical Kinetics: experimental aspects, rate of reactions, rate laws and rate constants, determining the rate law of a reaction, integrated rate laws, half-life of a reaction, method of initial rates, temperature dependence of reaction rates  

• Properties of Gases: ideal gas, mixtures of ideal gases, real gases, equations of state, intermolecular forces, liquefaction of gases, properties of gases at the molecular level, kinetic theory of gases, distribution of molecular speeds, diffusion, effusion. 

• Thermodynamics: open/closed/isolated systems; state functions; sample and molar quantities. Energy: internal energy, work, heat and the first law; ideal gas; heat capacity; constant-pressure conditions and enthalpy; standard states. Entropy: spontaneity, disorder and the second law; third law; variation of entropy with temperature; entropy of environment and Gibbs free energy; chemical potential; equilibrium. Mixtures: variation of free energy, chemical potential and equilibrium constants with composition. 

• Electrochemistry: Gibbs free energy and electrical work for reversible cells; Gibbs-Helmholtz equation; solutions and solubility products; activity, ionic strength, Debye-Hückel limiting law; Redox potentials, electrochemical potentials, Nernst Equation. 

• Solid state physical chemistry: X-ray diffraction, Bragg's Law, Miller indices and lattice planes, powder X-ray diffraction, band structure of insulators, conductors and semi-conductors. 

This module starts with a description of atomic structure from a quantum mechanical point of view and introduces electron energy levels (atomic orbitals) from that viewpoint. This leads to through to the background to the periodic table, its structure, and its use. Trends in elemental properties are reviewed. 

Simple models of bonding in small molecules are developed and then expanded to include metal complexes. Crystal field theory is introduced, and the discussion broadened to include ligand field theory, leading to a basic understanding of the splitting of the energies of d-orbitals. 

The common crystal forms, including close packing descriptions of metallic and ionic solid-state structures are introduced. Lattice energies of ionic solids and Born-Haber cycles, radius ratio rule, Madelung constants and the Kapustinskii equation are covered, as is the relationship between lattice enthalpy and solubility and stability of ionic solids.  

1. Understand the nature of atomic structure, work out electronic configurations and understand the origins of trends within the periodic table; 2.

2. Derive MO diagrams for homonuclear diatomics (s- and p-block)and use them to predict basic properties 

3. Define electronegativity 

4. Understand the fundamentals of ligand-metal interactions and hence the thermodynamic stability of complexes; 5.

5. Outline the use of crystal field theory 

6. Understand how close-packing of spheres leads to hexagonal and cubic close packing; 

7. Visualise 3-dimensional aspects of shape and structure and establish the geometries of metals and ions in solids;

8.  Understand the nature of lattice enthalpies, and the use of Born-Haber cycles in the calculation of lattice, solvation and formation enthalpies.

40 x 1 h lectures, 6 x 1 h tutorials and 4 x 1 h workshops. 

 Lectures will deliver the core course content, addressing all learning outcomes. Formative workshops and tutorials will selectively address learning outcomes, with an emphasis on problem solving and learning outcomes 2,4,6–8. 

Academic Skills:

• Apply theoretical frameworks to observed properties. 

• Extrapolate from the fundamental principles and examples given in lectures to related but unseen examples. 

 Chemistry-Specific Skills:

• Construct MO diagrams for both simple diatomic molecules as well as metal complexes. 

• Derive the properties of complexes and molecules from an understanding of electronic structure. 

• Use simple models of atomic level packing to predict solid-state properties. 

 Transferrable Skills:

• Use qualitative arguments and quantitative measurements to discuss a theoretical model or framework. 

Tutorials throughout the module (3 in each semester) will provide formative feedback, allowing students the chance to assess their competence. Formative workshops will be used to enhance this process. 

A January class test will provide 20% of the credit, and allow students the chance to assess their progress and calibrate their performance. A final exam at the end of the module provides the bulk (80%) of the summative assessment. 

 Tutorials and formative workshops will train students in problem solving associated with the syllabus, and incorporate material being taught at the time. 

 The January class test will address learning outcomes 1-4, with the end of module exam addressing all the learning outcomes. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

The reassessment takes the form of a single synoptic exam paper which covers all the learning outcomes of the module. 

Type of assess                     %    Contribution     Title                                                          Duration    Approx. date of Assess.

Class Test                             20                              Jan Class Test                                       1 hr             Jan 

Exam - Spring Semester    80                              Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry  2 hr             May 

All aspects are compulsory 

Atomic and molecular structure 

Electronic structure of the atom (qualitative treatment of wavefunctions, hydrogenic atomic orbitals, quantum numbers, many electron atoms, Aufbau principle, Hund’s rules, the Pauli principle, energies of orbitals in many-electron atoms – described in terms of effective nuclear charge, penetration and shielding). 

Chemical bonding: covalent vs. ionic vs. metallic bonding vs. H-bonding; Lewis structures, resonance, valence bond theory and its limitations.  Hypervalency. 

MO theory: bonding and antibonding orbitals, energy level diagrams of H2 and 1st row diatomics (homo- and heteronuclear). 

 Introductory periodicity and main group chemistry 

The periodic table (link to atomic structure) 

Ionisation energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, atomic and ionic radii 

Periodic trends in chemical and physical properties of the elements 

Bond energies and non-metal chemistry 

Lewis acids and Lewis bases (link to coordination chemistry) 

Prediction of molecular structure by VSEPR 

Chemistry of the s-block elements (Groups 1 & 2): systematic survey; trends based on increasing size and mass; liquid ammonia, crowns and cryptands (link to coordination chemistry) 

Introduction to the transition elements and coordination chemistry 

 Transition element chemistry 

Electronic configurations of neutral atoms; dn configurations of cations (and atoms in molecules) 

Variation of thermodynamically most stable oxidation state with conditions (cf. main group metals) 

Solution equilibria and electrode potentials; ΔG = −nFE; use of electrode potentials to estimate relative stability of oxidation states (Latimer diagrams), outcome of redox reactions; disproportionation 

Trends in oxidation state stability across the series and down the groups 

Redox equations 

 Coordination chemistry 

The coordinate bond 

Nomenclature 

Coordination numbers and geometries; isomerism 

Classification of ligands: anionic, bidentate, chelates; s- and p-bonding 

Stability constants: chelate and macrocyclic effect; Irving-Williams series 

HSAB classification 

Crystal Field Theory 

Crystal field splitting for an octahedral complex, Δo the crystal field splitting parameter 

Crystal field splitting for a tetrahedral ML4 complex, Δt 

High/low-spin e-configurations, spin-only magnetic moment 

Spectroscopic consequences of d-orbital splitting: empirical treatment of factors affecting Δ; spectrochemical series 

Thermodynamic consequences of d-orbital splitting: contribution of crystal field stabilisation energy to lattice energy, hydration energy, stability constants, etc. 

Structural consequences of d-orbital splitting: ionic radii 

Ligand field theory, MO description of simple complexes, pi acceptor and donor ligands, trans influence and effect 

 Structure of Simple Solids 

Close packing descriptions of metallic and ionic solid-state structures. 

Radius ratio rule. 

The ionic model: lattice energies and the Born-Landé and Kapustinskii equations; use in calculations of other thermodynamic parameters, e.g. electron affinity; thermal stability of carbonates & nitrates 

The solubility of ionic salts and the hydration energies of ions 

Lattice energies and Born-Haber cycles 

Madelung energy and Kapustinskii equation 

Crystal Structure prediction based on electrostatic models 

Relationship between lattice energy and solubility 

This module provides learners with the foundation of knowledge required to be able to understand the chemical behaviour of organic molecules and their relevance to biological systems. It deals with the structure, shape, and reactivity of organic compounds towards different classes of reagent. General principles are used to identify systematic patterns of reactivity and the influence of structure on the properties of compounds.

1. Demonstrate awareness of the methods and conventions used to describe the shapes and bonding in organic molecules. 2.

2. Describe reaction mechanisms in terms of the overall change (substitution, elimination, addition), electron-availability and curly arrow convention.  

3. Describe the general characteristics and reactivity of a range of saturated and unsaturated organic compounds. 

4. Relate structure and stereochemistry to reactivity for a broad range of organic chemical reactions. 

5. Predict the outcome and mechanistic course of a reaction by analysis of substrate structure and reaction conditions. 

6. Plan the synthesis of simple structures based on the reactions covered in the syllabus content. 

Face to face lectures, workshop sessions and tutorials will be used for learning support and feedback. 32 x 1 h lectures, 4 x 1 h formative workshops, 4 x 1 h formative tutorials. Lectures will deliver the core course content, addressing all learning outcomes. Formative workshops and tutorials will selectively address learning outcomes, with an emphasis on problem solving and learning outcomes 4–6. 

Academic Skills: 

• extrapolate from the fundamental principles and examples given in lectures to related but unseen examples. 

Chemistry-Specific Skills: 

• understand and use the conventions for representation of molecular structures.  

• name structures, including the use of stereochemical descriptors. 

• apply the fundamentals of organic chemistry to a range of situations, including some extension to previously unseen cases. 

• draw mechanisms for organic reactions covered within the syllabus. 

• plan an organic synthesis, to choose appropriate strategies, reagents and reaction conditions for the chemistry covered at this level. 

• link theory and experimental practice in synthetic procedures.  

Employability Skills:  

• apply logical reasoning to an unseen problem. 

Tutorials throughout the module (2 in each semester) will provide formative feedback, allowing students the chance to assess their competence. Formative workshops will be used to enhance this process. Tutorials and formative workshops will train students in problem solving associated with the syllabus, and incorporate material being taught at the time.  

A January class test will provide 20% of the credit and will allow students the chance to assess their progress and calibrate their performance. A final exam at the end of the module provides the bulk (80%) of the summative assessment. The January class test will address learning outcomes 1-3, with the end of module exam addressing all the learning outcomes. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme. If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

If a student fails this module, they will have the opportunity to sit a synoptic examination during the resit period, counting for 100% of the module. 

Type of assessment             %    Contribution     Title                                                          Duration     Approx. date of Assess

Class Test                               20                               Foundations of Organic Chemistry   1 h               January

Exam – Spring Semester     80                               Foundations of Organic Chemistry   2 h               May/June 

Organic structure, bonding and reactivity (Autumn semester):

Fundamentals: Structural notations – different representations of organic molecules. Nomenclature of organic compounds. Functional groups, including Nature’s building blocks. Isomers. Electronegativity and bond polarisation. Double-bond equivalents. Bonding in organic compounds – bond lengths, angles and strengths. Hybridization and molecular orbital theories of bonding. Oxidation levels in organic chemistry.  

Shape and Stereochemistry: Conformations of alkanes. Newman projections. Conformation of cyclohexanes, cyclopentanes, including some fused systems. Structure and isomerism of alkenes. Classification of isomers (constitutional, configurational, enantiomers, diastereoisomers). Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules (R/S stereochemical descriptors). Stereochemical representations of organic compounds (flying wedge and Newman projections). Strategies for separation of enantiomers.  

Bonding and Reactive Intermediates: Conjugation and resonance. Delocalisation of π-electrons – resonance and representation of resonance. Definition of aromaticity. Molecular orbitals for ethene, butadiene. Hyperconjugation. Shape, structure and stability of carbocations, carbanions and free-radicals. Acids and Bases: pH, pKa (making connection with carbanions).  

NMR Spectroscopy: Introduction to chemical shift, integration and coupling patterns in the context of NMR spectroscopy.  

Describing Organic Reactions: Homolytic vs heterolytic bond breaking; bond dissociation energy; enthalpy and DH; entropy and DS; Gibbs free energy and DH; equilibria; thermodynamics vs kinetics; rate laws; activation energy (Ea), the Arrhenius equation; free energy diagrams; intermediates and transition states; the Hammond postulate; nucleophiles and electrophiles; use of curly arrow to represent electron movement; curly arrows for nucleophilic attack / substitution, loss of a leaving group / elimination, proton transfers and carbocation rearrangements.  

Substitution reactions: SN1 and SN2: rate laws; free energy diagrams; curly arrow pushing mechanism; molecular orbital analysis; intermediates and transition states; regioselectivity; stereoselectivity; factors that determine mechanism (substrate, nucleophile, solvent and leaving group). Synthetic analysis and strategy – how to predict which type of substitution mechanism will dominate under a given set of conditions.  

Elimination reactions: E1, E1cB and E2; rate laws; free energy diagrams; curly arrow pushing mechanisms; molecular orbital analysis; intermediates and transition states; regioselectivity; stereoselectivity; factors that determine mechanism (substrate, nucleophile, solvent and leaving group); Synthetic analysis and strategy – how to predict which type of elimination mechanism will dominate under a given set of conditions.  

Introduction to functional group chemistry (Spring semester):

Alkene Chemistry 1: Addition of HX to alkenes. Bromination of alkenes, including stereochemical and regiochemical consequences. Simple hydration of alkenes. Examples including cyclohexenes. Epoxidation of alkenes. Consequences of conjugation, including UV-vis spectroscopy.  

Alkyne chemistry 1: Addition to alkynes – halogenation, reduction, simple hydration. Formation and reaction of acetylide anions.  

Aromatic Chemistry 1: Molecular orbitals of benzene. Electrophilic substitution (nitration, bromination, sulfonation, Friedel-Crafts), following from alkene addition, highlighting the mechanistic similarities. Regiochemical outcome of reactions, relating to the common theme of carbocation stability and resonance.  

Carbonyl chemistry 1: Types of carbonyl group, oxidation level and structure, bonding and infrared spectroscopy. Oxidative synthesis of aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids. Addition reactions to aldehydes and ketones, including Bürgi-Dunitz trajectory, molecular orbital analysis and formation of stereocentres (racemates). Formation and addition of Grignard and organolithium reagents. Formation of acetals, ketals, imines and enamines. Hemi-acetals and relationship to sugars. Formation and hydrolysis of carboxylic esters and of amides. Enzymatic hydrolysis of esters and amides. Hydride reduction of aldehydes, ketones, esters and amides. NADH as Nature’s hydride, highlighting aromaticity as driving force, and relevance to typical biological reaction conditions. The reduction of aldehydes and ketones to alkanes: Wolff-Kishner reaction.  

Carbonyl chemistry 2: Enols, enolates and pKa. Typical reactivity and molecular orbital analysis. Aldol and Claisen condensations. Redox disproportionation of non-enolizable aldehydes. 

This Module aims to excite and enthuse students in the field of Chemistry, while gently introducing them to university life. It will form the first two weeks of the first year and serves as a transition from school style teaching and acts as a prelude to the more formal teaching that follows. 

This Module provides an introduction to some of the fundamental skills, learning resources and techniques students need for their future study. Laboratory work will be introduced, and safety aspects and skills will be developed. With a heavy emphasis on teamwork the Module will foster a sense of community and belonging, enhancing student engagement and commitment. 

1. Navigate the Cardiff Campus, and locate all key teaching and social spaces. 2.

2. Use Learning Central and SIMS to access key information. 

3. Use the library and online resources to access subject specific information 

4. Understand the legal aspects of safety in the laboratory environment 5.

5. Make a basic safety assessment of laboratory work/ chemical hazards 

6. Assemble and use laboratory glassware correctly 

7. Operate IR and UV/vis spectrometers and record simple spectra  8.

8. Present scientific data in an appropriate form, with uncertainties and errors recorded correctly 

9. Develop Maths skills: basic algebra; density/yields/moles/purity calcs; Sig figs, Units (micro, nano etc) and converting between 

10. Understand how to make accurate notes and to begin to think about structuring essays/reports and how to reference within the essay/report 11.

11. Present information as part of a group to a large audience. 

A blend of large-group learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback. 

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, group exercises, individual assignments and whole class presentations. 

Intellectual Skills:

• Locate physical and on-line resources for study at Cardiff University. 

 Chemistry-Specific Skills:

• Retrieve, record and structure chemical information from different sources (lectures, on-line, library). 

• Safely perform basic laboratory operations in chemistry. 

 Transferrable Skills:

• Group work, notemaking, notetaking, presentation, networking skills. 

Formative assessment for the module will be provided via recapping feedback sessions from the module leader and personal tutors.  Peer feedback discussions will enhance the students’ self-awareness. Summative assessment will be provided through two multiple choice computer-based assessments (learning outcomes 4–5 and 9), a lab report (learning outcomes 8–9) and a final group presentation (learning outcome 11) covering all aspects of what the students think they have learnt. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

Reassessment will be in form similar to the original assessment 

Type of assess:    %  Contribution   Title                                                                        Duration      Approx. date of Assess.

MCQ                        33                          Safety in the University Laboratory                    N/A               Wk 1 

MCQ                        33                          Algebra, numbers, errors and uncertainties   N/A               Wk 2 

Report                     34                          Laboratory report                                                  N/A               Wk 3 

Introduction to Cardiff 

            Student support 

            Students’ Union 

            ITS 

            Sports 

            Halls 

            Library 

            Food/drink 

            Careers service 

            Societies (ChemSoc) 

  Personal and professional development 

            Journey through the degree. Differences BSc/MChem (mark requirements), Placements 

            Personal tutor (who will explain Ex Circs) 

            Communicating with staff and students (email too) 

            Being part of an International Scientific Community (breadth of learning)  

  Practical Chemistry 

            Safety – PPE, correct clothing, COSHH 

            Simple glassware assembly (reflux, distillation, filtration) 

            Choosing glassware of appropriate scale. 

            Weighing, measuring volumes (making up a standard solution) 

            Critical reading of script (not blind following) 

            Reproducibility of measurements (leading to errors) 

            Run IR, UV/vis, spectra 

  Maths 

            Basic algebra 

            Density/yields/moles/purity calculations.   Significant figures 

            Units (micro, nano etc) and converting between 

  Study Skills 

            What a lab/lecture/tutorial/workshop is (and expectations of time commitment) 

            notetaking/notemaking (and the difference between the two) 

            lab notes and reports 

            LC/Sims/turnitin/submission of work 

            Panopto 

            Time management 

            IT resources (Office, Chemdraw) 

            Exams/past papers/adjustments 

            Use of the Library to retrieve information (books only at this stage 

  Assessment/Standards/Feedback 

            Expectations of staff 

            Module evaluation 

            Staff/Student Panel 

Laboratory chemistry is central to a thorough appreciation for the subject as a whole. This module delivers practical and interpretation skills spanning the whole range of chemistry. Experiments covering the areas of organic, biological, inorganic, physical, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy will be carried out. The experimental outputs (samples, datasets, spectra) will be interpreted and analysed. Experimental results will be linked with the appropriate theory and mechanism to deliver a coherent and holistic view of the subject.

Various pre-lab activities, including some teaching of spectroscopy and chromatography, will support the in-lab and related activities.

There will be an emphasis on safety and correct working practice.

Understand the function of, and safely use, a broad range of laboratory equipment and chemicals.

Access and understand risk assessment documents, and handle chemicals and equipment following the safe handling instructions.

Undertake a range of synthetic chemistry transformations and physical chemistry investigations that are directly relevant to the material covered in taught modules at this level.

Recognise the fundamental link between experiment and theory in the development of chemistry.

Interpret experimental data and hence determine the outcome of a particular experiment.

Present the results of experimental work in a structured and rigorous manner, showing a clear appreciation of the context of the work.

Prior to each laboratory session, students will be required to engage with online resources to fully prepare them to undertake the practical work and to demonstrate an appreciation of safety.

Students will carry out a structured series of experiments, working closely with experienced demonstrators who will be responsible for the supervision and assessment/feedback on the experiment.

Following each experiment or group of experiments, discussion and feedback will be provided so that students can develop and practice key skills relating to the understanding and interpretation of experimental data.

Content that is closely allied with experimental work, specifically spectroscopy and chromatography, will be delivered to further cement the link between experiment and theory.

Intellectual Skills

• You will learn how to assess the risks associated with the use of chemicals and laboratory apparatus. At this level, risk assessment documents will be prepared by academic staff and provided.
• Use a theoretical model of a physical system to interpret experimental data.

Chemistry-Specific Skills

• You will learn and practise basic techniques that are used across the breadth of the experimental chemistry curriculum.
• You will carry out experimental work in synthetic chemistry, preparing chemicals which are then purified using common procedures.
• You will assess the purity of compounds you have prepared using a range of analytical and spectroscopic methods.

Transferrable Skills

• You will accurately record measurements and observations from experiments.
• You will learn to consider and deal appropriately with errors in experimental data.
• You will prepare rigorous reports that describe and discuss the outcome from experimental work.
• You will use appropriate software (including specific chemical drawing and analysis software) to produce reports of a high standard.

Formative feedback will be delivered on all aspects during the laboratory sessions by academic supervisors and demonstrators. At the end of each experiment, experimental data and/or samples will be evaluated for summative assessment, with immediate feedback given. The overall quality of working and output will contribute to the ‘Lab Work’ component of assessment.

Formative feedback will be delivered during a session after completion of each experiment by all groups. This will then feed into two submissions of data interpretation and analysis, one per semester.

At two points in the module, you will submit an extended experimental write-up, as part of a portfolio of assessment, covering one synthetic chemistry and one instrumental chemistry experiment. Experiments will be written up in a style designed to develop professional standards of reporting. Each of these portfolios will be summatively assessed, with feedback on the first portfolio able to be used to improve the second portfolio. All learning outcomes will be covered, with a focus on learning outcome 2.

Students are required to pass each individual component of this module. All assessments will contribute to the delivery of all learning outcomes.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.

Students who do not pass the ‘Practical Work’ component of this module will be required to resit as an internal student during the next academic session.

Students who do not pass one or more of the ‘Portfolio’ components will be provided with a resit opportunity over the summer following the academic session.

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.

Type of assessment    % Contribution   Title                     Duration    Approx. date of Assess.   Qualifying Mark

PSA                               60                         Lab Work                               Oct-May                                40

CW                                40                         Lab Write Ups                        Nov-May                               40

All aspects are mandatory.

Introductory skills covering techniques such as setting up glassware for experiments and associated procedures such as recrystallisation, distillation, accurate measurement of instrumental data.

Preparation, purification and characterization of a range of organic and inorganic compounds (e.g. amides, esters, transition metal compounds, interhalogen compounds).

Interpretation of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, NMR) relating both to compounds prepared and to more general interpretation.

Acquisition of data, including choosing conditions and settings; collection and accurate recording of data. 

Understanding of the terms “accuracy” and “precision”.

Reporting of and dealing with errors in the analysis of data.

Using theoretical models of physical systems to interpret data. 

The aim of this module is to provide the students with an understanding of the mathematical techniques underpinning the chemistry degree course. It will enable them to follow the application of these techniques within other modules and to use these techniques where required. 

Students should be able to use of trigonometric, exponential and log functions, including algebraic manipulations and applying the sine and cosine rules. 

Students should be able to differentiate common functions, including applying the rules for combinations of functions and partial differentiation. 

Students should be able to integrate common functions and apply integration by parts and by substitution. 

Students should understand the uses of different coordinate systems. 

Students should be able to use vectors and matrices, including the use of matrices to transform vectors, and should understand the principles of eigenvectors and eigenvalues. 

Students should understand the principle of complex numbers, should be able to perform algebra involving complex numbers, find complex roots to quadratic equations and use Argand diagrams. 

Students should understand the principles of probability, including the use of the binomial distribution. 

Students should understand the statistical applications of the normal distribution, including the central limit theorem and confidence intervals. 

10 × recorded 1 hour lectures with exercises, 10 × 1 hour problem classes.  

Additional online exercises will be made available. 

Revision session before the exam. 

The students will develop and practice skills fundamental to the rest of their chemistry degrees. These skills will allow them to make all the required calculations related to carrying out laboratory work as well as allowing them to understand the mathematical content of other modules.  

Formative feedback will be provided for all the problem classes, through both marking of the submitted work and addressing difficulties during the classes. Emphasis in the feedback will be placed on how the questions covered in the classes relate to the class test and exam. 

The module is assessed via one summative class test (20%) and a final exam (80%). 

The summative class test will assess the learning outcomes from the first semester and will allow the students to assess their progress. The final exam will assess all the learning outcomes. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Please provide information to the student about the opportunity for reassessment, should they fail the Module. You should explain the format that reassessment.  

If the reassessment is in a different format to the original assessment, you will need to show how it continues to meet the module level learning outcomes. 

Type of assessment          %  Contribution                                  Title                                                               Duration                   Approx. date of Assess.

Class Test                           20                                                           Class Test                                                   1 hour                       January

Written Exam                       80                                                           Mathematical Methods for Chemistry    2 hours                     May Exam Period 

Class Test Resit                 20 (if required)                                     Class Test                                                  1 hour                       August Exam Period

Written Exam Resit             80 or 100 (if class test not resat)    Mathematical Methods for Chemistry     2 hours                   August Exam Period 

Functions: Trigonometric, exponentials and logs. 

Calculus: Basic principles, differentiation and integration of functions, rules for differentiation, integration by parts and by substitution, partial differentiation. 

Coordinate systems: Two- and three-dimensional Cartesian, polar and spherical. 

Vectors and matrices: Lengths and angles, matrix transformation, eigenvectors and eigenvalues. 

Complex numbers: Principle, algebra, solutions to quadratic equations, Argand diagrams. 

Probability: Expected values, the binomial distribution 

Statistics: The normal distribution, central limit theorem and confidence intervals. 

This module gives an overview of the process of drug development from selection of therapeutic area through to use of a drug in patients. The different stages of the pharmaceutical pipeline will be explored, including the challenges faced at each one and strategies for overcoming these, with consideration given to scientific, technical, financial and legal hurdles. You will become familiar with pharmaceutical industry terminology used to refer to different aspects of drug development, the diverse skills necessary to bring a product to market, and the employment opportunities available in the pharmaceutical industry. 

• Give examples of different types of therapeutic area and associated drugs. 

• Describe the stages of development of a new drug. 

• Outline the stakeholders in drug development and the interactions between them. 

• Analyse and present the challenges that could be encountered during development of a drug and strategies that have been employed to overcome these. 

The module will be delivered through 16 x 1 h lectures and 2 x 2 h formative workshops and one summative workshop. Students will have the opportunity to research an aspect of drug development and careers in pharmaceuticals and to present their findings. The workshops will provide a forum for students to explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges in bringing a new drug to the clinic.  

Chemistry Specific Skills 

Identify the areas of chemistry and other sciences that are applied throughout drug development. 

Identify job roles and career pathways for chemistry graduates within drug development. 

Intellectual Skills 

Balancing multiple potentially conflicting requirements and views of different stakeholders in a drug development project. 

Transferable/Key Skills 

Work in a group. 

Consult books, reports and on-line sources for information and opinion and evaluate their reliability and objectivity. 

Present facts and arguments in written and oral form. 

Formative assessment: Workshops will provide the opportunity for formative feedback through presentation and discussions with staff and peers. 

Summative assessment: A written examination will test the student’s knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content. The summative coursework will provide an opportunity to research and analyse an aspect of drug development and to present these findings in written form. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic year will sit an examination (1 h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assessment   %          Title                                                    Duration (if applicable)      Approx. date of Assessment 

EXSP                            80         Introduction to Drug Development     2 h                                        May 

CW                               20        Coursework                                         500 words                            Spring 

Mandatory content 

Types of drug and therapeutic areas. 

History of drugs and drug development. 

Role of different stakeholders in pharmaceuticals – patients, healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, investors, insurance companies, companies (pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research, manufacturing and services), academic researchers. 

The processes involved at key stages of drug discovery, and the associated terminology will be introduced (therapeutic area, drug targets, medicinal chemistry, QSAR, patenting, hits and leads, ADMET, formulation, manufacturing, ethics, clinical trials, regulatory approval). 

Interdisciplinarity of pharmaceutical research and the interplay between chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. 

Career opportunities in pharmaceuticals – types of employer, job roles and skills required. 

Optional content 

Students will have the opportunity to research a topic of their own choice in drug development.  

This module introduces the challenges associated with greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, waste generation, plastic contamination, fossil-fuel based feedstock and sustainability. This module further introduces the difference between linear economy and circular economy and the necessity to transform from the current linear society to a circular society. After introducing the challenges, this module discusses the principles of green chemistry, metrics to assess the greenness of chemical and fuel production processes, life-cycle analysis, role of chemistry and catalysis in addressing the above-mentioned global grand challenges. Finally, students will be introduced to the current developments in the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable feedstock such as waste biomass and CO2. Emerging novel greener alternatives to conventional chemical synthesis methodologies will also be discussed.  

Knowledge:

a) Understand the challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, CO2 emission, waste generation; 

b) Identify specific challenges associated with using conventional fossil-fuel based feedstock for producing chemicals and energy; 

c) Define the metrics such as E-factor and Atom Economy used in green chemistry; 

d) Appreciate the importance of catalytic processes against reactions using stoichiometric reagents; 

e) Identify sustainable alternative feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels; 

f) Appreciate the difference between linear economy and circular economy. 

Understanding:

a) calculate the E-factor and Atom Economy for simple chemical reactions; 

b) Application of these metrics to identify a green and sustainable route between two routes to produce a chemical. 

c) Identify sustainable and renewable feedstock for producing chemicals and fuels; 

e) Identify green and sustainable methods to run a chemical reaction.  

The module will be delivered as follows:

10 x 1h face to face lectures 

10 X 1h lectures and worked examples,  

1 x 3h group presentation (continuous assessment) 

The student should be able to: 

a) carry out simple calculations, including molecular weight, E-factor calculation and atom economy calculation; 

b) classify a reaction’s greenness using the above metrics; 

c) differentiate a catalytic process from a non-catalytic process involving stoichiometric reagents 

A written exam will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes.  

The coursework (group presentation) will allow the student to identify a green chemistry problem and employ the tools discussed in the module and arrive at a solution to the problem. This exercise will help the students to develop problem solving skills.  

Marking criteria is provided as a separate document on the Learning Central. Feedback and marks on this presentation will be given immediately after the presentation session.  

The assessment methods for the Module should be detailed here (both formative and summative), including any distinctive features (e.g., major project work).  

You should explain how each assessment will enable all students to demonstrate achievement of the Module learning outcomes, indicating which learning outcomes are addressed in each assessment task.   

In addition, you must append a specific marking criteria to this Module description for each assessment e.g., coursework, group work, presentation etc..  It is the marking criteria which distinguishes the level of achievement and differentiates between satisfactory, good, and excellent student performance in the module assessment.   

Students must have the opportunity to understand how their assessment will be marked and how the feedback corresponds directly to the marking criteria. 

Any academic or competence standards which may limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for disabled students should be clearly stated in line with guidance provided in the Reasonable Adjustment Policy and Procedure 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Please provide information to the student about the opportunity for reassessment, should they fail the Module. You should explain the format that reassessment.  

If the reassessment is in a different format to the original assessment, you will need to show how it continues to meet the module level learning outcomes. 

Type of assessment:        % Contrib.   Title                                                                                            Duration     Approx. date of Assess.

Exam – Spring Semester     80                  Exam - Introduction To Green And Sustainable Chemistry         1h 

Group Presentation             20                  Group presentation (continuous assessment)                            N/A 

Lectures:

Introduction to Green Chemistry and concepts of Sustainability. Source of environmental contamination including greenhouse gases and solid and liquid pollutants. Carbon capture and utilisation. 

Society’s demands on chemicals and energy. Current and alternative sources of energy. Energy storage, batteries and hydrogen economy.  

Biomass and circular economy. Concept of zero waste.  

Introduction to life cycle analysis and sustainability. Measure of sustainability including the concepts on E-factor and atom economy.  

Introduction to homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic catalysis and how catalytic processes are environmentally benign compared to reactions involving stoichiometric reagents. 

Assignment & Workshop:

In this, students will be given an opportunity to choose a real world problem, relevant to green and sustainable future, analyse the problems and come with a possible solution for this problem. The solution will be presented to their peers along with the staff members. This gives the students an opportunity in problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.   

Mae’r modiwl yma’n darparu dysgwyr gyda’r gwybodaeth sylfaenol sydd ei angen i allu ddeall ymddygiad cemegol moleciwlau organig a’u perthnasedd i systemau biolegol. Bydd strwythur, siâp ac adweithedd cemegion organic tuag at adweithyddion gwahanol yn cael eu crybwyll. Bydd egwyddorion sylfaenol yn cael eu defnyddio i adnabod patrymau adweithio ag effaith strwythur ar briodweddau cyfansoddion. Bydd tiwtorialau yn cael eu cynnig yn ddwyieithog i siaradwyr Cymraeg.

1. Dangos ei bod yn ymwybodol o’r dulliau a’r confensiynau sy’n cael eu defnyddio i ddisgrifio siâp a bondio moleciwlau organig.
2. Disgrifio mecanweithiau adweithiau yn nhermau’r newid cemegol (amnewid, dileu, adiad), argaeledd electron a saethau cyrliog dwyben.
3. Disgrifio priodweddau cyffredinol ac adweithedd ystod o gyfansoddion dirlawn ac annirlawn;
4. Cysylltu strwythur a stereocemeg gyda adweithedd ar gyfer ystod eang o adweithiau cemeg organig.
5. Darogan canlyniad a chwrs mecanweithiol adwaith drwy asesu strwythur yr adweithyddion ac aomdau’r adwaith.
6. Cynllunio synthesis strwythurau syml yn ôl yr adweithiau a gyflwynwyd yn y cwrs.

32 x 1 awr o ddarlithiau, 12 x 1 awr o weithdai, 6 x 1 awr o diwtorialau.

Bydd darlithoedd yn ymdrin â chynnwys sydd yn berthnasol i bob canlyniad dysgu. Bydd rhain yn cael eu ategu gan waith tiwtorial, a fydd yn cynnwys adborth wedi’i deilwra i’r myfyrwyr.

Sgiliau academyddol

• Allosod o egwyddorion sylfaenol ac esiamplau tebyg a gyflwynir yn y darlithoedd at esiamplau o’r newydd;

Sgiliau Cemeg

• Deall a defnyddio confensiynau ar gyfer darlunio strwythurau moleciwlaidd;
• Enwi strwythurau, yn cynnwys disgrifio stereocemeg 
• Defnyddio egwyddorion cemeg organig mewn amrywiaeth o sefyllfaoedd, yn cynnwys mewn esiamplau na welid o’r blaen;
• Darlunio mecanweithiau ar gyfer adweithiau cemeg organig a gyflwynwyd yn y sylabws;
• Cynllunio synthesis organig, dewis strategaethau priodol, defnydd synhwyrol o adweithyddion ac amodau adwaith ar gyfer y lefel yma o gemeg;
• Cysylltu theori ag arbrofion ymarferol.

Sgiliau trosglwyddadwy 

• defnyddio rhesymeg i gwblhau problemau na welir o’r blaen.

Bydd sesiynau tiwtorial trwy gydol y modiwl (3 pob semester) yn rhoi adborth i alluogi’r myfyrwyr i fesur eu lefel deallusrwydd.

Bydd yr arholiad yn Ionawr yn cyfrannu tuag at 20% o gredydau’r modiwl, ac yn galluogi myfyrwyr i asesu eu cynnydd a’u lefel deallusrwydd. Bydd y prif arholiad yn cyfrannu tuag at 80% o gredydau’r modiwl.

Bydd sesiynau tiwtorial a gweithdai yn hyfforddi myfyrwyr i allu datrys problemau sy’n gysylltuedig â’r sylabws, a rhoi’r deunydd o’r darlithoedd ar waith.

Bydd yr arholiad dosbarth yn Ionawr yn ymdrin â chanlyniadau dysgu 1-3, a bydd y prif arholiad yn ymdrin â phob canlyniad dysgu.

Cyfleoedd ar gyfer ail-asesiad: 

Bydd myfyrwyr sydd â chaniatâd gan y Bwrdd Arholi ar gyfer ail-asesiad yn y modiwl yn cael eu gofyn i gyflwyno adroddiad ysgrifenedig a chyflwyniad ar lafar wedi’u addasu yn ystod yr un flwyddyn academaidd. Bydd hwn ond yn digwydd mewn achosion lle mae asesiad gan y goruchwylydd yn dderbyniol, ond lle mae amgylchiadau esugusodol wedi effeithio ar pharatoad yr adroddiad gwreiddiol. 

Strwythur, bondio ac adweithedd cemeg organig (semester Hydref)

Cysyniadau Sylfaenol Darlunio strwythurau – cynrychiolaethau gwahanol o foleciwlau organig. System enwi cyfansoddion organig. Grwpiau gweithredol gwahanol, yn cynnwys blociau adeiladu Byd Natur. Isomeredd. Electronegatifrwydd a polareiddio bondiau. Cyfwerthau bondiau dwbl. Bondio mewn cyfansoddion organig – hyd, onglau a chryfder bondiau. Hybrideiddio orbitalau moleciwlaidd a theori bondio orbital moleciwlaidd. Lefelau ocsideiddio o fewn cemeg organig.

Siâp a Stereocemeg: Cydffurfiadau alcanau. Darluniau Newman. Cydffurfiadau cylchohecsanau, cylchopentanau, yn cynnwys systemau wedi’u asio. Strwythur ac isomeredd alcenau. Dosbarthiad isomerau (cyfansoddiadol, ffurfweddiadol, enantiomerau, diastereoisomerau). Rheolau Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (disgrifyddion stereocemegol R/S). Cynrychiolaethau stereocemegol cyfansoddion organig (bondiau tywyll/dotiog a darluniau Newman). Strategaethau ar gyfer gwahanu enantiomerau.

Bondio a Rhyng-gyfansoddion adweithiol: Cyseniedd a chyfunedd. Dadleoliad electronau-π – cyseinedd a chynrychiolaeth cyseinedd. Diffiniad aromatigrwydd. Orbitalau moleciwlaidd ar gyfer ethen, biwtadeuen. Gor-gyfunedd. Siâp, strwythur a sefydlogrwydd carbocationau, carbanionau a radicalau rhydd. Asidau a Basau: pH, pK_a (a’r cysylltiad â sefydlogrwydd carbanionau).

Sbectroscopeg Cyseiniant Magnetig Niwclear: Cyflwyniad i symudiad cemegol, integreiddio a phatrymau cyplu yng nghyswllt sbectroscopeg CMN.

Disgrifio Adweithiau Organig: Torri bondiau heterolytig/homolytig; egni daduniad bond; enthalpi ac entropi; egni rhydd Gibbs; ecwilibria; thermodeinameg a chineteg; rheolau cysonyn; egni actifadu (E_a), hafaliad  Arrhenius; diagramau egni rhydd; rhyng-gyfansoddion a chyflyrau trosiannol; rhagdybiad Hammond; niwcleoffilau ac electroffilau; defnydd saethau cyrliog i ddangos symudiad electronau; saethau cyrliog ar gyfer ymosod niwcleoffilig / amnewid, colli grŵp gadael / dileu, trosglwyddiad proton ac ad-drefnu carbocationau.

Adweithiau amnewid: S_N1 a S_N2: rheolau cyfradd; diagramau egni rhydd; mecanweithiau saethau cyrliog; dadansoddiad orbital moleciwlaidd; rhyng-gyfansoddion a chyflyrau trosiannol; detholedd rhanbarthocemegol; ffactorau sy’n effeithio ar fecanwaith adwaith (swbstrad, niwcleoffil, hydoddydd a grŵp gadael). Dadansoddiad a strategaeth synthetig – sut i rhagdybio pa fath o fecanwaith amnewid sydd yn dominyddu o dan amodau penodol.

Adwaith dileu: Rheolau cyfradd E1, E1cB a E2; diagramau egni rhydd; mecanweithiau saethau cyrliog; dadansoddiad orbital moleciwlaidd; rhyng-gyfansoddion a chyflyrau trosiannol; detholedd rhanbarthocemegol; ffactorau sy’n effeithio ar fecanwaith adwaith (swbstrad, niwcleoffil, hydoddydd a grŵp gadael); Dadansoddiad a strategaeth synthetig – sut i rhagdybio pa fath o fecanwaith amnewid sydd yn dominyddu o dan amodau penodol.

Cyflwyno cemeg grwpiau gweithredol (semester Gwanwyn)

Cemeg Alcen 1: Adiad HX i alcen. Bromineiddio alcenau, yn cynnwys goblygiadau stereocemegol a rhanbarthocemegol. Hydradiad alcenau. Esiamplau yn cynnwys cylchohecsanau. Epocsideiddio alcenau. Goblygiadau cyseinedd, yn cynnwys sbectroscopeg UV-vis.

Cemeg Alcyn 1: Adiad i alcynau – halogeniad, rhydwythiad, hydradiad. Ffurfiad ac adweithedd anionau asetylid.

Cemeg Aromatig: Orbitalau moleciwlaidd bensen. Amnewid electroffilig (nitradiad, bromineiddio, sylffadiad, adweithiau Friedel-Crafts), yn dilyn adiad i alcenau, gan gyfeirio at eu tebygrwydd mecanweithiol. Canlyniad rhanbarthocemegol yr adweithiau, gan gyfeirio at sefydlogrwydd carbocationau a chyseinedd.

Cemeg carbonyl 1: Mathau o rwpiau carbonyl, lefel a strwythur ocsideiddio, bondio a sbectroscopeg is-goch. Synthesis ocsideiddio aldehydau, cetonau ac asidau carbocsilig. Adweithiau adiad i aldehydau a chetonau, yn cynnwys ongl adweithio Bürgi-Dunitz, dadansoddiad orbital moleciwlaidd a ffurfiad canolfannau cirol. Ffurfiad ac adiad adweithyddion Grignard ac organolithiwm. Ffurfiad asetalau, cetalau, iminau ac enaminau. Hemi-asetalau a’u perthynas i siwgrau. Ffurfiad a hydroleiddiad esterau ac amidau. Hydrolysis ensymatig esterau ac amidau. Rhydwythiad hydrid aldehydau. NADH yn ymddwyn fel hydrid Byd Natur, trafod pwysigrwydd aromatigedd i wthio adwaith, a’r perthynas i amodau adweithiol arferol biolegol. Rhydwytho aldehydau a chetonau i alcanau: adwaith Wolff-Kishner.

Cemeg carbonyl 2: Enolau, enoladau a pKa. Adweithedd arferol a dadansoddiad orbital moleciwlaidd. Cyddwysiadau Aldol a Claisen. Redocs anghyfartal aldehydau di-enoleiddadwy.

This module discusses the chemistry of the environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Particular attention is devoted to the causes and effects of pollution in the environment, such as smog, acid rain, global warming, ozone depletion, water pollution, and the methods used for pollution control.  Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of water and soils are examined in detail, with particular emphasis on their environmental impact.

describe the physical properties of the atmosphere and the differences in chemical composition of various layers;

describe the photochemistry of stratosphere;

describe ozone chemistry and the Chapman cycle;

discuss the of meteorology of the Antarctic ozone hole;

describe inorganic pollutants of the troposphere, with reference to climate change;

discuss case studies associated with photochemical smog and acid rain;

describe chemical emissions from volcanoes, and related sulfur chemistry;

describe the Miller-Urey experiment and discuss it in the context of volcanic emissions;

describe the global water cycle and the chemical composition of sea water;

discuss and compare conservative and non-conservative properties of sea water;

describe the interaction of the atmosphere with sea water and discuss its consequences;

describe the properties of the hydrosphere;

describe the properties of the lithosphere;

describe the physical properties of solis used for classification;

discuss how the chemical properties of soils can be influenced by atmospheric conditions;

explain the key chemical and physical threats to soil that have a negative environmental impact;

plan, conduct and report on an individual research assignment;

present a critical argument through a written piece of work;

plan and present a group presentation on a chosen environment-related subject.

16 x 1h lectures, 5 x 2h workshops

Chemistry-specific skills

On completion of this module student will be able to:

1. apply an understanding of radical chemistry to the photochemistry of atmosphere;
2. apply an understanding of radical chemistry to elucidation of the anthropogenic pollution of the troposphere;
3. apply of knowledge of solution chemistry to understanding the chemical composition and physical properties of sea and fresh water.

Transferable skills

This module will also:

1. introduce and develop the use of web-based resources;
2. develop skills in the critical analysis of data;
3. develop essay-writing skills;
4. develop experience of group work and presentational skills.

The module is summatively assessed via in course assessments.

There is no examination for this module.

Atmospheric chemistry

Structure and composition of the atmosphere; photochemical processes; photochemistry of the stratosphere and the ozone layer; chemistry and metereology of the Antarctic ozone hole; chemistry and photochemistry of the troposphere and inorganic pollutants; photochemical smog; acid rain; global warming.

Chemistry of volcanoes

Volcanic emissions; sulfur chemistry; Miller-Urey experiment - the origins of life?

Chemistry of sea-water

Global water cycle; chemical composition of sea-water; conservative and non-conservative properties; salinity; interaction with atmosphere: gases in sea-water.

The hydrosphere

Physical and chemical properties of water; gases in water; redox properties; buffers, pH; effect of dissolved carbonate and carbon dioxide; pollution of natural waters; eutrophication; water purification.

The lithosphere

Structures of minerals; silicates and aluminosilicates; weathering/erosion chemistry of rocks and minerals; physical and chemical properties of soils; humic substances; cation exchange capacity; reactions with acids and bases; salt-affected (salinated) solis; soil erosion and contamination.

This module builds on the concepts introduced in year 1, and provides a coherent mechanistic overview of many key organic functional groups, including both their synthesis and reactivity. After an overview of advanced carbonyl group chemistry, the synthesis and reactivity of aromatic, heteroaromatic and heterocyclic systems, which are key building blocks for the preparation of all materials with importance to society, will be described. The final section of the module presents an introduction to understanding stereochemical control in organic synthesis, i.e. controlling the 3-dimensional organisation of atoms in a molecule.

Knowing

• Describe reaction mechanisms using curly arrow convention to predict and rationalise the outcome of organic reactions.
• Describe the general characteristics and reactivity of a range of saturated and unsaturated organic compounds including alkenes, carbonyls, aromatics and heteroaromatic compounds.
• Understand the fundamental principles by which a reaction can be stereoselective, and the energetic basis for stereoselectivity in a range of selective organic transformations.

Acting

• Apply fundamental principles of organic reactivity to predict and rationalise the outcome of organic chemical reactions.
• Use mechanistic reasoning based on known reaction pathways to deduce the likely mechanisms of unknown, but similar, reactions.
• Experimentally prepare, purify and identify a range of simple organic compounds.

Being

Plan and design the synthesis of a target heterocyclic compound using material covered in CH4103 (1^st year organic chemistry) and the syllabus content of this module.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

33 x 1-hour lectures, 27 (5 x 3 + 3 x 4) hours of laboratory work, 2 x 1 hour class test sessions (test + feedback) 4 x 1-hour workshops, 4 x 1-hour tutorials. Lectures will be used to deliver content and problem solving, addressing all three categories of the learning outcomes. Laboratory work will allow students to gain experience and address the ‘Acting’ learning outcomes. The summative class test, workshop, tutorials and formative workshops will be used to provide guidance and feedback on progress towards the learning outcomes.

1. apply the fundamentals of organic chemistry to a range of situations, including some extension to previously unseen cases;
2. draw mechanisms for organic reactions covered within the syllabus, and extrapolate the fundamental principles to related but unseen examples;
3. apply logical thinking to the planning of an organic synthesis, to choose appropriate strategies, reagents and reaction conditions for the chemistry covered at this level;
4. understand and use the conventions for representation of molecular structures;
5. set up laboratory apparatus for handling organic compounds and carry out a range of preparative and qualitative analyses of typical organic compounds;
6. link theory and experimental practice in synthetic procedures.

Written coursework and examinations will comprise problems based on lecture material, which are extended to previously unseen molecules and reactions to enable a student to demonstrate achievement of a combination of knowledge, understanding and intellectual learning outcomes. Learning outcomes relating to chemistry-specific practical skills will be assessed through laboratory work.

Further Functional Group Chemistry (Autumn semester)

Carbonyl Chemistry 3: Further examples of enols and enolate chemistry: Crossed aldol, Knoevenagel and related condensations. Mannich reaction. Dianion chemistry. Kinetic and thermodynamic enolates (as silyl enol ether formation). The Wittig reaction and commonly-used variants. Enolate-type chemistry of sulfoxides, sulfones and sulfoximines. Reductive amination reactions.

Alkene Chemistry 2: Hydroboration and epoxidation of alkenes. Ozonolysis of alkenes. Dihydroxylation and oxidative cleavage of diols.

Rearrangements: Migration to electron-deficient nitrogen and oxygen (Baeyer-Villiger, Beckmann, Curtius and related rearrangements – Hofmann, Lossen, Schmidt). Carbocation rearrangements. The pinacol and semi-pinacol rearrangement.

Conjugation: Conjugate addition to alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Organocuprates and malonate-type nucleophiles (including Robinson-type annulation reactions). Baylis-Hillman reaction.

Aromatic Chemistry 2: Other reactions of aromatic systems. Nucleophilic substitution (S_NAr). Hydrogenation and other reduction methods in aromatic systems (Birch reduction). Diazonium salts (Sandmeyer reactions). Formation and reactivity of benzyne. Introduction to cross-coupling functionalized benzenes with a focus on synthetic applications.

Formation & Reactivity of Rings and Stereoselectivity (Spring semester)

Aromatic Heterocyclic Synthesis: Retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis of aromatic heterocyclic systems – pyridine, pyrrole, furan, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole and some of their benzo-fused analogues. Emphasising links with carbonyl chemistry. This will also include examples of non-aromatic heterocycle synthesis using the same mechanisms.

Aromatic Heterocycle Reactivity: Electrophilic substitution in heteroaromatic systems, including Vilsmeier-Haack and Pictet-Spengler reactions. Nucleophilic substitution of halogenated heteroaromatic systems. Emphasizing difference in basicity and reactivity of pyridines, pyrrole, indoles and imidazoles.

Ring-forming reactions: Shapes of cycloalkanes, focusing on medium sized rings, and the role of conformational and orbital effects in ring-forming reactions. Diels-Alder reaction. 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with a few examples of non-aromatic heterocycle synthesis. Baldwin’s rules for ring closure.

Molecular Origins of Stereoselectivity: Introduction of fundamental criteria for stereoselective reactions. Energy profiles for reactions that can proceed via diastereomeric transition states. Substrate-controlled stereoselective reactions: Reduction of cyclohexanones, epoxidation/cyclopropanation of cyclic allylic alcohols. Cram/Felkin-Anh model for stereoselective addition to carbonyls. Zimmerman-Traxler transition states for diastereoselective aldol reactions (relating to enolate geometry).

Laboratory work (Autumn and Spring semesters)

Building on skills introduced in CH4103 (1^st year organic chemistry), prepare and purify compounds using a range of synthetic techniques. Acquire and analyse experimental data, particularly spectroscopic data, and determine the outcome of a reaction.

This module builds on the concepts introduced in year 1, and provides a coherent mechanistic overview of many key organic functional groups, including both their synthesis and reactivity. After an overview of advanced carbonyl group chemistry, the synthesis and reactivity of aromatic, heteroaromatic and heterocyclic systems, which are key building blocks for the preparation of all materials with importance to society, will be described. The final section of the module presents an introduction to understanding stereochemical control in organic synthesis, i.e. controlling the 3-dimensional organisation of atoms in a molecule.

Knowing

• Describe reaction mechanisms using curly arrow convention to predict and rationalise the outcome of organic reactions.
• Describe the general characteristics and reactivity of a range of saturated and unsaturated organic compounds including alkenes, carbonyls, aromatics and heteroaromatic compounds.
• Understand the fundamental principles by which a reaction can be stereoselective, and the energetic basis for stereoselectivity in a range of selective organic transformations.

Acting

• Apply fundamental principles of organic reactivity to predict and rationalise the outcome of organic chemical reactions.
• Use mechanistic reasoning based on known reaction pathways to deduce the likely mechanisms of unknown, but similar, reactions.
• Experimentally prepare, purify and identify a range of simple organic compounds.

Being

Plan and design the synthesis of a target heterocyclic compound using material covered in CH4103 (1^st year organic chemistry) and the syllabus content of this module.

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

33 x 1-hour lectures, 27 (5 x 3 + 3 x 4) hours of laboratory work, 2 x 1 hour class test sessions (test + feedback) 4 x 1-hour workshops, 4 x 1-hour tutorials. Lectures will be used to deliver content and problem solving, addressing all three categories of the learning outcomes. Laboratory work will allow students to gain experience and address the ‘Acting’ learning outcomes. The summative class test, workshop, tutorials and formative workshops will be used to provide guidance and feedback on progress towards the learning outcomes.

1. apply the fundamentals of organic chemistry to a range of situations, including some extension to previously unseen cases;
2. draw mechanisms for organic reactions covered within the syllabus, and extrapolate the fundamental principles to related but unseen examples;
3. apply logical thinking to the planning of an organic synthesis, to choose appropriate strategies, reagents and reaction conditions for the chemistry covered at this level;
4. understand and use the conventions for representation of molecular structures;
5. set up laboratory apparatus for handling organic compounds and carry out a range of preparative and qualitative analyses of typical organic compounds;
6. link theory and experimental practice in synthetic procedures.

Written coursework and examinations will comprise problems based on lecture material, which are extended to previously unseen molecules and reactions to enable a student to demonstrate achievement of a combination of knowledge, understanding and intellectual learning outcomes. Learning outcomes relating to chemistry-specific practical skills will be assessed through laboratory work.

Further Functional Group Chemistry (Autumn semester)

Carbonyl Chemistry 3: Further examples of enols and enolate chemistry: Crossed aldol, Knoevenagel and related condensations. Mannich reaction. Dianion chemistry. Kinetic and thermodynamic enolates (as silyl enol ether formation). The Wittig reaction and commonly-used variants. Enolate-type chemistry of sulfoxides, sulfones and sulfoximines. Reductive amination reactions.

Alkene Chemistry 2: Hydroboration and epoxidation of alkenes. Ozonolysis of alkenes. Dihydroxylation and oxidative cleavage of diols.

Rearrangements: Migration to electron-deficient nitrogen and oxygen (Baeyer-Villiger, Beckmann, Curtius and related rearrangements – Hofmann, Lossen, Schmidt). Carbocation rearrangements. The pinacol and semi-pinacol rearrangement.

Conjugation: Conjugate addition to alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Organocuprates and malonate-type nucleophiles (including Robinson-type annulation reactions). Baylis-Hillman reaction.

Aromatic Chemistry 2: Other reactions of aromatic systems. Nucleophilic substitution (S_NAr). Hydrogenation and other reduction methods in aromatic systems (Birch reduction). Diazonium salts (Sandmeyer reactions). Formation and reactivity of benzyne. Introduction to cross-coupling functionalized benzenes with a focus on synthetic applications.

Formation & Reactivity of Rings and Stereoselectivity (Spring semester)

Aromatic Heterocyclic Synthesis: Retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis of aromatic heterocyclic systems – pyridine, pyrrole, furan, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole and some of their benzo-fused analogues. Emphasising links with carbonyl chemistry. This will also include examples of non-aromatic heterocycle synthesis using the same mechanisms.

Aromatic Heterocycle Reactivity: Electrophilic substitution in heteroaromatic systems, including Vilsmeier-Haack and Pictet-Spengler reactions. Nucleophilic substitution of halogenated heteroaromatic systems. Emphasizing difference in basicity and reactivity of pyridines, pyrrole, indoles and imidazoles.

Ring-forming reactions: Shapes of cycloalkanes, focusing on medium sized rings, and the role of conformational and orbital effects in ring-forming reactions. Diels-Alder reaction. 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with a few examples of non-aromatic heterocycle synthesis. Baldwin’s rules for ring closure.

Molecular Origins of Stereoselectivity: Introduction of fundamental criteria for stereoselective reactions. Energy profiles for reactions that can proceed via diastereomeric transition states. Substrate-controlled stereoselective reactions: Reduction of cyclohexanones, epoxidation/cyclopropanation of cyclic allylic alcohols. Cram/Felkin-Anh model for stereoselective addition to carbonyls. Zimmerman-Traxler transition states for diastereoselective aldol reactions (relating to enolate geometry).

Laboratory work (Autumn and Spring semesters)

Building on skills introduced in CH4103 (1^st year organic chemistry), prepare and purify compounds using a range of synthetic techniques. Acquire and analyse experimental data, particularly spectroscopic data, and determine the outcome of a reaction.

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This module builds on the concepts introduced in CH5101, Foundations of Physical Chemistry with new material in the topics of Symmetry and Group Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics, Soft matter and Chemical Kinetics.  

Symmetry and Group Theory covers the ideas of symmetry elements and operations used to quantify molecular shape into point groups. You will learn how to use a basis to analyse molecular vibrational modes using character tables with examples showing how this helps understand the selection rules for IR and Raman spectra. This will allow you to use spectra to classify geometric isomers.   

Quantum Mechanics will discuss the quantum nature of electrons including wave-particle duality, postulates of QM, the uncertainty principle. After introduction of the Schrödinger equation model Hamiltonians examples will be used to show how boundary conditions lead to quantisation and energy levels. Extension to many electron atoms will consider electronic Coulombic and exchange interactions, spin-orbit coupling, the Russell-Saunders scheme and term symbols. The topic will also introduce the Pauli principle and look at applications in atomic spectra. 

Spectroscopy is concerned with the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. In this topic the focus will be on commonly used laboratory scale spectroscopy using microwave, infra-red and visible light. You will cover the origin of the spectroscopic effects including selection rules.  

In thermodynamics the relationships between equilibrium, free energy and chemical potential will be introduced. You will consider the importance of thermodynamic relations in the description of the thermodynamics of gases, liquids, solids and interfaces. You will also discover the statistical basis of thermodynamics and work with model systems to understand how the collective behaviour of molecules results in the bulk properties of chemical systems. 

Soft matter includes an introduction to colloids, surfactants, micelles, microemulsions and particle suspensions. You will learn how to apply thermodynamic concepts to understand the interaction of surfactants with liquids and the phases that can be formed. 

Chemical kinetics will be concerned with rate equations for complex reactions, steady-state and equilibrium approximations; enzyme kinetics; chain reactions. Polymerisation, photochemistry and non-linear systems will also be discussed. The importance of surface kinetics in understanding adsorption and desorption from solid surfaces will also be covered and used to understand data from experimental temperature programmed desorption results in conjunction with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterisation. 

Apply symmetry and group theory to: 

• Assign any molecular structure to the correct point group. 

• Use the concepts of group theory to analyse a basis representing a particular set of bond vibrations and use the reduction formula to arrive at the corresponding irreducible representations. 

• Use standard point group tables to identify infra-red (IR) and Raman active modes of vibration. 

• Apply symmetry analysis to predict the number of IR or Raman bands to expect for a particular isomer in experimental spectra. 

Use the concepts of quantum mechanics to: 

• Explain the role of quantisation in chemical and spectroscopic phenomena. 

• Find solutions to Schrodinger equation for model Hamiltonians and determine whether trial functions form acceptable wavefunctions. 

• Derive term symbols for electron configurations of atoms. 

Work with the ideas of spectroscopy to: 

• Predict spectroscopic properties of atoms and molecules on theoretical grounds. 

• Sketch diagrams of rotational, vibrational and electronic energy levels, with appropriate quantum labels; 

• Calculate physical properties of the molecule from spectral data. 

• Calculate the wavenumber of resonant transitions. 

• Understand the origin and importance of the Frank-Condon principle in determining the probability (and resulting intensity of spectral lines) for electronic transitions. 

• Calculate dissociation energies of diatomic molecules in the ground and excited states; 

• Sketch suitable Jablonski diagram to indicate absorption and emission processes and describe the role of quenching on lifetimes and quantum yields. 

Develop the statistical basis of thermodynamics enabling the student to: 

• Understand how classical entropy is related to statistical likelihood; 

• Be familiar with the concepts of configurations, microstates and statistical entropy; 

• Be able to calculate entropy for small systems based on combinatorial considerations; 

• Understand from a statistical viewpoint the thermodynamics of mixing in ideal mixtures of fluids; 

• Understand, without detailed derivation, the origin of the Boltzmann distribution; 

• Be able to compute Boltzmann factors, and relative populations, for states and levels, with application to the estimation of equilibrium constants; 

• Understand how internal energy and heat capacity arise from the Boltzmann distribution; 

• Be able to rationalise observed heat capacities of gases and solids. 

Apply thermodynamic concepts to soft matter to: 

• Understand the links between intermolecular forces and surface tension. 

• Describe thermodynamic models for surfactant adsorption and micellisation and use these to calculate thermodynamic parameters from experimental data. 

• Discuss the role of free energy in micellisation and the formation of microemulsions. 

• Explain how physical interactions lead to the stability, flocculation or precipitation of colloidal particle dispersions. 

Use chemical kinetics to: 

• Obtain rate equations for complex chemical reactions with more than one elementary step. 

• Apply steady state and equilibrium approximations to simplify differential equations. 

• Analyse a variety of example cases such as enzyme catalysed reactions, chain reactions, polymerisation and non-linear systems. 

• Analyse data from reactions taking place at interfaces including adsorption, desorption and reaction on surfaces. 

• Apply to interpretation of relevant experiments such as temperature programmed desorption. 

• Inter-relate kinetic and materials characterisation data including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. 

The module content will be delivered via face-to-face activities supported by on-line video content showing further detail and examples of ideas introduced in lectures. The material will also be supported by formative self- assessment tests introduced at regular points in the delivery schedule.  

The module will consist of 43 x 1-hour lectures and 6 x 1-hour tutorials divided evenly between topics. The tutorial format will be a mix of small group discussion and larger group problem solving workshops.  

In this dual semester module, three topics will be delivered in the first semester and three in the second with topics delivered sequentially. The week-by-week delivery schedule and timing of formative tasks will be described in the module map.   

This module will develop subject specific skills across important areas of Physical Chemistry. Students will 

• Learn and apply the concepts of group theory to predict the vibrational spectroscopy from molecular structure. 

• Describe theoretical treatment of wave properties of matter within the quantum mechanical approach. 

• Appreciate how solutions of the Schrödinger equation are found for model systems, and recognise the physical and chemical significance of these solutions; 

• Explore the statistical basis of thermodynamics working with model systems to understand macroscopic phenomena.  

• Apply prior learning of fundamental thermodynamics to simple colloidal systems. 

• Understand the use rate equations to describe chemical reaction rates in solution and on surfaces. 

In a general sense this will enable students to:  

• Appreciate the use of mathematical descriptions of simplified models to understand the behaviour of complex systems. 

• Better understand the application of logical thinking to practical problems including mapping a problem onto abstract concepts. 

• Gain insight into physical systems based on statistical analysis. 

These skills will be used to encourage independent critical thinking. Formative assessment will allow for collaborative working and enable you to communicate your ideas with your peers within the timetabled tutorial sessions and during your independent learning time. 

Formative assessments will include: 

Topic specific self-assessment exercises introduced alongside lecture material. Formative assessment will allow students to monitor their own understanding of the topics studied as the topics development. Solutions and feedback on the self-assessment exercises will be provided and reviewed during lectures so that students can self-mark their attempts. Full engagement with the self-assessment exercises will build confidence with the material delivered and prepare students for the summative assessment components of the module. 

Summative assessment will consist of a January Class Test, covering topics delivered in the Autumn semester and an end of year exam covering all module content.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Type of assess.     %  Contribution     Title                                        Duration     Approx. date of Assess.

Class test               20                             Class Test                              1 hr              January 

Exam                      80                             Further Physical Chemistry   3 hr              June 

Resit Exam            100                            Further Physical Chemistry   3 hr              August 

Symmetry will be introduced using a range of examples to illustrate the symmetry elements and operations used to classify molecules into point groups. The identification of equivalent operations will also be discussed to help understand the sets of unique operations defined for point groups. The idea of operations as matrices will then be used to introduce characters and character tables. Group theory ideas of reducible representations and the reduction formula follow with an emphasis on the analysis of molecular vibrations. This will lead to the mathematical basis of selection rules with applications in rotational, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. 

Spectroscopy will cover the concepts underlying a range of techniques. Microwave spectra probe molecular rotational motion and so requires understanding of the rotational energy levels of molecules in terms of their moments of inertia and angular momenta. The cases of diatomic molecules, rigid and non-rigid rotors will be introduced. For infra-red spectroscopy molecular normal modes of vibration are the important molecular property.  The role of anharmonic motion on relative energy levels, and the resulting allowed transitions, including fundamental and overtone transitions, are introduced. The mixing of vibrations and rotations leads to vibration-rotation spectra with P, Q, R branches, of IR spectroscopy. Visible and UV spectra arise from electronic transitions requiring concepts such as the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, electronic states, Franck-Condon factors, dissociation energies, and the model of Birge-Sponer extrapolation.  Electronic transitions to/from excited states are described through the Jablonski diagram with reference to energy transfer and the role of quenching in excited state lifetimes. 

Quantum Mechanics is concerned with the wave properties of matter: kinetic and potential energy, wave-particle duality, postulates of QM, Schrödinger equation, uncertainty principle. Applications of Schrödinger equation will emphasize the importance of boundary conditions and include particle in a box, barrier tunnelling, the harmonic oscillator. We will also consider orbital motion and angular momentum in the hydrogen atom, leading to hydrogen like orbitals. Extensions of basic theory will include many electron atoms (He), the Pauli principle and Hund’s rules, showing how this can be used to understand the structure of the periodic table. Electronic atomic spectra will be used to exemplify electronic wave functions, Coulombic interaction and term symbols, exchange and spin-orbit interactions, Russell-Saunders coupling and j-j coupling. 

Thermodynamics will begin with a reprise of classical thermodynamics, including 1st and 2nd laws, Gibbs energy and equilibrium. Thermodynamics of mixing within and beyond the ideal model. The molecular basis of thermodynamics will then be discussed leading to the Boltzmann distribution. Examples such as simple estimates of equilibrium constants from the Boltzmann distribution will be used to illustrate its importance. This will then be extended to a statistical understanding of Internal energy and heat capacity at low and high temperatures. Dulong and Petit’s law. Heat capacities of gases. Gibbs free energy of formation, extensivity and partial molar quantities, solubility products; Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, standard molar Gibbs energies; 

Soft matter will cover an introduction to colloids, surfactants, micelles, microemulsions and particle suspensions. The use of thermodynamics to understand their properties will be illustrated through the effect of surfactants on surface tension; thermodynamic models of micellisation and critical micelle concentration. This will lead into the free energy change for micellisation; liquid/liquid and solid/liquid dispersions, free energy changes and qualitative understanding through molecular interaction energies and potential energy diagrams. 

Kinetics will be involved with steady-state and equilibrium approximations; enzyme kinetics; chain reactions. Polymerisation, photochemistry and non-linear systems will also be discussed. The importance of surface kinetics in understanding adsorption and desorption from solid surfaces will also be covered and used to understand data from experimental temperature programmed desorption results in conjunction with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterisation. 

This module builds on the concepts introduced in year 1 and provides a coherent mechanistic overview of key organic functional groups, including both their synthesis and reactivity. After an overview of advanced carbonyl group chemistry, the description of the synthesis and reactivity of aromatic, heteroaromatic and heterocyclic compounds––common chemical building blocks for materials with societal importance––follows. The final section of the module presents an introduction to stereochemical control in organic synthesis, i.e. controlling the 3-dimensional arrangements of atoms in molecules.

1. Recognise and explain the general structure and reactivity of a range of saturated and unsaturated organic compounds, including alkenes, carbonyls, aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds.
2. Apply the fundamental principles by which a reaction can be chemo-, regio- or stereoselective, and the energetic basis for selectivity in a range of organic transformations.
3. Use the curly arrow convention for reaction mechanisms to predict and rationalise the outcome of organic reactions.
4. Use mechanistic reasoning based on known reaction pathways to deduce the likely mechanisms of unknown but similar reactions.
5. Design the synthesis of a stereospecific or heterocyclic compound using material covered in year-1 organic chemistry and the syllabus contents of this module.

1. Recognise and explain the general structure and reactivity of a range of saturated and unsaturated organic compounds, including alkenes, carbonyls, aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds.
2. Apply the fundamental principles by which a reaction can be chemo-, regio- or stereoselective, and the energetic basis for selectivity in a range of organic transformations.
3. Use the curly arrow convention for reaction mechanisms to predict and rationalise the outcome of organic reactions.
4. Use mechanistic reasoning based on known reaction pathways to deduce the likely mechanisms of unknown but similar reactions.
5. Design the synthesis of a stereospecific or heterocyclic compound using material covered in year-1 organic chemistry and the syllabus contents of this module.

Chemistry-specific skills

• On completion of the module, a student should be able to apply logical thinking to the planning of organic synthesis. Specifically, a student can choose appropriate strategies, reactants, reagents, and reaction conditions based on the integrated principles learned in years 1 and 2;
• Appreciate the link between theoretical concepts and practical chemistry.

Transferrable and intellectual skills

• Extrapolate from fundamental principles to more complex and unseen examples;
• Form and use qualitative arguments to discuss the observed phenomena based on logical reasoning.

Formative Assessment: The assessments provide timely opportunities for students to review and apply principles learned in this module to tackle problem-solving exercises. They take place in the form of in-class workshops and small-group tutorials; feedback will be provided either orally or in written form.

Summative Assessment: Written examination will comprise problems based on the lecture materials that are expanded to include previously unseen molecules and reactions. These assessments let students show that they have mastered the intellectual and module-specific learning outcomes. The marking will be emphasised on the reasonable description of the reactivity of functional groups, the ability to deduce the outcome and mechanism of multi-step synthesis, and the stereochemical control based on the three-dimensional shape of molecules. The January test is an opportunity to receive feedback on students’ progress towards the learning outcomes.

 THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Opportunities for reassessment are permitted, provided students have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by their programme. Students permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination during the Resit Examination Period (approximately in August) before the start of the following academic session. The format of the reassessment will be identical to the original one. The reassessment will be a synoptic examination counting for 100% of the module for students who fail this module on their first attempt.

Autumn Semester

Carbonyl Chemistry 3: Further examples of enols and enolate chemistry: crossed aldol, Knoevenagel and related condensations. Mannich reaction. Dianion chemistry. Kinetic and thermodynamic enolates (as silyl enol ether formation). The Wittig reaction and its variants. Enolate-type chemistry of sulfoxides, sulfones and sulfoximines. Reductive amination reactions.

Alkene Chemistry 2: Hydroboration and epoxidation of alkenes. Ozonolysis of alkenes. Dihydroxylation and oxidative cleavage of diols.

Rearrangements: Carbocation rearrangements. The pinacol and semi-pinacol rearrangement. Migration to electron-deficient nitrogen and oxygen (Baeyer-Villiger, Beckmann, Curtius and related rearrangements – Hofmann, Lossen, Schmidt).

Conjugation: Conjugate addition to alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Organocuprates and malonate-type nucleophiles (including Robinson-type annulation reactions). Baylis-Hillman reaction.

Aromatic Chemistry 2: Nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr). Diazonium salts (Sandmeyer reactions). Formation and reactivity of benzyne.

Spring Semester

Aromatic Heterocycle Reactivity: Difference in basicity and reactivity of pyridine, pyrrole, indoles and imidazoles. Electrophilic substitution in heteroaromatic systems. Nucleophilic substitution of halogenated heteroaromatic systems. C-Metalated heterocycles.

Aromatic Heterocyclic Synthesis: Retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis of aromatic heterocyclic systems – pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrrole, furan, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole and some of their benzo-fused analogues, with explicit connections to carbonyl chemistry. Non-aromatic heterocycle synthesis using the en(oid) reagents and Diels-Alder strategy.

Ring-forming Reactions: Conformational and orbital effects in ring-forming reactions.

Molecular Origins of Stereoselectivity: Introduction of fundamental criteria for stereoselective reactions. Energy profiles for reactions that can proceed via diastereomeric transition states. Substrate-controlled stereoselective reactions: Reduction of cyclohexanones, epoxidation/cyclopropanation of cyclic allylic alcohols. Cram/Felkin-Anh model for stereoselective addition to carbonyls. Zimmerman-Traxler transition states for diastereoselective aldol reactions (relating to enolate geometry)

This module builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired by successful completion of the Year 1 modules CH5108 and CH5110. Students will have opportunities to enhance their employability, by increasing their expertise in a variety of areas, such as: data retrieval, analysis and presentation; team working; information technology, and communication. 

1. Locate available sources for retrieval of scientific information, and utilise a variety of methods for its extraction and presentation
2. Effectively explain aspects of chemistry to both expert and non-expert audiences (for instance, in an employment interview).
3. Present scientific information in a variety formats to audiences with a range of scientific literacy

11 x 2-hour lecture/workshops. These will be a mixture of lecture type presentations and workshop events. 

Intellectual skills

• Ability to analyse a topic in order to prepare for an oral, written, or visual presentation;

• Use of critical analysis to choose and present material of an appropriate level for a given audience.

Chemistry specific skills

• Use of chemistry specific drawing and visualisation software to present diagrammatic data
• Use of chemistry specific databases to retrieve chemical information

Transferable skills

• Search electronic sources for technical information;

• Prepare and present an impactful and informative presentation;
• Work with a small team to prepare and present a poster;
• Write an extended essay on a given topic;
• Manage time efficiently and work in groups to accomplish tasks

The module is summatively assessed via three tasks, a group poster, a written presentation, and a non-technical oral presentation. All assessments will address all learning outcomes, though at different levels.

The poster and talk will involve an element of peer assessment. There will also be a series of tasks during the module which will be used to provide formative feedback.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

If a student fails this Module, they will be able to submit a single synoptic written assessment during the resit exam period.

Data-base searching e.g. Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Sci-finder.

Chemistry resources on the Internet.

Use of a reference manager program.

Use of chemical drawing software.

Correct referencing and acknowledgement; avoidance of plagiarism.

Using critical analysis to choose appropriate topics for presentations (visual, written and oral).

Translation of complex scientific information and communicating it effectively, taking into account the audience and context.

Verbal and visual presentation skills, to be used in a group poster and a short talk.

Written presentation skills, including the identification and communication of key messages.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the communication of science in different contexts (eg. print, video media, posters).

Career reflection, management and interview skills (to be taught with assistance from Careers Service).

This module deals with the organic chemistry of biology and introduces carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins and metabolism. The basic molecules of life will be introduced, and their roles discussed in the context of their physical properties, shape and reactivity. General principles of organic chemistry will be used to identify patterns of reactivity and how this influences the properties of the compounds discussed. 

• Draw the different representations of carbohydrates to identify stereochemical elements and predict reaction outcomes. 

• Draw the structures of proteinogenic amino acids, di-, and polypeptides at varying pH. 

• Explain the interactions between amino acids in relation to the different protein structure levels. 

• Relate structure and reactivity of compounds to their role in the chemistry of life. 

• Predict curly-arrow mechanisms for biological transformations by applying fundamental principles of organic chemistry. 

• Solve equations relating to changes in Gibbs free energy. 

• Use electronic resources such as ChemDraw and databases to generate alternative identifiers for the molecules of life.  

17 x 1 hour lectures will deliver the core course content, addressing all of the learning outcomes. 

2 x 1 hour formative workshops, 1 small-group and 1 large group tutorial will enhance knowledge of key learning outcomes through problem solving. 

a) Rationalise reaction mechanisms of biological molecules using the curly arrow formalism of organic chemistry; 

b) Suggest biochemically relevant reactivity of previously unseen molecules using the principles of organic chemistry; 

c) Predict when a cofactor will be required for a biochemical transformation; 

d) Use electronic and printed resources to search for and retrieve relevant information; 

e) Report solutions to problems in writing. 

Formative assessment: The first two workshops will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided either orally or in written form. This will give students an opportunity to consolidate the factual module content and to practice applying this to solving problems 

Summative assessment: An examination (80%) will assess the learning outcomes through solving of mechanistic and structural chemical problems and calculations. The relevance of these results should be used to explain biological processes and methods of chemical analysis. Information searching and retrieval skills in the context of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a workshop exercise (20%). 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2 h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess.       % Contrib.         Title                                                    Duration     Approx. date of Assess

Examination              80                       Introduction to the Chemistry of Life   2 hours       Jun

Workshop                  20                       Summative Workshop                                            Apr 

Re-sit examination   100                      Introduction to the Chemistry of Life  2 hours        Aug 

Carbohydrates 

Structure of aldose and ketose sugars. Pyranose and furanose forms of sugars, alpha and beta anomers and the anomeric effect. Representation of carbohydrates as Fischer, Haworth, “zig-zag” and Mills projections. Structure of glycosides and their chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, tests for reducing sugars. 

Structural and signalling roles played by carbohydrates in biology. 

Glycolysis 

Gibbs Free Energy changes and roles of ATP in driving biochemical reactions in context of glycolysis. Role of NAD+/NADH and other cofactors in redox reactions. Reactivity of thioesters and key reactions such as hydrolysis. 

Stages of glycolysis and the mechanisms of the key biological transformations. 

Citric Acid Cycle 

Synthesis of acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the role of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). 

Intermediates in the citric acid cycle and the mechanisms of the chemical transformations. Outline of the electron-transport chain and ATP synthesis. 

Amino Acids 

Structure and stereochemistry of alpha amino acids and the side chains of the proteinogenic amino acids. 

Side chain functional groups, polarity, pKa and charge at pH 7. 

Ability of side chains to engage interactions (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonding). 

Proteins and Peptides 

Condensation of amino acids to dipeptides and poly-peptides and proteins, and (briefly) the biological significance of these molecules and polypeptide analysis. 

Role of thiamine pyrophosphate and pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) in amino acid biosynthesis. 

Reading and Resource List:

Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 8th edition, David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox, W. H. Freeman, ISBN-13: 978-1-31-922800-2 

Organic Chemistry, 2nd Ed, J Clayden, N Greeves, S Warren, Oxford University Press, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0199270293 

Biochemistry, 9th Edition, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer, W. H. Freeman, ISBN-13: 978-1-31-911465-7  

The Organic Chemistry of Biological Pathways, 2nd Ed, J. E. McMurry, T. P. Begley, MacMillan, 2016. ISBN-13: 978-1-936221-56-1 

This module develops the use, interpretation, analysis and application of molecular spectroscopies. The application of these techniques to deduce the molecular structures of a wide variety of compounds will be described. Primary focus will be on the application of UV-visible absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, although the module will build on a knowledge of mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. This module will also provide some of the theoretical framework which supports laboratory practicals and subtopics in physical chemistry. 

• Describe the underlying physical principles behind modern spectroscopic techniques; 

• Describe the qualitative and quantitative information provided by 1D and 2D NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopies; 

• Discuss, analyse and interpret the appearance of UV-vis, 1D and 2D NMR spectra and relate to the relevant structures and physical properties of molecular species; 

• Identify and demonstrate strategies for the prediction of spectroscopic properties from given molecular structures; 

This module will be delivered in 22 x 1 hr lectures, supplemented by 8 x 1 hr workshops. Three staff will teach on the module which is split roughly into UV-vis spectroscopy (1/3) and NMR spectroscopy (2/3).  

Formative workshops are all in person and will provide problem solving experience on all aspects of the module and are regularly spaced across the module from the start. In most cases problems and exercises will be shared prior to the session. A summative workshop (take home exercise) will develop skills relating to the critical analysis of spectroscopic data to deduce a molecular structure of an unknown compound, and the prediction of spectral data from a given structure.   

A tutorial will develop skills in problem solving relating to spectroscopy. 

Intellectual skills 

• understanding relationship between molecular structure and spectral properties 

• critical analysis of different types of spectroscopic and analytical data 

Chemistry-specific skills 

• understand the fundamental principles of UV-vis and NMR spectroscopies 

• be able to interpret UV-vis and NMR data and relate to molecular structure 

• be able to sketch and label NMR spectra 

• understand modern applications  and uses of techniques 

Transferable skills 

• problem solving  

• interpretation and manipulation of data sets 

Summative assessment: workshop is a take home exercise on unseen problems. Firstly, spectral data is given and students must critically analyse to deduce the molecular structure of an unknown compound. Secondly, a structure of a compound is given and the students must sketch and label the predicted NMR spectrum of the compound. The summative workshop therefore assesses problem solving skills and application of knowledge. 

A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the techniques/concepts covered to unseen problems.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess      % Contrib.      Title                                                         Duration    Approx. date of Assess

EXAU                     80                     Applications of molecular spectroscopy  2 hours      Jan 

CW                         20                    Written assessments                                                  Nov/Dec 

EXRE                    100                   Applications of molecular spectroscopy   2 hours      Jun 

NMR Spectroscopy 

Revision of key concepts (coupling, resonant frequencies); 

1D NMR spectra , I = ½ (including 1H, 13C, 19F, 31P, 103Rh, 29Si); 

Decoupled spectra; 

DEPT; 

Satellites (i.e. non-100% abundant nuclei); 

Chemical vs magnetic inequivalence in inorganic and organic systems; 

Magnitude of coupling constants; 

Fluxionality (Berry mechanism, coalescence temperature); 

Prediction and analysis of NMR spectra for given molecular compounds; 

Coupling constants; 

The Karplus relationship; 

Second order coupling; 

The Nuclear Overhauser Effect; 

Exchange reactions and peak shape; 

Monitoring reactions; 

Applications of 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC/HSQC, NOESY/ROESY); 

Quadrupolar nuclei; 

UV-vis spectroscopy  

Selection rules and revision of Beer Lambert law; 

Spectrometer basics; sample types 

Appearance of bands; Franck-Condon; from potential diagrams to spectra (vibronic structure) 

Jablonski energy level diagrams 

Types of electronic transition: π-π*, n-π*, CT; MLCT, LMCT (d-d, f-f briefly) 

Relationship of electronic transitions to molecular structures of aromatic molecules; 

Influence of conjugation and substituents on absorption properties; 

Influence of pH on absorption properties; 

Comparison of charge transfer species in aromatic organics and metal complexes; 

Solvent dependence (positive and negative solvatochromism) of CT transitions; 

Charge transfer complexes in donor acceptor mixtures; 

Modern applications of UV-vis spectroscopy 

Essential Reading and Resource List:

References to the primary literature will be given throughout and students will be expected to utilise WoK to access supporting information to the lecture notes. 

Background Reading and Resource List:

Atkins – Physical Chemistry 

Banwell – Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy 

Brisdon – Inorganic Spectroscopic Methods (Oxford Primer) 

Hore – NMR (Oxford Primer) 

Iggo – NMR Spectroscopy in Inorganic Chemistry (Oxford Primer) 

Laboratory chemistry is central to a thorough appreciation for the subject as a whole. This module delivers practical and interpretation skills spanning the whole range of chemistry. Experiments covering the areas of organic, biological, inorganic, physical, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy will be carried out. The experimental outputs (samples, datasets, spectra) will be interpreted and analysed. Experimental results will be linked with the appropriate theory and mechanism to deliver a coherent and holistic view of the subject. 

Various pre-lab activities, including some teaching of spectroscopy and chromatography, will support the in-lab and related activities. 

There will be an emphasis on safety and correct working practice. 

Undertake a range of synthetic chemistry transformations and physical chemistry investigations using appropriate laboratory equipment in a safe manner. These experiments are typically more involved than those in CH5110. 

Understand the importance of an experiment in terms of the skills being developed, and to relate the experimental output to the underlying theory. 

Present and critically evaluate experimental data in a structured and rigorous manner. 

Identify deficiencies in experimental data, and propose new experiments that will address any such deficiencies. 

Prior to each laboratory session, students will be required to engage with online resources to fully prepare them to undertake the practical work and to demonstrate an appreciation of safety. 

Students will carry out a structured series of experiments, working closely with experienced demonstrators who will be responsible for the supervision and assessment/feedback on the experiment. 

Following each experiment or group of experiments, discussion and feedback sessions will be held so that students can develop and practice key skills relating to the understanding and interpretation of experimental data. 

Content that is closely allied with experimental work, specifically spectroscopy and chromatography, will be delivered to further cement the link between experiment and theory. 

Intellectual Skills 

• You will learn to select and apply techniques and experimental designs that are used across the breadth of chemistry. 

Chemistry-Specific Skills 

• You will carry out experimental work in synthetic chemistry, preparing chemicals which are then purified using common procedures. 

• You will assess the structure, purity and physico-chemical properties of compounds using a range of analytical and spectroscopic methods. 

Transferable Skills 

• You will prepare rigorous reports that describe the conduct, findings and conclusions of experimental work. 

• You will accurately record measurements and observations from experiments. 

• You will use appropriate software (including specific chemical drawing and analysis software) to produce reports of a high standard. 

Formative feedback will be delivered on all aspects during the laboratory sessions by academic supervisors and demonstrators. At the end of each experiment, experimental data and/or samples will be evaluated for summative assessment, with immediate feedback given. The overall quality of working and output will contribute to the ‘Lab Work’ component of assessment. 

Formative feedback will be delivered during a session after completion of each experiment by all groups. This will then feed into two submissions of data interpretation and analysis, one per semester. 

At two points in the module, you will submit an extended experimental write-up, as part of a portfolio of assessment, covering one synthetic chemistry and one instrumental chemistry experiment. Experiments will be written up in a style designed to develop professional standards of reporting. Each of these portfolios will be summatively assessed, with feedback on the first portfolio able to be used to improve the second portfolio. All learning outcomes will be covered, with a focus on learning outcome 2. 

Students are required to pass each individual component of this module. All assessments will contribute to the delivery of all learning outcomes. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

Students who do not pass the ‘Practical Work’ component of this module will be required to resit as an internal student during the next academic session. 

Students who do not pass one or more of the ‘Portfolio’ components will be provided with a resit opportunity over the summer following the academic session. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Type of assess     %  Contrib.  Title              Duration    Approx. date of Assess.   Qualifying Mark 

PSA                       60                  Lab Work                        Oct-May                              40 

CW                        40                  Lab Write Ups                 Nov-May                             40 

All aspects are mandatory. 

Application of synthetic chemistry techniques to the preparation, purification and characterization of a range of organic and inorganic compounds (e.g., organometallic compounds, coordination compounds). 

Experimental determination of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of reactions, colloidal and surface processes (spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods). Presentation of data and application of theory to determine parameters. 

Use of basic computational chemistry software for the exploration of chemical structure and reactivity. 

Application of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, NMR) for assigning structure and stereochemistry. 

In this module students will learn how to efficiently and effectively search for and retrieve information within the vast chemical literature. Students will gain skills in presenting experimental procedures, chemical data and concepts both in writing and orally to diverse audiences. They will gain experience with the digital tools that are available for communication through different media. Students will have opportunities to enhance their employability, by developing their team working, proficiency in information technology and articulating their skills to potential employers. 

1. Locate, retrieve and evaluate chemical information from books, journals and specialised databases. 

2. Articulate chemical concepts, information and skills proficiency to both expert and non-expert audiences through oral presentation, writing and digital media. 

3. Work in a team to accomplish a presentation task on time. 

11 x 1-hour lectures and workshops. These will be a mixture of lecture type presentations and workshop events. Additional online resources will also be provided. 

Intellectual skills 

• Ability to analyse a topic in order to prepare for an oral, written, or visual presentation 

• Use of critical analysis to choose and present material of an appropriate level for a given audience. 

Medicinal chemistry specific skills 

• Use of chemistry specific databases to retrieve chemical information 

• Use of chemistry specific drawing and visualisation software to present diagrammatic data 

Transferable skills 

• Search electronic sources for technical information 

• Prepare and present an impactful and informative presentation 

• Select an appropriate communication style and media for a particular audience 

• Work with a small team to prepare and present a poster 

• Write an extended essay on a given topic 

• Manage time efficiently and work in groups to accomplish tasks 

The module is summatively assessed via three tasks, a group poster, a written literature review essay, and a non-technical oral presentation. The poster and talk will involve an element of peer assessment.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

If a student fails this Module, they will be able to submit a single synoptic written assessment during the resit exam period. 

Type of assessment              %    Title                                        Duration         Approx. date of Assessment 

Written Assessment                50    Literature Review Essay        1500 words 

Presentation                           30     Oral Presentation                   10 min 

Presentation                           20     Group Poster Presentation     N/A 

Data-base searching eg. Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Sci-finder. 

Use of a reference manager program. 

Use of chemical drawing software. 

Correct referencing and acknowledgement; avoidance of plagiarism. 

Using critical analysis to choose appropriate topics for presentations (visual, written and oral). 

Translation of complex scientific information and communicating it effectively, taking into account the audience and context. 

Verbal and visual presentation skills, to be used in a group poster and a short talk. 

Written presentation skills, including the identification and communication of key messages. 

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the communication of science in different contexts (e.g. print, video media, posters). 

Career reflection, job application and interview skills (to be taught with assistance from Student Futures). 

This module will give students an introduction into modern practical skills in medicinal chemistry. This will include hands-on training in often-used reactions and set-ups in the field as well as handling of biological macromolecules. In addition, the participants will have the chance to use of state-of–the-art equipment, such as flow reactors, an automatic chromatographic purification system and a scale-up reaction vessel. Medicinal chemistry concepts, such as 3-D shape complementarity, Structure Analysis Relationship (SAR) analysis and physicochemical properties will be interwoven into the module, using the appropriate software. The participants will use medicinal chemistry concepts to take responsibility of which compounds to synthesise next and how to save a chemical series by targeted chemical modification of the lead compound. Students will be instructed in methods essential for data acquisition and reporting to professional standards. There will be the opportunity to critically evaluate published, peer reviewed research. 

1. Safely carry out a range of reactions of organic and biological molecules using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. 

2. Make independent decisions on which compounds should be made next and how on a typical medicinal chemistry project based on logical medicinal chemistry concepts. 

3. Present experimental procedures, data and interpretations in a precise, concise and professional manner. 

4. Critically evaluate and draw conclusions from scientific information from synthetic and biological experiments and published sources. 

This module will be delivered through blended learning. Online resources will supplement hands-on learning in the teaching laboratory: 

• Online laboratory manuals will allow participants to plan experimental work beforehand in a safe and timely manner and also introduce key medicinal chemistry concepts (learning outcomes 1, 2) 

• Participants will carry out twelve synthetic experimental experiments, four biological experiments with an additional two computational experiments being delivered live online (learning outcomes 1 – 4) 

• Participants will take part in a journal club where they will critique a publication in an oral presentation. 

• Carry out COSHH and risk assessments to ensure safe practice prior to experimental work. 

• Performing scientific calculations critical for proper reagent preparation. 

• Essential practical skills in synthetic chemistry and handling proteins and nucleic acids  

• Operating a flow reactor, automatic purification system and scale-up reaction vessel 

• Identify and assess the purity of reaction products using modern analytical and spectroscopic methods 

• Problem-solving to save a chemical series from a common fault by fine-tuning of a basic centre. 

• Thinking in 3-D by learning how to draw, minimise the energy of and overlay molecules in silico  

• Analyse and spot SAR trends with regards to activity and lipophilicity 

• Using software packages in the field of medicinal chemistry and statistics 

• Time management 

• Critical analysis of published works 

• Prepare concise and accurate scientific reports of experimental data and procedure 

• Communication through group discussion and reporting to professional standards 

There are 2 points of assessment in this module:  

Practical skills portfolio (80%)  

Students will compile a portfolio where they will be required to evidence the following aspects of practice: 

Consistent attendance and active engagement in practical sessions. 

Proficiency in safely performing standard techniques in synthesis and analysis. For some experiments this may include an assessment of the quality of physical samples according to appearance, 1H NMR spectroscopic and LC/MS analysis. 

Operating common equipment in the medicinal chemistry laboratory.   

Recording of experimental procedures and outcomes in a professional style that would enable reproduction of the experiment. 

Reporting of analytical data in the style of a chemistry journal. 

Interpretation of analytical data to deduce or confirm chemical structure. 

Use of software for statistical analysis and graphical presentation of numerical data. 

Use of software of calculation and visualisation of 3-D structure and molecular properties. 

Decision making and planning what compounds to make and how by applying medicinal and synthetic chemistry principles. 

Mechanistic interpretation of chemical reactions. 

Problem solving using a combination of medicinal chemistry concepts and appropriate software to overcome challenges in biological activity and synthesis.  

A reflective commentary describing skills development, signposting the evidence of the above skills and discussing what might have been done differently to improve experimental outcomes. 

Formative feedback on the portfolio will be provided at the end of autumn semester. 

Journal Club (20%) 

Students will be individually assessed in the form of a short presentation in a ‘Journal club’-style workshop. Each student will present a critical evaluation of a peer reviewed published paper. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

An attendance register will be kept at laboratory sessions. Students who do not pass the ‘Practical Skills Portfolio” component of this module due to lack of attendance at laboratory sessions will be required to resit as an internal student during the next academic session. If students have attended laboratory sessions, students will be permitted to revise and resubmit their portfolio during the resit period. 

Since the journal club consists of a group discussion, the student will not be able to resit this assignment in its original form. Instead, in the summer, they will be asked to provide a written critique of an assigned journal article and then discuss it with the appropriate staff member. 

Type of assessment    %   Title                                    Duration         Approx. date of Assessment 

PO                                80    Practical skills portfolio      6000 words     May 

PR                                20    Journal club                       3 h                  Jan

Practical experience with laboratory equipment for synthetic organic chemistry and purification, including handling air-sensitive reagents. 

Synthetic and purification techniques will be illustrated using a variety of reactions that are commonly employed in medicinal chemistry which may include Pd-catalysed C-C coupling and organometallic reactions, SNAr reactions, amide couplings, heterocycle-forming condensation reactions, reductive aminations, late-stage fluorination and protecting group chemistry. 

Fundamental mechanistic principles of common synthetic reactions in medicinal chemistry and their place in synthetic strategy. 

Principles of operation of laboratory equipment for synthesis and testing of drugs candidates. 

Use of apparatus including flow reactors, an automatic chromatographic purification system and a scale-up reaction vessel. 

Practical skills in pipetting and buffer making. 

Polymerase Chain Reaction – theory and practice. 

Gel electrophoresis and blotting – practical technique and data interpretation. 

Use of computational chemistry software for prediction of molecular shape, physicochemical properties (in silico 3-D shape complementarity, calculation of pKa and lipophilicity) and analysis of structure-activity relationships. 

Use of software for statistical analysis, graphing and data presentation.  

Literature search/critiquing and evaluating a scientific paper. 

Essay writing skills and referencing. 

This module will set out the essential concepts of physical chemistry that underpin key aspects of medicinal chemistry. This will include descriptions of intermolecular forces and their modelling in computer software to describe the interactions between drugs and their targets as well as the properties and behaviour of drugs in relevant systems, such as the body and in formulation.

• Discuss the origin and importance of intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding, dispersion, electrostatics and induction and how they influence the properties of drugs. 

• Evaluate drug-protein interactions, protein-protein interactions, solubility and other pharmaceutical parameters in terms of molecular interactions and thermodynamics. 

• Apply kinetic descriptions to processes of pharmacological relevance such as enzyme kinetics and pharmacokinetics. 

• Compare different approaches to modelling the intra- and intermolecular forces using molecular mechanics and assess which approach is most applicable to a challenge in medicinal chemistry. 

Content will largely be delivered through 22 x 1h lectures, addressing all learning outcomes. These will be supplemented by workshops and tutorials that will selectively address learning outcomes with an emphasis on problem solving and forging links between topics  

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying concepts from fundamental physical chemistry to understand the behaviour of drugs and their biomolecular targets. Students will develop a detailed understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics and intermolecular forces and how these are related to observed phenomena.  

The module will also involve a large element of problem solving based around real examples of medicinal chemistry. 

Formative assessment: Workshops and tutorials will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided either orally or in written form. This will prepare students to tackle problem-solving exercises in the examination. 

Summative assessment: A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the techniques/concepts covered to unseen problems. An online quiz will allow students to demonstrate their ability to solve medicinal chemical problems. The online quiz will focus on the students’ ability to use and interpret numerical data representing physical properties to predict pharmacological properties of drugs. Marks will reflect the extent to which students have met the module learning outcomes shown above. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2 h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess         %  Contr    Title                                                                 Duration        Approx. date of Assess

Exam                          80               Physical Chemistry for Medicinal Chemists      2 hours           May/June

Online quiz                 20               Summative online quiz                                     1 hour

Resit                          100              Resit                                                                2 hours          August

Intra- and intermolecular forces:  

• dispersion forces, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, & hydrophobic effect.  

Molecular interactions and pharmaceutical parameters as consequences of intra- and intermolecular forces. 

• Aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, effects of protonation state and pKa, logP, c-logP, logD, PEGylation for increasing aqueous solubility, group additivity approaches to estimate pharmaceutical parameters; 

• Hunter’s hydrogen-bonding model for molecular interactions; 

• Small-molecule-protein interactions, protein-protein interactions 

• Drugs and physiology, volume of distribution, cell membrane is an aqueous-lipophilic-aqueous type barrier, serum albumin as carrier protein;  

• QSAR: Structure – function relationships; 

• Drug administration routes; 

• Molecular interactions in drug formulation; 

Modelling the intra- and intermolecular forces with molecular mechanics:  

• Born-Oppenheimer, functional forms for bonded and non-bonded, parameters and specific forcefields for medicinal chemistry 

• Applications of molecular mechanics: conformational searching, drug-receptor docking, introduction to molecular dynamics. 

Thermodynamics:  

• Recap of concepts: enthalpy, entropy, free energy, equilibrium constants;  

• thermodynamics of protein structure and folding;  

• Cold and hot denaturation; 

• thermodynamics of drug-receptor and protein-protein interaction;  

• techniques for determination of thermodynamics quantities. 

Kinetics:  

• Recap of concepts: 0th, 1st, 2nd order reactions, Arrhenius model;  

• Enzyme kinetics: Michaelis-Menten model, cooperativity, inhibition and activation, complex reactions;  

Pharmacokinetics: 

• ADMET: adsorption, distribution, volume distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity and bioavailability  

• Overview of pathways of drug excretion and degradation (e.g. CYP450 degradation); 

• Use of prodrugs to achieve desired properties;  

• half life of drug in body. 

This module will provide Chemistry students with the business skills necessary to turn opportunities that emerge from their chemistry knowledge into a successful enterprise.  Working with experts from Cardiff Business School, module participants will explore different facets of business such as marketing, strategy and operations management, to provide them with an organisational framework and the business knowhow needed to make their entrepreneurial aspirations a reality.  Particular attention will be paid to the particular challenges of chemistry related enterprises such how rigorous health and safety practices can underpin a successful approach to business.   

• Critically evaluate and analyse different business models, by identifying key business strategies and their effectiveness. 

• Examine the interrelationship between, and impact of, key business principles such as marketing, operations management, (digital technologies) and financial awareness. 

• Recognise and apply key components of a successful business plan through the design of an effective business plan. 

• Effectively communicate, orally and in writing, key business principles and strategies to a diverse audience with varying stakeholder interests and needs. 

This module will be shared via a series of short lectures and expert insights from successful entrepreneurs.  Case studies will be used to illustrate best practice examples from business and students – they will synthesise these cases in group activities. Some of the sessions will include guest speakers who run their own business.  Group discussions will follow guest speakers to ensure that key learning points are identified. The concept of the business plan will be introduced early in the programme and will be referred to at different points throughout the programme where relevant.  

Students will understand how they can run their own business and will appreciate the difficulties involved. 

They will comprehend all of the different elements of business that they need to consider in order 

They will reflect on the skills that they are learning in their chemistry degree and how these can be used to create their own business.  

They will hone the ability to succinctly describe their business idea both verbally, via presentation, and in written form, via the creation of their business plan.  

They will understand how to express their business ideas so that they are easily understood by a variety of different stakeholders such as financiers, customers and suppliers.  

• Distinguish between successful and unsuccessful business practices 

Formative assessment through group work flip chart exercises  

• Appreciate key principles of productive marketing practices 

Formative assessment through interpretation of case studies 

• Discover the core tenets of successful business strategy 

Formative assessment via mentimeter 

• Summarise important operations management principles 

Formative assessment of groups feeding back their summaries following operations management session 

• Understand basic finance knowledge required to create a business plan 

Summative assessment via business plan 

• Evaluate the importance of considering incorporating digital within your approach to business 

Summative assessment via presentation and business plan 

• Demonstrate their understanding of the important components of successful business through the completion of a comprehensive business plan – summative assessment via business plan 

• Ability to communicate your business idea to a range of different stakeholders 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Should they fail the module they will be able to submit a recorded version of their individual presentation. Should they fail the business plan element, following extra guidance from a module coordinator, students can make adjustments needed to their business plan and can resubmit.  

Type of assessment    %     Title                                                                                  Duration (if applicable)    Approx. date of Assessment 

Presentation                  40    Communication of student’s business idea and plan       20 mins 

Written                           60    Business Plan (1500 words) 

The programme of activity has been designed to provide a comprehensive introduction into all of the necessary components of running your own business. Proposed topics include: 

1. Introduction, oversight and assessment explanation   

Setting the scene – why having different routes for your career is advantageous, benefits of being a business owner and examples of successful chemist entrepreneurs 

2. Vision, Mission and Brand 

This session will explore the importance of setting a vision for the business and being authentic to your mission and brand. 

3. Strategy and Innovation 

This session will share the important role that strategy plays in setting your direction and how it is essential to consider building innovation as a central spine to your strategic intent.  

4. Understanding Customers 

This session will discuss how you can better understand customers in order to refine your business offer and grow your market.  It will discuss the difference between the voice of the customer and developing a customer mindset. 

5. Marketing 

This session builds on the theme of understanding customers and examines core principles of good marketing practice. Looking at examples of brilliant marketing, students will be encouraged to think about which marketing concepts and principles will help them in their business.  

6. Leadership  

Great leadership is the difference between mediocre businesses and fantastic ones.  This session will explore key personality traits of successful leaders and will discuss concepts and techniques that can be deployed to engender great leadership. 

7. Teamworking 

This critical skill is an essential part of successful businesses, even those that just contain one employee. The need to work with, listen to and flex your approach in order to achieve a variety of different business outcomes is essential. This session will illustrate key team working principles and will encourage the students to explore them.  

8. Digitalisation 

21st Century businesses must consider technology and digitisation. This session will share examples of companies that successfully embrace digitalisation to commercial effect and will ask the students to consider how they can ensure technology is appropriately incorporated into their business 

9. Sustainability 

Another essential topic is to ensure that businesses appropriately consider environmental and social responsibility (ESR). This session will provide students with the latest thinking in this area and will help them to incorporate ESR within their business strategy and plan 

10. Financial Management 

This session will provide the fundamentals of business accounting needed to construct a viable business plan. 

11. Assessment session – presentation of business plan to the group  

This module discusses the structure and chemistry of proteins, principles of protein function, receptors, enzymes, the structure and chemistry of DNA and RNA, transcription and translation. Principles of enzyme catalysis and kinetics, and the effect of inhibitors will be discussed. Concepts for interference with biochemical pathways in medicinal chemistry will be presented throughout the module. The concepts of agonists and antagonists will be introduced, including models for describing these quantitatively. Specific examples of some of the main classes of drug targets and the mechanism of action of drugs that target them will be described. Students will learn about the design concepts for drugs against the different classes of target.  

1. Discuss the chemical, structural and functional properties of nucleic acids and proteins and how these can be exploited as drug targets. 

2. Quantitatively evaluate experimental data and relate this to the underlying biological processes. 

3. Design drugs through application of an understanding of biomacromolecule structure, function and molecular interactions;  

4. Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources (literature, electronic databases, experiments). 

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across two semesters, equating to approximately two lectures per week). In addition, lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests. This will address the learning outcomes related to knowledge and understanding. 

Workshops (2 x 1 h formative) will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving skills. 

Coursework (summative) will involve searching, retrieval and critical analysis of data/information from the literature and/or databases. 

Tutorials (2 x 1 h, formative) will allow provide opportunities students to students in meeting all learning outcomes. 

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying ideas from functional group chemistry and mechanistic organic chemistry to understand how the structure of proteins and nucleic acids permit them to perform their biological function. This will be demonstrated through the drawing of curly-arrow pushing mechanisms. The principles of design of drugs that bind to these macromolecules through non-covalent and covalent interactions to modulate their biological function will be developed. In addition to this area of problem solving, students will also gain familiarity with interpreting and presenting data, such as enzyme kinetics, visualising biomolecular structures and retrieval of information from databases. 

Formative assessment: The first two workshops will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided either orally or in written form. Tutorials will be marked via Learning Central, and additional oral feedback provided during the tutorial sessions. This will prepare you to tackle problem-solving exercises in the examination. 

Summative assessment: A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of proteins and nucleic acids as drug targets, the principles of how drugs interact with these, and an ability to process and interpret experimental data relating to drug-target interactions. The coursework will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to use electronic and printed resources to locate relevant data/information, to critically review literature knowledge and report the findings/conclusions through an on-line exercise. Marks will reflect the extent to which students have met the module learning outcomes shown above. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period. Students who fail the coursework component will be reassessed through  

Type of assessment   %    Title                                                  Duration    Approx. date of Assessment 

EXSP                           80    Macromolecules as drug targets      2 h              May 

CW                              20    Coursework  On-line                                            Mar 

EXRE                          80    Macromolecules as drug targets       2 h              Aug 

CWRE                         20    Resit coursework On-line                                     Aug

Structure, biophysical properties and chemistry of nucleotides (DNA and RNA).  

Transcription and translation; mRNA and tRNA synthesis. 

The genetic code and the molecular basis of ribosomal protein synthesis. 

Overview of nucleic acid technologies – sequencing, PCR and protein expression. 

Nucleic acids as drug targets and pharmaceuticals. 

Overview of protein structure. Ramachandran plots and secondary structure. Tertiary and quaternary structure. 

Principles of protein function. 

Introduction to enzyme catalysis. Mechanisms of enzyme inhibition. Michaelis-Menten kinetics in the absence and presence of inhibitors. 

Quantification of drug efficacy in terms of kinetic parameters, EC50 and IC50. 

Examples of enzyme catalysis of relevance as targets in medicinal chemistry – kinases, serine- and metallo-proteases, monooxygenases. 

Structure and function of ion channels, GPCRs and nuclear hormone receptors. 

Role of these proteins as drug targets with examples of drugs illustrating their mode of action and the drug design principles. 

Proteins as drugs – opportunities and challenges for drug development. 

Mae’r modiwl yma’n adeiladu ar y cysyniadau a’u cyflwynwyd yn y flwyddyn gyntaf, ac yn darparu trawsolwg mecanyddol o sawl grŵp gweithredol pwysig, yn cynnwys eu synthesis a’u adweithedd. Ar ôl trawsolwg o gemeg y grŵp carbonyl, bydd y synthesis ac adweithedd systemau aromatig, heteroaromatig a heterogylchog, sydd yn blociau adeiladu pwysig ar gyfer yr holl deunyddiau sy’n bwysig i’n cymdeithas, yn cael eu trafod. Bydd yr adran olaf yn cyflwyno sut i reoli stereocemeg mewn synthesis organig, h.y. rheoli trefniant 3-D atomau o fewn moleciwlau.

1. Disgrifio mecanweithiau adwaith gan ddefnyddio saethau cyrliog i ddarogan a rhesymu canlyniad yr adweithiau organig.
2. Disgrifio priodweddau ac adweithedd cyffredinol ystod eang o gyfansoddion dirlawn ac annirlwn, yn cynnwys alcenau, carbonylau, cyfansoddion aromatig a heteroaromatic.
3. Deall yr egwyddorion sylfaenol sy’n dylanwadu os yw adwaith yn stereoddetholus, a’r sail egniol sy’n pennu’r stereodetholusrwydd ar gyfer sawl trawsffurfiad organig.
4. Defnyddio priodweddau sylfaenol adweithedd cemeg organig i ddarogan a rhesymu canlyniad adweithiau cemeg organig.
5. Defnyddio rhesymeg mecanweithiol sy’n deillio o lwybrau adweithiau hysbys i ddarogan llwybrau adweithau anhysbys ond tebyg.
6. Cynllunio a darlunio synthesis targed cyfansoddyn heterogylchog gan ddefnyddio’r deunydd a gyflwynwyd yn CH5103 (Cemeg organig flwyddyn 1^af) a deunydd y modiwl yma.

32 x 1 awr o ddarlithiau, 12 x 1 awr o weithdai, 6 x 1 awr o diwtorialau.

Bydd darlithoedd yn ymdrin â chynnwys sydd yn berthnasol i bob canlyniad dysgu. Bydd rhain yn cael eu ategu gan waith tiwtorial, a fydd yn cynnwys adborth wedi’i deilwra i’r myfyrwyr.

Sgiliau deallusol

• Defnyddio dull rhesymegol i gwblhau problemau cemeg organig;

Sgiliau Cemegol

• Deall a defnyddio confensiynau ar gyfer darlunio strwythurau moleciwlaidd;
• Darlunio mecanweithiau ar gyfer adweithiau cemeg organig a gyflwynwyd yn y sylabws;
• Cynllunio synthesis organig, dewis strategaethau priodol, defnydd synhwyrol o adweithyddion ac amodau adwaith ar gyfer y lefel yma o gemeg;
• Cysylltu theori ag arbrofion ymarferol.

Sgiliau trosglwyddadwy 

• defnyddio rhesymeg i gwblhau problemau na welir o’r blaen.

cemegol o’r deunydd a gyflwynwyd yn y darlithoedd. Bydd rhain yn cael eu hymestyn i esiamplau o foleciwlau na welwyd o’r blaen i alluogi myfyrwyr i ddangos y deallusrwydd angenrheidiol. Mae’r arholiad yn Ionawr yn galluogi’r myfyrwyr i gael adborth ar eu cynnydd yn y modiwl.

Cyfleoedd ar gyfer ail-asesiad: 

Bydd myfyrwyr sydd â chaniatâd gan y Bwrdd Arholi ar gyfer ail-asesiad yn y modiwl yn cael eu gofyn i gyflwyno adroddiad ysgrifenedig a chyflwyniad ar lafar wedi’u addasu yn ystod yr un flwyddyn academaidd. Bydd hwn ond yn digwydd mewn achosion lle mae asesiad gan y goruchwylydd yn dderbyniol, ond lle mae amgylchiadau esugusodol wedi effeithio ar pharatoad yr adroddiad gwreiddiol. 

Cemeg grwpiau gweithredol pellhach (semester Hydref)

Grwpiau carbonyl Cemeg 3: Esiamplau pellhach o gemeg enolau ac enoladau: adwaith groes Aldol, cyddwysiad Knoevenagel a cyddwysiadau tebyg. Yr adwaith Mannich. Cemeg ac adweithedd deuanionig. Enoladau Cinetig a thermodeinamig (ffurfiad etherau silyl enol). Yr adwaith Wittig ac amrywiadau cyffredin. Cemeg tebyg i enoladau mewn sylffocsidau, sylffonau a sulffocsiminau. Adweithiau amineiddio rhydwythol.

Cemeg Alcen 2: Hydroboreiddio ac epocsideiddio alcenau. Osonoleiddio alceneau. Deuhydrocsyleiddio a thorriad ocsidiol deuolau.

Ad-drefniannau: Adweithiau mudo i ocsigenau a nitrogenau electron-brin (Baeyer-Villiger, Beckmann, ad-drefniannau Curtius a rhai tebyg – Hofmann, Lossen, Schmidt). Ad-drefniannau carbocationau. Ad-drefniannau pinacol a rhannol-pinacol.

Cyfunedd: Adiad gyfunol i gyfansoddion carbonyl alffa, beta-annirlawn. Niwcleoffilau organocopor a malonad (yn cynnwys yr adwaith Robinson a’u tebyg). Yr adwaith Baylis-Hillman.

Cemeg Aromatig 2: Adweithiau cyffredin ychwanegol systemau aromatig. Amnewidiad Niwcleoffil (S_NAr). Dulliau hydrogeniad a rhydwythiad mewn systemau aromatig (rhydwythiad Birch). Halwynau deuasoniwm (adweithiau Sandmeyer). Ffurfiad ac adweithedd bensyn. Cyflwyniad i trawsgyplu cyfansoddion bensen gyda ffocws ar eu defnydd synthetig.

Ffurfiad ac adweithedd Cylchoalcanau/systemau aromatig a Stereodetholusrwydd (semester Gwanwyn)

Synthesis Cyfansoddion Heteroaromatig: Dadansoddiad retrosynthetig a synthesis systemau heteroaromatig – pyridin, pyrol, ffwran, ocsasol, thiasol, imidasol a rhai o’u hanalogau sydd wedi’u hasio. Pwysleisio’r cysylltiadau gyda cemeg carbonyl. Bydd hyn hefyd yn cynnwys esiamplau o systemau di-aromatig  sy’n cael eu creu drwy mecanweithiau tebyg.

Adweithedd cyfansoddion heterogylchog aromatig: Amnewid electroffilig mewn systemau aromatig, yn cynnwys yr adweithiau Vilsmeier-Haack a Pictet-Spengler. Amnewid niwcleoffilig mewn systemau heteroaromatig gyda halid. Pwysleisio’r gwahaniaeth mewn basigedd ac adweithedd pyridinau, pyrolau, indolau ac imidasolau.

Adweithio ffurfio cyfansoddion cylchog: Siapau cylchoalcanau, yn ffocwsi ar feintiau canolig, eu cydffurfiadau a’u effeithiau orbital wrth ffurfio’r cylchogyfansoddyn. Yr adwaith Diels-Alder. Cylchoadiad 1,3-deubolar gyda ambell i esiampl o systemau di-aromatig. Rheolau Baldwin.

Tarddiad Moleciwlaidd Stereodetholusrwydd: Cyflwyniad i’r meini prawf sylfaenol ar gyfer adweithiau stereoddetholus. Proffilau egni ar gyfer adweithiau sydd yn mynd drwy gyflwr trosiannol diastereomerig. Adweithiau stereoddetholus wedi’u rheoli gan y swbstrad: Rhydwythiad cylchohecsanonau, epocsideiddio/cylchopropaneiddio alcoholau alylig cylchog. Model Cram/Felkin-Anh ar gyfer adiad stereoddetholus i garbonylau. Cyflyrau trosiannol Zimmerman-Traxler ar gyfer adweithiau aldol diastereoddetholus (perthnasol i geometreg enoladau).

BSc students on placement overseas are enrolled on this module. It consists of a substantial project on a chemical sciences topic conducted at an overseas placement provider. Students will submit a written report and video that discusses their placement experience. These will be supplemented by a placement review which provides a reflective account of skills development over the course of the placement. Satisfactory performance is required for the award of the degree, and the mark awarded contributes 10% to the overall degree classification. 

• Describe and present the objectives, methods and outcomes of a project in oral and written form. 

• Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources. 

• Analyse a topic to give a discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues. 

• Devise and execute a complex plan of work towards a goal. 

• Analyse and interpret findings and use these to predict behaviour with which to inform future work. 

• Adapt to professional working practices in an industrial or overseas setting. 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team.

Students undertake a placement in a partner institution overseas, of 9 - 12 months duration. It consists primarily of project work supervised by a staff member at the placement provider. The project results are presented in a written report, Video presentation and Placement review. 

Intellectual skills 

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

2. Analysis of an advanced topic, discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues; 

3. Planning, and executing a complex activity; 

Chemistry-specific skills 

1. searching and selecting from the literature, discussing it critically in the context of the project undertaken; 

2. Conducting an extended project at a chemical sciences-using placement provider; 

3. Recording of all working notes in an appropriate manner with reference to risk and hazard information where applicable; 

Transferable skills 

1. Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences; 

2. Organisation and presentation of oral and written reports; 

3. Adapt to working in an unfamiliar culture; 

4. Learn from others in a work-based environment 

The module will be assessed via coursework including a written report of the project, a video presentation in which the student discusses the background to their project, their own role and findings, and an essay reviewing the placement. The placement review is a reflective commentary that should demonstrate skills development and an appreciation of the culture and working practices at the overseas placement provider and how these differ from the UK. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the first available Examination period after the Examining Board. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module, will need to resubmit each failed component of the module (report, video presentation and/or placement review) during the next available Examination Period. 

Type of assess   %  Contrib  Title                                Duration      Approx. date of Assess

Coursework         50                 Report                            N/A               July 

Coursework         20                 Video Presentation         N/A               July 

Coursework         30                 Placement Review          N/A               July 

The placement experience will be undertaken in the academic host approved by the placement scheme coordinator. The main feature will be a substantial project on a chemical sciences topic determined by the host. This will be carried out on a time scale appropriate for the particular placement, but is expected to take about 1200 hours of student time, including all literature work, project work, preparation of presentation and written report.  

The main report will be supplemented by a short placement review, describing the particular environment of the placement - aspects of cultural differences in the host institution and skills development during the placement. 

Regular contact will be maintained throughout, primarily through the personal tutor, with involvement by the placement coordinator as necessary. 

BSc students on placement in industry are enrolled on this module during their year out. Satisfactory performance is required for the award of the degree, and the mark awarded contributes 10% to the overall degree classification. 

• Describe and present the objectives, methods and outcomes of a project in oral and written form. 

• Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources. 

• Analyse a topic to give a discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues. 

• Devise and execute a complex plan of work towards a goal. 

• Analyse and interpret findings and use these to predict behaviour with which to inform future work. 

• Adapt to professional working practices in an industrial or overseas setting. 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team.

Students take this module whilst undertaking a placement industry, of minimum 9 month duration.  It consists primarily of project work supervised by the placement provider. The project results are presented in a written report, Video presentation and Placement review. 

Intellectual skills 

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

2. Analysis of an advanced topic, discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues; 

3. Planning, and executing a complex activity; 

Chemistry-specific skills 

1. Searching and selecting from the literature, discussing it critically in the context of the project undertaken; 

2. Conducting an extended project at a chemical sciences-using placement provider; 

3. Recording of all working notes in an appropriate manner with reference to risk and hazard information where applicable; 

Transferable skills 

1. Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences;  

2. Organisation and presentation of oral and written reports; 

3. Adapt to working in an unfamiliar culture; 

4. Learn from others in a work-based environment 

The module will be assessed via coursework including a written report, a video presentation of the project, and an essay reviewing the placement. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the first available Examination period after the Examining Board. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module, will need to resubmit each failed component of the module (report, video presentation and/or placement review) during the next available Examination Period. 

Type of assess      % Contrib    Title                         Duration   Approx. date of Assess

Coursework            50                 Report                      N/A            July 

Coursework            20                 Video Presentation   N/A           July 

Coursework            30                Placement Review     N/A           July 

The placement experience will be undertaken in the industrial host approved by the placement scheme coordinator. The main feature will be a substantial project on a chemical sciences topic determined by the host. This will be carried out on a time scale appropriate for the particular placement, but is expected to take about 1200 hours of student time, including all literature work, project work, preparation of presentation and written report. For the placements, it is expected that all of the nominal 1200 hours will be spent on the project at the host, but it is recognised that the nature of the host’s work may require this to be modified and directed work related to the host’s business may take up some of the time, though a substantial independent and original project must be included. 

The main report will be supplemented by a short placement review, describing the particular environment of the placement - aspects of cultural differences in the host institution, skills development during the placement and business aspects of the company. 

Regular contact will be maintained throughout, primarily through the personal tutor, with involvement by the placement coordinator as necessary. 

This is a module of practical work, designed to familiarise learners with advanced research techniques used for experiments of a synthetic and/or instrumental nature, and with professional applications of information technology. 

The module will also include exercises designed to develop critical analysis, problem-solving, oral and written communication, and to enhance students’ employability. 

• Use equipment appropriate to the experiments in a safe and correct way; 

• Obtain and act upon safety and hazard information for chemicals and chemical procedures; 

• Recognise the relationship between spectroscopic properties (NMR, IR, UV/vis and XPS) and molecular structure and symmetry; 

• Critically assess the experimental results in relation to the chemical principle behind each experiment; 

• Write a concise report on all results obtained; 

• Critically review primary literature chemistry articles.   

Approximatively 60 h (20 x 3 h) laboratory classes, plus approximatively 6 h of seminars / workshops. 

Students will undertake several tasks in synthetic, instrumental and computer laboratory. For each one, performance in the laboratory and understanding of underlying concepts will be tested by one or more written reports, submission of samples and spectra, or online tests.  

Intellectual skills 

a) Draw conclusions about reaction mechanisms from the combination of experimental and spectroscopic data; 

b) Relate the experimental data to the underlying theory; 

c) Analyse problems and identify the critical decisions needed in designing approaches to solutions. 

Chemistry-specific skills 

a) Prepare, isolate and purify organic and inorganic compounds using standard procedures; 

b) Manipulate air-sensitive compounds under an inert atmosphere; 

c) Prepare and isolate aqueous coordination compounds; 

d) Obtain and interpret IR and UV/vis spectra of organic and transition-metal compounds; 

e) Interpret IR and NMR spectra of organic compounds and hence assess critically the outcome of a reaction; 

f) Determine kinetic of reaction and reaction mechanism by interpreting experimental data;  

g) Use of experimental data to calculate an unknown value; 

h) Assess the risks associated with the use of chemicals and apparatus; 

i) Record experimental data in an organised manner and present a written report and oral discussion clearly and concisely; 

j) Determine the most appropriate format for presentation of experimental data; 

k) Show scientific judgement and ability to select appropriate experiments to tackle a problem. 

Transferable skills 

a) Write a concise and accurate report on a specified topic; 

b) Use appropriate software in calculation and modelling of structures and properties of substances; 

c) Analyse information critically and provide a critical report; 

d) Work more effectively in a team; 

f) Orally present solutions to problems, and argue cases for a particular outcome. 

Formative assessment: an online test, consisting of numerical and multiple-choice answers, will be assessed formatively and will help students to ensure that they are performing and interpreting calculations correctly for the applications of information technology part of the module. 

Summative assessment: The learning outcomes will be assessed continuously on the basis of written reports, samples of compounds prepared, spectroscopic and analytical data, performance in the laboratory. Consistent attendance of practical sessions is essential.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.  

Practical work cannot be repeated after the scheduled time for the module is over. Reassessment involves completing the written assessments based on the student’s own data. Students who need to repeat or do the laboratory work will be required to resit as an internal student in the next academic session.  

Type of assessment                %  Contrib   Title                                                     Duration    Approx. date of Assessment

Practical-Based Assessment    90                  Laboratory work and written reports   N/A             N/A 

Written Assessment                  10                  Key skills exercise                              N/A             November 

Synthetic chemistry will include the preparation of a range of compounds on small and medium scale. Reactions will involve organic, organometallic and coordination compounds, manipulation of air-sensitive compounds, and characterisation and analysis using NMR, IR, UV and other techniques as appropriate. 

Physical chemistry will involve accurate measurement of physical properties and recording, interpreting and using experimental data to calculate an unknown value.  

Application of information technology in chemistry – application of theoretical methods and calculations to probe molecular structure, bonding and reactivity.  

Key Skills - critical analysis of the primary chemical literature 

This module of practical work develops and applies principles and techniques learnt in CH2301. New experimental techniques appropriate to synthetic and instrumental projects will be explored and the relationship between theory and experiment will be illustrated in a number of practically based problem-solving exercises. As part of the general skills theme this module also involves a group project in which students work in teams to address aspects of a particular chemical problem. The teams write technical reports on their work and present the data to the whole class in a group discussion. Finally, students write an individual paper in the RSC Chemical Communications format presenting the findings from the class experiment. 

• Use equipment appropriate to the experiments in a safe and correct way; 

• Obtain and act upon safety and hazard information for chemicals. 

• Suggest an appropriate experimental strategy to investigate a problem 

• Work with a team to create a group report and presentation 

• Write a scientific paper based on a number of different data sets.   

This practical module consists of short mini-research tasks covering the areas of both synthetic and instrumental chemistry. In the synthetic laboratory, students will typically undertake five or six practical tasks and for each one, submit a literature survey and a report on their own experimental results. For the instrumental section, the students will work in small teams to investigate a specific problem set for the class, using cutting edge equipment based in research laboratories. Each team reports their findings to the class in the form of a report and presentation. Students then, individually, write up the class findings as a scientific paper. A final part of the module involves the preparation of individual video explaining some aspect of chemistry. Help is provided by the School for preparing the videos if needed. 

• Interpret experimental data and make deductions in the light of an existing model for a system; 

• Put new experimental data into the context of what was already known; 

• Assess the current state of knowledge of a system from a literature survey. 

• Assess the risks associated with the use of chemicals and apparatus; 

• Record experimental data in an organised manner and present a written report and oral discussion clearly and concisely; 

• Competently carry out appropriate experiments to tackle a problem. 

• Prepare a concise account of previous work on a topic from a survey of the literature; 

• Write an article suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal based on data derived in the laboratory and a literature survey; 

• Prepare a video-based presentation on a chemistry topic. 

This module will be assessed continuously on the basis of written reports, samples of compounds prepared, spectroscopic and analytical data, and performance in the laboratory.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

Practical work cannot be repeated after the scheduled time for the module is over. Reassessment for the module will therefore involve completing the written assessments based, either on the student’s own data or on data supplied for the experiments. 

Type of assess                        %  Contrib.  Title                                                          Duration     Approx. date of Assess

Practical-Based Assessment   90                   Laboratory Work and Written Reports    N/A              January - March 

Presentation                            10                   Video presentation                                  N/A              April 

This practical module introduces some new skills in synthetic chemistry and requires students to plan and execute the synthesis of target materials.  

The physical chemistry section of the module is a class project, which involves applying knowledge from previous modules to interpret data from a number of advanced spectroscopic and microscopic methods and work as a team to develop a model to account for the experimental data. 

The module also involves practicing your presentation skills by preparing a video of a topic of general chemical interest. 

This module consists of a supervised research project for visiting students. This may be in any area of practical or theoretical chemistry. Visiting students need to have secured a supervisor before enrolment in the module. The project is completed by a written report. 

• Describe and present the objectives, methods and outcomes of a project. 

• Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources. 

• Analyse a topic to give a discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues. 

• Devise and execute a complex plan of work towards a goal. 

• Analyse and interpret findings and use these to predict behaviour with which to inform future work. 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team. 

Visiting students take this module whilst undertaking a placement in Cardiff University.  It consists primarily of project work supervised by the placement supervisor.  The results are presented in a written report. 

Intellectual skills 

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information

2. Analysis of an advanced topic, discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues; 

3. planning, and executing a complex activity; 

Chemistry-specific skills 

1. searching and selecting from the literature, discussing it critically in the context of the project undertaken;

2. recording of all working notes in an appropriate manner with reference to risk and hazard information where applicable; 

Transferable skills 

1. Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences;  

2. Organisation and presentation of oral and written reports; 

3. Adapt to working in an unfamiliar culture; 

4. Learn from others in a research-based environment 

The module will be assessed via coursework including a written report. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the first available Examination period after the Examining Board. 

Reassessment will consist of a further attempt at report, depending on those parts that contributed to failure on original submission. It will not normally be possible to extend or repeat experimental work as part of reassessment. 

Type of assess   %  Contrib  Title          Duration      Approx. date of Assess

Coursework         100               Report       N/A               N/A

This module consists of a supervised research project for visiting students. This may be in any area of practical or theoretical chemistry. Students prepare a written report based on their results. This is marked by the project supervisor.   

The module explains how detailed information about structure, stereochemistry and the behaviour of chemical species in solution and in the solid state can be obtained by using luminescence spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and diffraction techniques (specifically X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and electron diffraction, as well as electron microscopy). 

Luminescence Spectroscopy 

• describe the fundamental principles of photoluminescence spectroscopy. 

• describe the different types of electronically excited states associated with organic molecules and inorganic d- and f-block coordination complexes. 

• describe and interpret the key physical parameters that characterize different excited states. 

• describe the processes that contribute to non-radiative deactivation (quenching) of excited states, including energy transfer mechanisms. 

• sketch Jablonski energy level diagrams for different classes of compound. 

• apply knowledge of photoexcited state molecules to various applications. 

EPR Spectroscopy 

• describe the use of the spin Hamiltonian to interpret isotropic EPR spectra. 

• describe the interactions of magnetic dipoles, and the origin of electron Zeeman, nuclear Zeeman and hyperfine coupling. 

• sketch energy level diagrams for electron-nuclear spin systems. 

• predict the appearance of EPR spectra of organic radicals, including the multiplicity of resonance lines. 

• extract spin Hamiltonian values from experimental spectra and correlate with chemical structure. 

Diffraction Techniques 

• understand the fundamental processes involved in the interaction of X-rays, neutron beams and electron beams with solids. 

• understand the fundamental similarities and differences between X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and electron diffraction. 

• understand the specific types of information about solid-state structures that can be obtained from  
  X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, electron diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. 

• understand the scope and limitations of X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, electron diffraction and electron microscopy techniques in the study of structural properties of solids. 

• formulate the optimum experimental strategy for exploring specific aspects of solid-state structure. 

21 Lectures, with seven lectures allocated to each of the three components of the module (Luminescence Spectroscopy, EPR Spectroscopy and Diffraction Techniques). Each lecture is held “in person” in a lecture theatre. The duration of each lecture is 50 minutes. Each lecture is recorded, with the recording made available to students on Learning Central on the same day as the lecture. 

Three Formative Workshops, with one formative workshop allocated to each of the three components of the module (Luminescence Spectroscopy, EPR Spectroscopy and Diffraction Techniques). The duration of each formative workshop is 50 minutes. Each formative workshop is held as a whole-class activity in a lecture theatre. Each formative workshop is recorded, with the recording made available to students on Learning Central on the same day as the workshop. 

Interpretation and analysis of photophysical spectra and/or data, and correlation with molecular structure. 

Interpretation of EPR spectra for paramagnetic species in solution. 

Analysis of experimental data and correlation with chemical structure. 

Formulating optimum experimental strategies (involving the use of one or more of the X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, electron diffraction and electron microscopy techniques) for exploring specific aspects of solid-state structure. 

Ability to select appropriate techniques for determination of structure in solution or in the solid state for a range of chemical situations, and to assess the advantages/disadvantages of each technique for tackling specific structural problems. 

Written Examination 

There is one written examination representing 80% of the total module mark. 

Format of Assessment: Students attend an “in-person” written examination held in an exam hall at a scheduled date/time within the Spring Examination Period. The exam paper contains four questions, and students are required to answer three questions. Each of the four questions comprises two half-questions from different components of the module. 

Duration of Assessment: The time allowed for students to complete the written examination is 2 hours. 

Assessment Criteria: The maximum number of marks allocated to each question is indicated on the exam paper. Students will be given a mark between zero and the maximum mark depending on the quality of their written answer. 

Pass Mark: The written examination contributes 80% of the total module mark. The pass mark for the module is based on the total mark awarded for the module (written examination plus assessed workshop) and is 40%. 

Assessed Workshop 

There is one assessed (summative) workshop representing 20% of the total module mark. 

Format of Assessment: Students are required to tackle a problem sheet containing an equal weighting of questions from each of the three components of the module, and to submit their written answers against a specified deadline. Students are typically given 7 weeks between the release of the problem sheet and the deadline for submission of their written answers. The submission deadline is typically 3 weeks after the completion of all lectures and formative workshops associated with the module. 

Assessment Criteria: The maximum number of marks allocated to each question is indicated on the problem sheet. Students will be given a mark between zero and the maximum mark depending on the quality of their written answer. 

Pass Mark: The assessed workshop contributes 20% of the total module mark. The pass mark for the module is based on the total mark awarded for the module (i.e., the combined mark of the written examination and the assessed workshop) and is 40%. 

Resit Examination 

For students who fail the overall module based on the total mark awarded for the module (i.e., the combined mark of the written examination and the assessed workshop), a resit examination is available. The format of the resit examination is the same as the written examination described above, except that the resit examination is held at a scheduled date/time within the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess            % Contrib.          Duration            Approx. date of Assessment 

Examination                  80%                     2 hours              Spring Examination Period - May/June

Assessed Workshop     20%                     Not applicable    Submission deadline is typically 3 weeks after completion of the module 

Luminescence Spectroscopy 

Fundamentals, Jablonski diagrams. Instrumentation and data acquisition. Stokes’ shift; quantum yield; lifetimes. Fluorescence versus phosphorescence. Radiative and non-radiative decay and contributions. Energy gap law. Types of organic chromophores; effects of structure on emission. Luminescent transition metal coordination complexes. Luminescent trivalent lanthanide complexes. 

EPR Spectroscopy 

Basic principles of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). Origin and significance of the electron Zeeman and nuclear Zeeman effects. Derivation of simple spin Hamiltonian for system containing spin-active nuclei. Applications of EPR to characterize paramagnetic systems. Analysis and interpretation of EPR spectra of organic radicals and main group radicals, including determination of spin Hamiltonian parameters [g and A (hyperfine) values]. 

Diffraction Techniques 

Fundamentals: Properties of X-rays. Properties of electron beams. Properties of neutron beams. Production of X-rays (conventional sources and synchrotron radiation). Fundamentals of diffraction by crystalline solids. 

Applications, Scope and Limitations of Techniques: X-Ray diffraction (XRD): applications of X-ray diffraction, single-crystal versus powder X-ray diffraction, advantages of using synchrotron radiation, limitations of X-ray diffraction. Neutron diffraction (ND): applications of neutron diffraction, neutron diffraction versus X-ray diffraction. Electron diffraction and electron microscopy: electron diffraction (ED), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), low energy electron diffraction (LEED). 

Many key processes in biology are enabled by metal ions such as calcium, iron, copper and zinc. In this module the biological functions of a wide range of elements are examined with a particular focus upon the functions of metal ions and their catalytic roles in biology. The module will correlate the fundamental coordination chemistry of metal ions to the wide range of redox, Lewis acidic and structural roles they play in biological structures. The roles of metal ions in selected important drugs will also be explored. 

•Describe the range of functions of metal ions in biological systems. 

•Classify metalloenzymes by reaction type and illustrate with relevant examples. 

•Explain types and classes of metal ligand interactions in metalloenzymes. 

•Classify the types of metalloproteins and co-factors that incorporate transition metal and main group ions. 

•Understand from an evolutionary perspective the need for transition metal ions in biological systems. 

•Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources (literature, electronic databases). 

•Understand the mechanisms of metalloenzyme promoted chemical transformations. 

•Understand and illustrate the mode of action of metal containing drugs. 

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback. 

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to two lectures per week). In addition, lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests. This will address the learning outcomes, while examples presented will show students how they may also demonstrate their achievement. 

 Workshops (3 x 1 h, one formative, two summative) will be used to enhance and assess the basic knowledge from the lecture material. 

Tutorials (2 x 1 h, formative) will allow tutors to monitor and guide the progress of students in meeting all learning outcomes. 

• Classification of complex bioinorganic systems; 

• Analysis and understanding of the mechanisms in bioinorganic chemical systems; 

• Correlation of fundamental chemical properties of the elements with their roles in biological systems. 

• Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

• Actively reflect on own studies, achievements, and self-identity 

Formative and Summative Assessment: The three workshops take the form of multiple-choice tests to be taken in the class. Two will be assessed summatively, and feedback provided during the workshop. Tutorials will be used as reading periods to allow students to absorb course material and raise questions. 

Summative assessment: A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the techniques/concepts covered to unseen problems. The coursework will allow students to demonstrate ability to use electronic and printed resources to locate and understand relevant information. Marks will reflect the extent to which students have met the module learning outcomes shown above. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess.          %  Contrib    Title                  Duration   Approx. date of Assessment 

Exam                           80                   Report              2 hours      May/June 

Written Assessment    20                   Workshops       N/A            N/A  

The placement experience will be undertaken in the industrial or university host approved by the placement scheme coordinator. The main feature will be a substantial project on a chemical sciences topic determined by the host. This will be carried out on a time scale appropriate for the particular placement, but is expected to take about 800 hours of student time, including all literature work, project work, preparation of presentation and written report. For academic placements, it is expected that all of the nominal 800 hours will be spent on the project at the host. For the industrial placements, the aim is for a similar arrangement, but it is recognised that the nature of the host’s work may require this to be modified and directed work related to the host’s business may take up some of the time, though a substantial independent and original project must be included. 

The main report will be supplemented by a short placement review, describing the particular environment of the placement - aspects of cultural differences in teaching and learning methods in host university, skills development during the placement, business aspects of the company for industrial placements. 

Regular contact will be maintained throughout, primarily through the personal tutor, with involvement by the placement coordinator as necessary. 

This module demonstrates the diverse applications of heterogeneous catalysis and its importance to both the modern chemical industry and protecting the environment. It will outline the essential fundamental concepts and methodologies available for studying these processes, as well as the molecular level mechanisms and principles involved in catalysis. 

Processes covered include oxidation reactions, car exhaust treatment, reducing NOx emissions from stationary sources, and acid-catalyzed reactions. The importance of heterogeneous catalysts and their applications in environmental and sustainability will be outlined and addressed. For particular applications, examples of several types of catalysts, including supported metals, metal oxides, and zeolites, will all be presented. 

We'll cover key details and catalyst characteristics, as well as the typical attributes and preparation of a heterogeneous catalyst. We will assess a catalyst's performance, provide quantitative descriptors, and discuss catalyst deactivation processes. 

We'll examine heterogeneous catalyst mechanisms and contrast the various models. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood, Eley-Rideal, and Mars van Krevelen mechanisms will be addressed and experimental methods used to identify mechanism will be covered.. 

We'll go over the specifics of how heterogeneous catalysts are utilised in various reactor types, covering both laboratory and industrial scales. The various physical forms of the catalysts will also be taken into account in the context of various reactors and performance optimization. 

On successful completion of the module you should be able to:

• Describe the fundamental principles and mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysts and outline how they are applied to a range of reactions used in modern industrial processes, new sustainable processes and environmental protection. 

• Evaluate experimental data from performance of heterogeneous catalysts and relate this to key catalyst characteristics to establish an understanding between structure, composition and chemistry. 

• Propose mechanisms for heterogeneously catalysed transformations covering a wide range of chemistry and recommend appropriate experimental methodology to establish the mechanism. 

• Apply concepts of heterogeneous catalysis to propose catalysts and key functionality that are required to catalyse a specific reaction, which may be related to presented examples or an unseen transformation. 

• Examine critically a catalytic process that is currently operated at scale, based on analysis of information from the literature prioritise the key findings to summarise factors that make the process successful. 

You will receive course content delivered primarily using face to face lectures. The course consists of 22 lectures across the Spring semester, with approximately 2 lectures each week.  Lectures may  include some worked problems and informal formative questions to support principles introduced. These will help you to  address the learning outcomes and provide opportunities to apply knowledge and develop understanding.  

The lecture schedule will follow the module map published prior to the start of the module. Lectures will be recorded and will be available following the live sessions. A combination of lecture slides and additional supporting notes will be available for you prior to the face to face lectures.  

Lecture material will be supported by three workshops. Two workshops will be formative and will take the form of face to face sessions, and these will focus on supporting problem solving based on material from lectures. A single summative workshop will focus on research into a self-selected industrial catalytic process, and you will attempt this over a timescale of several weeks using independent study. You will be required to submit a one-page narrative summary for assessment. 

You will develop chemistry specific skills, some aspects will focus on applying ideas introduced in earlier modules, these will include kinetics, thermodynamics, solid state chemistry and surface chemistry, along with some new ones. You will apply these fundamental concepts to understand heterogeneous catalysts and how they operate. Application of these fundamental principles will reinforce your skills in application to problem solving and understanding. Developing these skills in the principles of heterogeneous catalysis will allow you to start to select appropriate catalysts for specific target reactions, and appreciate how catalysts could be applied to solve pressing issues around sustainability, reaching net zero carbon targets and tackling environmental challenges. 

You will gain an appreciation of the wide applications of catalysts on a global scale, and  this is an important insight into the modern chemical and processing industries, providing you with a competitive advantage when interacting with industry. 

The module develops a number of your transferable skills, such as problem solving, numeracy, retrieval, prioritisation and analysis of information, all of which are important for enhancing employability. 

Summative assessment will take the form of a written examination and a workshop piece of coursework. 

A two hour closed book written exam will test your ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and your ability to apply the techniques and concepts covered to problems solving that are related to familiar and unseen examples.  

The summative workshop coursework will consist of 1 workshop. This will allow you to demonstrate your ability to use widely available scientific resources to locate relevant information and to critically review literature knowledge through the preparation of a short written report. Marks will reflect the extent to which you have met the module learning outcomes, and you will be provided with detailed marking criteria. You will receive feedback on your work well before the written exam. 

Your learning will also be supported by two formative workshops, and feedback provided either orally or in written form after the face to face session. There will be a focus on supporting problem solving based on applying knowledge and understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Reassessment format will be a 2 hour closed book examination paper. 

Type of assess          %  Contrib.    Title                                     Duration           Approx. date of Assess

Exam paper                80                    Heterogeneous Catalysis   2 hours              Spring exam period 

Written assessment    20                    Coursework                        N/A                    Feb-Mar 

The module will begin by covering the basic fundamental aspects and applications of heterogeneous catalysis, including the effects of catalysts on reaction rates and product distribution, requirements for practical catalysts, and the design of catalysts with attention to active phases, supports and promoters. 

Approaches to catalyst preparation will be covered, and several techniques used to characterise heterogeneous catalysts will be introduced. These will include temperature-programmed methods to monitor adsorption, oxidation, reduction and desorption processes. Surface area and porosimetry by nitrogen physisorption and active metal surface area determination by chemisorption. The application of transmission and scanning electron microscopy to understand the structure of catalysts at the microscopic scale will be included. 

Principles and application of heterogeneous catalysts will be augmented by many examples. These will include catalysts for (i) water gas shift; (ii) refining processes; (iii) production and use of syngas, and catalytic routes to ammonia and methanol; (iv) atmospheric pollution control, with particular reference to the 3-way vehicle exhaust catalyst and selective catalytic reduction for stationary NOx emission control. 

The types of reactors used to apply heterogeneous catalysts will be introduced and the important features will be discussed. Two classes will be covered, (i) gas/solid reactors, and (ii) gas/liquid/solid reactors, the physical forms of the catalysts employed in the different reactors will be explained. The role of the catalytic reactor in an overall chemical process will be presented. 

Quantitative aspects of catalyst performance will be explained, covering gas hourly space velocity, conversion, product selectivity, rates of reaction and some kinetic parameters. 

Some examples of different catalysts will be covered by in-depth case studies for environmental protection applications. These will be the three-way catalytic converter for control of petrol vehicle emissions and controlling NOX emissions from stationary sources. Other different types of heterogeneous catalysts, like those that are applied to biorenewable and sustainable processes, will also be presented. Examples are zeolites, supported metals and metal oxides,  These examples will present a number of different catalytic mechanisms, and will include Langmuir-Hinshelwood, Eley-Rideal and Mars-van Krevelen types, experimental methodologies to distinguish between these mechanisms will be investigated. The relationships between experimental catalyst activity data and catalyst structure will be discussed in the context of catalyst mechanism. 

Mechanisms of catalyst deactivation will be explored and illustrated with various examples. 

Essential Reading and Resource List  

M. Bowker, The Basis and Applications of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Oxford Chemistry Primers, 1998, ISBN 0198559585 

Background Reading and Resource List  

J. M. Thomas, W. J. Thomas, Principles and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis, ISBN: 978-3-527-29239-4 

This module outlines 1) the techniques and approaches of physical organic chemistry that are be used to study mechanisms of organic, bioorganic and catalytic reactions and 2) MO theory as applied to the analysis of organic reactions, including in pericyclic reactions. 

• Propose a reasonable and falsifiable reaction mechanism for a reaction based on interpretation of physical and/or structural data. 

• Propose experiments and predict outcomes of experiments designed to falsify proposed reaction mechanisms. 

• Critically evaluate publications reporting studies of reaction mechanisms and orally report on the findings. 

• Predict or rationalise the outcome of pericyclic processes, including periselectivity, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity based on analysis of molecular orbital interactions. 

The module is taught using a combination of online recordings, interactive workshop-style lectures, a workshop and a presentation session as detailed in the weekly module map. The online recordings present the required theory and students are required to watch the recordings before the corresponding interactive workshop-style lectures. The interactive lectures then apply the theory as presented in the recordings to exam-style problem-solving exercises. The workshop is used to explain what is required from the coursework and to allow students to form groups for their presentations. During the presentation session, students will deliver their summatively assessed group presentation. 

Student will practise and develop skills in 1) discussing how reaction mechanisms become accepted theory through the evaluation of kinetic and mechanistic data and how such mechanisms are falsifiable theories; 2) deciding which experimental techniques are most appropriate for solving problems in organic reaction mechanisms; 3) defending a scientific proposal using data; 4) working as a group to develop a presentation; 5) delivering an oral presentation on a mechanistic study; 6) discussing the outcome of pericyclic reactions in terms of molecular orbital interactions. 

The module will be assessed through a group presentation and an exam. 

The summatively assessed group presentation assesses the student’s ability to critically evaluate publications reporting studies of reaction mechanisms and orally report on the findings, to work as a group to develop a presentation and to deliver an oral presentation on a mechanistic study. The marking criteria are the group’s ability in linking data to mechanism (a clear demonstration of how mechanism is supported by results from experiments is expected), in critical analysis (comments on quality of data and suggestions for future work are expected) and in quality of presentation (quality of slides, sequence of material & structure of presentation, coherence of presentation are assessed). The group is awarded a group mark from which individual marks are decided through peer marking, so that the average of the individual marks corresponds to the group mark.  

The exam assesses the student’s ability to propose a reasonable and falsifiable reaction mechanism for a reaction based on interpretation of physical and/or structural data; propose experiments and predict outcomes of experiments designed to falsify proposed reaction mechanisms; predict or rationalise the outcome of pericyclic processes, including periselectivity, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity based on analysis of molecular orbital interactions. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

A resit exam and a resit presentation will be offered if required. The resit presentation is an individual presentation instead of a group presentation.  

Type of assess         %  Contrib.    Title                                                                       Duration                     Approx. date of Assess.

Exam - Spring           80                    Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry  2 hours                        Summer exam period 

Group presentation   20                    Presentation                                                         10 minutes per group   Week 23 

Kinetics techniques in mechanistic studies: experimental methods for the acquisition of kinetic data; data analysis, curve fitting, statistics and error analysis; simple rate laws; analysis of kinetic data in terms of reaction mechanisms; complex rate laws; numerical integration techniques

Determination and interpretation of activation parameters in mechanistic studies: Gibbs energies and standard states; Δ‡Hø, Δ‡Sø and Δ‡V and their interpretation

General & specific acid and base catalysis in mechanistic studies: pH rate profiles; equations and data analysis; mechanisms leading to general/specific acid/base catalysis 

Linear free energy relationships in mechanistic studies: Brønsted plots; Hammett plots 

Use of isotopes in mechanistic studies: isotopic labelling; cross-over experiments; primary kinetic isotope effects; solvent isotope effects 

Proposing reasonable reaction mechanisms: application of the techniques above to proposing reasonable reaction mechanisms 

MO theory as applied to non-pericyclic organic reactions: The application of MO theory to various organic reactions; stereoelectronic effects. 

MO theory as applied to pericyclic reactions: cycloadditions (including Diels-Alder and dipolar cycloadditions); symmetry-allowed and symmetry-forbidden reactions, regioselectivity, stereoselectivity; sigmatropic rearrangements; 1,n hydride shifts, Cope and Claisen rearrangements; electrocyclic reactions; photochemical processes; synthetic strategies involving pericyclic processes 

This module will focus on aspects of homogeneous catalysis to include the derivation of catalytic cycles, identification of key reactions steps and highlight reactions of industrial relevance. 

Please enter the learning outcomes of the Module here. The learning outcomes set out what a typical student should know, understand or be able to do by the end of the Module of study. Guidance on writing learning outcomes can be found on the Institutional Expectations intranet pages.

• Construct catalytic cycles using fundamental organometallic reaction steps. 

• Demonstrate how empirical data can be used to construct a catalytic cycle or identify key steps in the cycle. 

• Explain chemo- regio- and stereo-selectivity and apply to catalytic mechanism. 

• Understand how knowledge of mechanism can lead to process optimisation. 

• Understand the importance of the support ligand(s) and how they can be designed for function. 

The course consists of 22 x 1-hour face-to-face lectures during the Spring semester, with approximately 3 lectures a week for 7-8 weeks.  Lectures may include some worked problems and informal formative questions to support principles introduced. These will help you to address the learning outcomes and provide opportunities to apply knowledge and develop understanding.  

The lecture schedule will follow the module map published prior to the start of the module. Lectures will be recorded and will be available following the live sessions. A combination of lecture slides and additional supporting notes will be available for you prior to the face-to -ace lectures.  

Lecture material will be supported by two workshops. These are formative and will take the form of face-to-face sessions, and these will focus on supporting problem solving based on material from lectures. These formative workshops will provide you with guidance and support for the assessed coursework and examination A single summative coursework assessment will be released after the final lecture. 

Whilst studying this Module, students will practise and develop a number of skills.  Not all of these will be assessed formally and included as learning outcomes.  This section should contain a concise summary of these, including academic, subject-specific and more generic ‘employability’ skills which support the University’s graduate attributes 

Interpretation of kinetic data to support catalytic mechanism.  

Appreciation of the importance of the support ligand(s) and their design. 

Designing experiments to prove/disprove turnover limiting steps. 

Use of spectroscopic data to support catalytic mechanism. 

Designing ligands for improved or novel catalytic performance. 

Problem solving. 

Although much of the above are course specific, the problem solving aspect is transferable and includes analysis/interpretation of data which is important for employability. 

Summative assessment will take the form of a two hour written examination and a piece of coursework. 

The exam will require a demonstration of key concepts developed during the course especially the ability to apply techniques and concepts to unseen problems related to the material covered.  

The summative coursework will allow you to demonstrate your ability to demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and apply them to unseen or partially seen material. This will be a mixture of multiple choice and open questions. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Please provide information to the student about the opportunity for reassessment, should they fail the Module. You should explain the format that reassessment.  

If the reassessment is in a different format to the original assessment, you will need to show how it continues to meet the module level learning outcomes. 

Type of assess.    % Contrib.   Title                                  Duration     Approx. date of Assess

Exam                     80                  Homogeneous catalysis  2 hours        Spring exam period 

Coursework           20                  Coursework                     Open           April 

Reactions of metal-alkene, metal-CO and metal-alkyl complexes relevant to homogeneous catalysis and a discussion of mechanisms (hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation, hydrogen-borrowing, Wilkinson’s substrate scope, Crabtree’s catalyst), carbonylation (hydroformylation, Monsanto, Eastman), metathesis, asymmetric catalysis). Use of kinetic and/or spectroscopic data for the deduction of catalytic cycles and/or key vatalytic steps. Sustainability and catalyst design. Hard and soft Lewis acid catalysis. Co-operative catalysis. 

This module concerns the engineering of biosynthetic pathways for synthesis of organic chemicals for use as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavours/fragrances and fuels. Biosynthesis enables sustainable manufacture of complex molecules in multistep routes using fermentation from renewable feedstocks under benign conditions. The combination of synthetic chemistry with biosynthesis provides an efficient avenue to novel compounds for screening as drugs. The strategies and challenges for production of organic chemicals through biosynthetic pathways will be described and illustrated with examples drawn from the biosynthesis of different classes of secondary metabolite. 

• Propose intermediates and reaction pathways for the biosynthesis of a given metabolite.  

• Choose strategies to engineer enzymes and metabolic pathways to produce a compound of a given structure. 

• Retrieve, interpret and communicate data, findings and procedures relating to biosynthesis from journals and databases. 

The module will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester) where the principles of biosynthesis of different classes of secondary metabolite will be introduced including case studies of engineering from the literature. In addition, lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative activities.  

Workshops (two formative, one summative) will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving and literature searching skills. 

Students will practice applying the concepts of synthetic organic chemistry to enzyme catalysed biosynthetic pathways. Students will develop skills in proposing appropriate starting materials and enzymes to synthesise a given target structure. 

Chemistry specific skills will include: 

• Assignment of metabolites to a particular pathway, and proposal of biosynthetic intermediates and transformations;   

• Apply strategies for modifying a biosynthetic pathway to increase yields or produce novel products;  

• Predicting the outcome of biosynthetic processing of an unnatural substrate;   

• Choosing appropriate synthetic substrates for biosynthetic pathways to generate novel compounds.   

Transferable skills:  

• Searching databases to find relevant chemical literature; 

• Synthesising and summarising information from multiple sources; 

• Proposing solutions to problems based on incomplete information;  

• Presenting chemical arguments in written form. 

Formative assessment: The first two workshops will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided either orally or in written form. This will give students an opportunity to revise the factual module content and to practice applying it to deduce and propose biosynthetic pathways.

Summative assessment: A summatively assessed workshop in the form of a written report will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to use electronic resources to locate relevant information in the literature to provide the context for solution of a problem in biosynthetic engineering. 

A written exam (2 h) will test the ability to explain biosynthetic pathways, propose pathways for production of previously unseen compounds, propose and interpret experiments in biosynthesis. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

The reassessment will be by an examination during the resit examination period. 

Type of assess     %  Contrib.    Title                                       Duration        Approx. date of Assess.

EXSP                    80%                 Engineering Biosynthesis      2 hours          May 

CW                       20%                  Coursework                           500 words     Apr

EXRE                   100%                Engineering Biosynthesis      2 hours          Aug 

Rationale for engineering pathways in primary and secondary metabolism for sustainable production of complex organic chemicals. 

Biosynthetic pathways for common classes of secondary metabolite, with examples drawn from polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids and non-ribosomal peptides. 

Strategies for modifying enzyme selectivity and activity – rational design, screening, directed evolution approaches.  

Case studies of engineering metabolite biosynthesis. 

Reconstituting metabolic pathways in new hosts (choice of host - considerations such as precursor availability, toxicity of intermediates, compartmentalisation, PTMs of pathway enzymes, accessory proteins).  

Efficiently creating molecular diversity by combining synthetic chemistry with biosynthesis (mutasynthesis) and combinatorial biosynthesis. 

This module consists of a supervised research project. This may be in any area of practical or theoretical chemistry, including educational and literature review projects. Supervisors are allocated following student preference as far as possible. Students prepare a written report and video presentation based on their results. These are marked by two examiners. 

• Describe and present the objectives, methods and outcomes of a project in oral and written form. 

• Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources. 

• Analyse a topic to give a discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues. 

• Devise and execute a complex plan of work towards a goal. 

• Analyse and interpret findings and use these to predict behaviour with which to inform future work. 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team. 

Independent research investigation, supervised by a member of academic staff or their nominee from research group. 

132 (44 × 3 h) timetabled hours of supervised or independent investigation. 

Intellectual skills 

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

2. Analysis of an advanced topic, discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues; 

Chemistry-specific skills 

1. Searching and selecting from the literature, discussing it critically in the context of the project undertaken; 

2. Independently conducting an extended investigation based on a chemistry topic;  

3. Recording of all working notes in an appropriate manner with reference to risk and hazard information where applicable; 

Transferable skills 

1. Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences;  

2. Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts 

The module will be assessed and on the basis of engagement/performance during the project and via coursework, including a written report and a video presentation of the project. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the first available Examination period after the Examining Board. 

Reassessment will consist of a further attempt at report and/or oral presentation, depending on those parts that contributed to failure on original submission. It will not normally be possible to extend or repeat experimental work as part of reassessment. 

Type of assess                        %  Contrib     Title                                                           Duration     Approx. date of Assess

Dissertation                              50                    Written Report                                           N/A              May 

Presentation                             30                    Video Presentation                                    N/A             May 

Practical-Based Assessment   20                     Intellectual and/or Practical Contribution  N/A             May 

This module consists of a supervised research project. This may be in any area of practical or theoretical chemistry, including educational and literature review projects. Supervisors are allocated following student preference as far as possible. Students prepare a written report and video presentation based on their results. These are marked by two examiners.    

Mae’r modiwl hon yn cynnwys prosiect ymchwil wedi’i oruchwylio. Gall hyn fod mewn unryw faes o gemeg, ac mae’n cynnwys prosiectau addysgiadol a phrosiectau am adolygiadau pwnc. Bydd goruchwylwyr yn cael eu dyrannu yn ôl dewisiadau’r myfyrwyr lle’n bosib. Bydd myfyrwyr yn paratoi adroddiad ysgrifennedig a chyflwyniad fideo wedi’i selio ar eu canlyniadau. Bydd rhain yn cael eu marcio gan ddau arholwr. Bydd y goruchwylio, adroddiadau a’r arholi yn cael eu gwneud yn y Gymraeg.

1. Cynllunio a chwblhau ymchwiliad nofel mewn pwnc o unryw ran o gemeg ymarferol neu ddamcaniaethol; 
2. Dewis ffynhonnell o’r llenyddiaeth gwyddonol a’i roi mewn cyd-destun y prosiect, gan gynnwys asesiad critigol o’r gwaith blaenorol; 
3. Nodi’r canlyniadau mewn modd addas, gan gyfeirio tugat at risg a pherygl lle’n briodol; 
4. Cyflwyno’r canlyniadau yn ysgrifenedig ac ar lafar; 
5. Cynllunio a chreu adroddiad manwl mewn ffurf addas ar bob agwedd o’r prosiect. 

132 (44 × 3 awr) o oriau wedi’u hamserlenni i ymchwiliad annibynnol dan oruchwyliad. 

Sgiliau deallusol

• Dadansoddi pwnc dwys, trafod ac asesu’r rhwysterau pwysig; 
• Cynllunio a chwblhau gweithgaredd cymhleth; 

Sgiliau cemegol  

• Chwilio a dewis o’r llenyddiaeth gwyddonol, ei drafod yn gritigol yng nghyswllt y prosiect; 
• Cwblhau ymchwiliad estynedig ar y pwnc cemegol; 
• Nodi’r canlyniadau mewn modd addas, gan gyfeirio tugat at risg a pherygl lle’n briodol; 

Sgiliau trosglwyddadwy  

• Dadansoddi corff sylweddol o wybodaeth;  
• Trefnu a pharatoi adroddiadau; 
• Cyflwyno adroddiad ysgrifenedig ac ar lafar. 

Bydd y modiwl yn gael ei asesu ar sail cyflwyniad fideo, adroddiad ysgrifenedig a pherfformiad/ymgysylltiad drwy gydol y prosiect. 

Cyfleoedd ar gyfer ail-asesiad: 

Bydd myfyrwyr sydd â chaniatâd gan y Bwrdd Arholi ar gyfer ail-asesiad yn y modiwl yn cael eu gofyn i gyflwyno adroddiad ysgrifenedig a chyflwyniad ar lafar wedi’u addasu yn ystod yr un flwyddyn academaidd. Bydd hwn ond yn digwydd mewn achosion lle mae asesiad gan y goruchwylydd yn dderbyniol, ond lle mae amgylchiadau esugusodol wedi effeithio ar pharatoad yr adroddiad gwreiddiol. 

Mae’r modiwl yma’n cynnwys prosiect ymchwil wedi’i oruchwylio. Gall hwn fod mewn unryw faes o gemeg, boed yn ymarferol, ddamcaniaethol, yn cynnwys prosiectau yn ymwneud â addysg a phrosiectau sy’n adolygu’r llenyddiaeth. Bydd goruchwylwyr yn cael eu penodi ar sail dewis y myfyriwr, lle’n bosib. Bydd myfyrwyr yn paratoi adroddiad ysgrifenedig a chyflwyniad fideo ar ganlyiadau’r prosiect. Bydd rhain yn cael eu mario gan ddau arholwr.   

This module will build upon concepts introduced at level 5 and develop them to address more advanced bonding schemes for metal-ligand and metal-metal interactions. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic and magnetic properties of octahedral, tetrahedral and lower symmetry co-ordination complexes will be discussed, thus allowing a detailed analysis of the electronic state of the metal centre.  

The final part of the module deals specifically with organotransition metal chemistry, covering structure and bonding, reaction mechanisms, and catalysis.  

• Describe the nature of orbital interactions in metal-ligand and metal-metal examples  

• Be aware of spectroscopic and magnetic methods available to probe the nature and properties of metal containing complexes.  

• Demonstrate an awareness of the potential applications of metal complexes.  

• and predict properties resultant from the orbital overlap.  

• Predict the physical properties resultant from the orbital overlap in varying complexes   

• Interpret physical data and justify observations by predicting structure and/or by using models of orbital overlap  

• Recognise bonding/structure relationships in transition metal-mediated reactions.  

• Apply knowledge to unseen ligand types and predict behaviour.  

• Be aware of the underlying physical processes affecting spectroscopic observations.   

• Relate measured quantities to structure for unseen molecules. Explain observed trends and predict behaviour.   

A blend of face-to-face lecture material delivery with on-line learning activities, learning support and feedback. 

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to two lectures per week). In addition, lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests. This will address the learning outcomes under the ‘Knowing’ heading, while examples presented will show students how they may also demonstrate their achievement of the ‘Acting’ learning outcomes.  

Workshops (2 x 2 h, one formative, one summative) will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving skills related to the retrieval and analysis of data.  

Tutorials (2 x 1 h, formative) will allow tutors to monitor and guide the progress of students in meeting all learning outcomes.  

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on developing student’s abilities to analyse the nature of the bonding with a transition metal complex. By assigning oxidation state and metal centre geometry, an appropriate MO diagram may be produced. Students will develop an understanding of ligand nature and their interaction with the metal centre. Effects on the reactivity of the complex (redox or chemical bond formation) will be discussed.  

Metal-metal orbital interactions may be discussed, allowing the further development of the students understanding of multiple bonding.   

Students will develop the necessary skills to identify the appropriate physical techniques to analyse and assess the bonding (and magnetic) interactions in transition metal complexes.  

Specifically, the student will have the required skills to be able to:  

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

2. Actively reflect on own studies, achievements, and self-identity 

3. Analyse the structure of unseen organometallic complexes and predict their potential behaviour with respect to redox reactions or the activation of small organic molecules.  

4. Use crystal field theory and other symmetry derived arguments to derive MO diagrams for low symmetry complexes and M-M bonding.  

5. Investigate and assign the geometry of novel co-ordination complexes; To quantify the ligand field splitting and racah B and so determine the nature of new ligands.   

6. Investigate and assign the nature of magnetic interactions in magnetically non-dilute materials; To know how to measure J, understand its meaning and be able to rationalize the results.  

Formative assessment: The first workshop will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided either orally or in written form. This will prepare the student in tackling problem-solving exercises in the examination.  

Summative assessment: The second workshop will be assessed summatively, and feedback provided either orally or in written form. 

A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the techniques/concepts covered to unseen problems. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess                    %  Contrib.     Title                 Duration     Approx. date of Assessment 

Exam - Autumn Semester    80                     Exam                2  hours     January

Written Assessment             20                     Coursework      2  hours      n/a 

The syllabus will draw from a range of topics, chosen to exemplify orbital interactions and resulting physical and chemical properties. These topics will allow the development of the student’s ability to utilise spectroscopic methods to investigate the nature of the materials. These topics may include:  

Structure and bonding in organometallic chemistry  

Description of bonding models for π-acceptor and π-donor ligands, including CO, alkenes (Dewar Chatt Duncanson model), NO+, RO-and NR2-; Physical evidence and consequences of bonding, applications of infrared spectroscopy.  

Other σ-bonding ligands, e.g. H-, and alkyl ligands.  

Metal carbonyl complexes, preparation, properties and structure.  

Bonding and structure in metal alkene complexes including conjugated anionic and polyalkene ligands and influences upon reactivity.  

Metal carbon multiply bonded systems, carbene (Fischer type) and alkylidene/alkylidyne (Schrock type) compounds. Examination of bonding models for these systems and relationships with experimentally observed reactivity.  

Transition metal hydrides and dihydrogen complexes.  

Spectroscopic techniques of study of organometallic compounds (e.g. NMR etc.).  

Mechanistic organometallic chemistry  

Classic reaction pathways of organometallic compounds, introduction to catalytic cycles  

Oxidative additions, reductive eliminations, migratory insertions, hydrogen migrations.  

Reactions of metal-alkene, metal-CO and metal-alkyl complexes relevant to homogeneous catalysis and a discussion of mechanisms (e.g. polymerisation, metathesis, cross-coupling, asymmetric catalysis).  

UV-vis Spectroscopy  

Assigning transitions and calculating Δ and racah B for d1-d9 HS and d6 LS.  

Line width and signal intensity in d-d transition. 

Magnetochemistry  

Orbital contributions:  

Nature of A and E term complexes and TIP;  

Nature of T terms: Kotani plots and their derivation.  

Magnetic properties of lower symmetry complexes:TBP, trigonal and trigonal prismatic.  

Organometallic examples.  

Elucidation of geometry utilising magnetic data.  

Effect of paramagnetism on NMR; contact shift; shift reagents; Evans’ method.  

Non-dilute systems.  

Multimetallic systems.  

Exchange mechanisms: for design or for rationalising systems.  

Exchange integral: measuring for d9 systems.  

Complexes with co-ordinated radicals:  

Innocent and non-innocent ligands.  

Examples considering magnetic, electrochemical and EPR properties.  

This module builds on previous organic chemistry modules (CH5103, CH5203) to show how the reactions covered can be applied to the synthesis of complex synthetic targets. 

A number of modern synthetic transformations are introduced at this level. 

The concept of retrosynthetic analysis is formally introduced, to show how the synthesis of a target molecule can be rationally designed. In order to accomplish this, a selection of previously-covered reactions will be presented again with a focus on their strategic application. 

Have a broad understanding of synthetic chemistry transformations, as evidenced by an ability to identify nucleophilic and electrophilic sites and to recognise plausible bond-forming steps.

Identify sensible approaches to target molecules of significance and moderate complexity. 

Appreciate the relevance of modern synthetic approaches (including transition metal catalysis, stereoselectivity, protecting groups) to complex target synthesis. 

Perform a retrosynthetic analysis and forward synthesis for a given target molecule, and to describe the approach using appropriate terminology. 

Learning activities will be a blend of traditional lectures (22 h) containing problem-solving formative components. Answers to given problems will be covered during lectures and/or provided videos/supplementary resources.

Three workshops will be delivered, with a focus on developing problem-solving skills. The first two of these will be formative, with feedback provided. The final one will be summatively assessed. 

Tutorials (2 x 1 h) will also be delivered to allow further opportunities for informal student feedback to be provided. 

Students will have the opportunity to practice the retrosynthetic analysis of synthetic targets of biological/medicinal importance. This will include an increased appreciation for the stereochemical outcome of organic transformations. 

Formative assessment will take place throughout the lecture sessions, with staff facilitating peer discussion. In this way, students will be able to monitor their own progress. Formative workshops will build on this, with feedback given to prepare students for summative assessment. 

A summative workshop will assess the student’s understanding of fundamental chemical reactivity as applied to relevant synthetic targets. 

A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit a synoptic examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Type of assess     % Contrib.    Title                                             Duration      Approx. date of Assess.

Class test              20                   Workshop                                                         November 

Exam                     80                   Advanced Synthetic Strategies   2 hours         January 

Resit Exam           100                  Advanced Synthetic Strategies   2 hours         August 

Retrosynthetic analysis 

Introduction to disconnections and the logic of synthesis 

C-X disconnections – alcohols, halides, ethers, sulfides and amines and 1,2- & 1,3-difunctionalised compounds 

C-C disconnections and synthesis using carbonyl group, including alkene synthesis, enolate alkylation selectivity 

Synthesis of 1,3-, 1,4- and 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds 

Use of protecting groups when chemoselectivity issues arise 

Manipulation of double bonds, ring opening, ring expansion and ring formation techniques 

Pericyclic reactions 

Electrocyclic reactions, Cycloadditions, Sigmatropic rearrangements (Diels-Alder reaction, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, Claisen rearrangement etc.) 

Palladium-catalysed coupling methods 

Disconnection for the synthesis of polyunsaturated systems 

Selected applications in synthesis, with emphasis on the retrosynthetic features and stereoselective synthesis 

Precursor synthesis where appropriate 

Metathesis 

Definition and emphasis on catalyst types for both ring closure (ene-ene, ene-yne and yne-yne) and cross metathesis; experimental methods; brief mention of utility in polymer synthesis and total synthesis

The module describes fundamental concepts in quantum and statistical mechanical description of molecules and solids. Starting from solution of the Schrödinger equation for model systems, quantum mechanical methods for approximate description of molecular electronic structure, and their applications, will be discussed. Statistical mechanics will be based around the definition of partition functions, and will employ such definitions in discussion of thermodynamics and kinetics. Extension of quantum mechanics to the solid state will lay the basis for band theory description of the electronic structure of metals, semi-conductors and insulators. 

Demonstrate awareness of methods for description of electronic structure of molecules and solids. 

Describe means to relate molecular to macroscopic properties using the techniques of statistical mechanics. 

Evaluate results of electronic structure calculations, critically assess their performance and extract chemically relevant properties. 

Calculate thermodynamic and kinetic properties of molecular systems from knowledge of molecular properties. 

Understand and predict key properties of materials based on a band structure description of their electronic structure. 

Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources (literature, electronic databases, experiments/calculations). 

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to approximately two lectures per week). In addition, lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests. 

Workshops will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving skills related to the retrieval and analysis of data. 

Tutorials will allow tutors to monitor and guide the progress of students in meeting all learning outcomes. 

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying ideas from fundamental physical chemistry to understand how modern descriptions of the electronic structure of molecules and solids are constructed and applied to reach a unified picture of molecular properties. Students will develop a detailed understanding of how properties of molecules and materials are related to their electronic structure, and how these properties are related to observed macroscopic behaviour. The module will also involve a large element of problem solving using both numerical and algebraic techniques, based around real examples of theoretical methods. 

A written exam (2 h) will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the techniques/concepts covered to unseen problems. A single piece of coursework will allow students to demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and apply that knowledge to chemical problems. Marks will reflect the extent to which students have met the module learning outcomes shown above. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Type of assess.            %  Contrib.  Title                                                                                            Duration    Approx. date of Assess.

Exam                             80                  Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids   2 hrs          Jan 

Written assessment       20                  Intellectual and/or Practical Contribution                                   N/A            Nov 

Reassessment              100                Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids    2 hrs          Aug 

Quantum mechanics: Schrödinger equation, Born-Oppenheimer approximation; Exact solutions for model problems; electron spin and the Pauli principle; Coulomb and exchange energies; Variation theorem, approximate wavefunctions and energies; LCAO approximation, Slater determinants and basis sets; Hartree-Fock and self-consistent field approach; Electron correlation: Post-HF and density functional theory methods; potential energy surfaces and chemical properties.

Statistical mechanics: Review of basic concepts, probability, kinetic theory of gases, microstates, Boltzmann distribution; Definition of partition functions for translational, rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom Thermodynamics from partition functions: internal energy, entropy and heat capacity; role of partition functions in rate constants derived from transition state theory. 

Band theory: Band structure and its relationship to the electronic structure of solids; Band structure at interfaces; Periodic quantum chemistry approach for theoretical analysis of solid-state structure; Bloch functions for wavefunctions for periodic systems; Reciprocal space and use of sampling to determine approximate band structures. 

This module concerns the structure, chemistry and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. The module illustrates how fundamentals of chemical structure and reaction mechanisms can be applied to the physical and functional properties of proteins and nucleic acids. Real-life applications in medicine and industry will be outlined. Students will learn about the range of analytical and structure determination techniques that can be applied to biological macromolecules. The principles of modern methods for DNA synthesis, amplification and sequencing will be elucidated. Principles of enzyme catalysis and kinetics will be discussed, together with an overview of the roles played by cofactors. The processes of transcription and translation will be described with an overview of how molecular biology enables production of new proteins.  

• Explain the roles of macromolecules in the chemistry of life. 

• Predict and explain the function and reactivity of biological macromolecules in terms of chemical structure and reaction mechanism. 

• Select experimental strategies to synthesise and analyse biological macromolecules. 

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to two lectures per week). Lectures will include worked problems representative of exam questions.

Tutorials (2 x 1 h, formative) will give the opportunity to practice solving problems and interpretating experimental observations. 

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying ideas from functional group chemistry and mechanistic organic chemistry to understand how the structure of proteins and nucleic acids permit them to perform their biological function. Student will learn how to select appropriate techniques for synthesis and analysis of biological macromolecules. Students will also gain familiarity with computer-based methods for searching, retrieving and visualising protein and nucleic acid sequences and structures from on-line databases. 

Formative assessment: Lectures will include the opportunity to attempt problems based on exam questions with immediate feedback provided in oral form. Students will be provided with problems to attempt in advance of the tutorials. Feedback will be provided orally during the tutorial. This will prepare students to tackle problem-solving exercises in the examination and professional practice.

Summative assessment: A written exam (2 h) will test students’ ability to demonstrate their knowledge of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the concepts covered to unseen problems. The coursework (on-line workshop) will allow students to demonstrate the ability to use electronic resources to locate and visualise relevant information in biological chemistry. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess.    %  Contrib.       Title                                     Duration       Approx. date of Assess.

EXAU                    80                       Macromolecules of Life       2 hours          Jan 

CW                        20                      Workshop                             2 hours          Dec 

EXRE                    100                    Macromolecules of Life        2 hours          Aug 

Overview of protein structure; Ramachandran plots and secondary structure; Tertiary and quaternary structure; Protein structure prediction; Introductory NMR and mass spectrometric characterization of proteins. 

Principles of protein function; Binding and catalysis. Myoglobin and hemoglobin; Physical basis of enzyme catalysis including the role of cofactors, Michaelis-Menten kinetics; Mechanisms of enzyme inhibition; Simple examples of enzyme-catalyzed transformations. 

Structure, biophysical properties and chemistry of nucleotides (DNA and RNA); DNA synthesis, amplification and sequencing; DNA-based technologies and their applications. 

Transcription and translation; mRNA and tRNA synthesis; The genetic code and the molecular basis of ribosomal protein synthesis. 

This module is taken by MChem students on placement abroad or in industry. The main feature will be a substantial project on a topic determined by the placement provider. Placements will be approved by the School placement coordinator. This will be carried out on a timescale appropriate for the particular placement, with duration no less than 9 months and up to 12 months. The main report will be supplemented by a short placement review, describing the particular environment of the placement. 

• Describe and present the objectives, methods and outcomes of a project in oral and written form. 

• Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources. 

• Analyse a topic to give a discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues. 

• Devise and execute a complex plan of work towards a goal. 

• Analyse and interpret findings and use these to predict behaviour with which to inform future work. 

• Adapt to professional working practices in an industrial or overseas setting. 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team. 

Students take this module whilst undertaking a placement abroad or in industry.  It consists primarily of project work supervised by the placement provider.  The results are presented in a written report, and also in a seminar at Cardiff University.

Intellectual skills 

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

2. Analysis of an advanced topic, discussion and critical assessment of the significant issues; 

3. Planning, and executing a complex activity; 

Chemistry-specific skills 

1. Searching and selecting from the literature, discussing it critically in the context of the project undertaken; 

2. Conducting an extended project at a chemical sciences-using placement provider; 

3. Recording of all working notes in an appropriate manner with reference to risk and hazard information where applicable; 

Transferable skills 

1. Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences;  

2. Organisation and presentation of oral and written reports; 

3. Adapt to working in an unfamiliar culture; 

4. Learn from others in a work-based environment 

The module will be assessed via coursework including a written report, a video presentation of the project, and an essay reviewing the placement. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the first available Examination period after the Examining Board. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module, will need to resubmit each failed component of the module (report, video presentation and/or placement review) during the next available Examination Period. 

Type of assess   %    Contrib.    Title                           Duration    Approx. date of Assess

Coursework         65                      Report                       N/A             July 

Coursework         25                      Video Presentation    N/A            July 

Coursework         10                      Placement Review    N/A             July 

The placement experience will be undertaken in the industrial or university host approved by the placement scheme coordinator. The main feature will be a substantial project on a chemical sciences topic determined by the host. This will be carried out on a time scale appropriate for the particular placement, but is expected to take about 800 hours of student time, including all literature work, project work, preparation of presentation and written report. For academic placements, it is expected that all of the nominal 800 hours will be spent on the project at the host. For the industrial placements, the aim is for a similar arrangement, but it is recognised that the nature of the host’s work may require this to be modified and directed work related to the host’s business may take up some of the time, though a substantial independent and original project must be included. 

The main report will be supplemented by a short placement review, describing the particular environment of the placement - aspects of cultural differences in teaching and learning methods in host university, skills development during the placement, business aspects of the company for industrial placements. 

Regular contact will be maintained throughout, primarily through the personal tutor, with involvement by the placement coordinator as necessary. 

This module will build upon concepts introduced at level 5 and develop them to address more advanced bonding schemes for metal-ligand and metal-metal interactions. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic and magnetic properties of octahedral, tetrahedral and lower symmetry co-ordination complexes will be discussed, thus allowing a detailed analysis of the electronic state of the metal centre.  

The final part of the module deals specifically with organotransition metal chemistry, covering structure and bonding, reaction mechanisms, and catalysis.  

• Describe the nature of orbital interactions in metal-ligand and metal-metal examples  

• Be aware of spectroscopic and magnetic methods available to probe the nature and properties of metal containing complexes.  

• Demonstrate an awareness of the potential applications of metal complexes.  

• and predict properties resultant from the orbital overlap.  

• Predict the physical properties resultant from the orbital overlap in varying complexes   

• Interpret physical data and justify observations by predicting structure and/or by using models of orbital overlap  

• Recognise bonding/structure relationships in transition metal-mediated reactions.  

• Apply knowledge to unseen ligand types and predict behaviour.  

• Be aware of the underlying physical processes affecting spectroscopic observations.   

• Relate measured quantities to structure for unseen molecules. Explain observed trends and predict behaviour.

Students will study this module remotely, whilst undertaking a placement abroad or in industry. They will be provided with learning resources, including electronic versions of lectures delivered in Cardiff, and required to complete regular assignments. 

Content will be delivered using recorded lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to two lectures per week). In addition, recorded lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests. This will address the learning outcomes under the ‘Knowing’ heading, while examples presented will show students how they may also demonstrate their achievement of the ‘Acting’ learning outcomes.  

Workshops (formative and summative) will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving skills related to proposed mechanisms, data retrieval and analysis. Submission of workshops and return of marks and feedback will be performed on-line. 

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on developing student’s abilities to analyse the nature of the bonding with a transition metal complex. By assigning oxidation state and metal centre geometry, an appropriate MO diagram may be produced. Students will develop an understanding of ligand nature and their interaction with the metal centre. Effects on the reactivity of the complex (redox or chemical bond formation) will be discussed.  

Metal-metal orbital interactions may be discussed, allowing the further development of the students understanding of multiple bonding.   

Students will develop the necessary skills to identify the appropriate physical techniques to analyse and assess the bonding (and magnetic) interactions in transition metal complexes.  

Specifically, the student will have the required skills to be able to:  

1. Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

2. Actively reflect on own studies, achievements, and self-identity 

3. Analyse the structure of unseen organometallic complexes and predict their potential behaviour with respect to redox reactions or the activation of small organic molecules.  

4. Use crystal field theory and other symmetry derived arguments to derive MO diagrams for low symmetry complexes and M-M bonding.  

5. Investigate and assign the geometry of novel co-ordination complexes; To quantify the ligand field splitting and racah B and so determine the nature of new ligands.   

6. Investigate and assign the nature of magnetic interactions in magnetically non-dilute materials; To know how to measure J, understand its meaning and be able to rationalize the results.  

Students will undertake a series of online assignments throughout the year, which will allow them to demonstrate their ability to judge and critically review relevant information. 

Formative assessment: an online workshop will be made available and assessed formatively, during the beginning of the module. Online feedback will be provided after the workshop’s submission deadline. This will prepare the student in tackling problem-solving exercises.  

Summative assessment: There are three online workshops that will be assessed summatively, and online feedback will be provided after each workshop’s submission deadline. 

The workshops will test the student’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the syllabus content, and their ability to apply the techniques/concepts covered to unseen problems. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will sit an examination (2h) during the Resit Examination Period.  

Type of assess.    %  Contrib    Title              Duration   Approx. date of Assessment 

Coursework           100                Workshop      2  hours  

Reassessment      100                Workshop      2 hours

The syllabus will draw from a range of topics, chosen to exemplify orbital interactions and resulting physical and chemical properties. These topics will allow the development of the student’s ability to utilise spectroscopic methods to investigate the nature of the materials. These topics may include:  

Structure and bonding in organometallic chemistry  

Description of bonding models for π-acceptor and π-donor ligands, including CO, alkenes (Dewar Chatt Duncanson model), NO+, RO-and NR2-; Physical evidence and consequences of bonding, applications of infrared spectroscopy.  

Other σ-bonding ligands, e.g. H-, and alkyl ligands.  

Metal carbonyl complexes, preparation, properties and structure.  

Bonding and structure in metal alkene complexes including conjugated anionic and polyalkene ligands and influences upon reactivity.  

Metal carbon multiply bonded systems, carbene (Fischer type) and alkylidene/alkylidyne (Schrock type) compounds. Examination of bonding models for these systems and relationships with experimentally observed reactivity.  

Transition metal hydrides and dihydrogen complexes.  

Spectroscopic techniques of study of organometallic compounds (e.g. NMR etc.).  

Mechanistic organometallic chemistry  

Classic reaction pathways of organometallic compounds, introduction to catalytic cycles  

Oxidative additions, reductive eliminations, migratory insertions, hydrogen migrations.  

Reactions of metal-alkene, metal-CO and metal-alkyl complexes relevant to homogeneous catalysis and a discussion of mechanisms (e.g. polymerisation, metathesis, cross-coupling, asymmetric catalysis).  

UV-vis Spectroscopy  

Assigning transitions and calculating Δ and racah B for d1-d9 HS and d6 LS.  

Line width and signal intensity in d-d transition. 

Magnetochemistry  

Orbital contributions:  

Nature of A and E term complexes and TIP;  

Nature of T terms: Kotani plots and their derivation.  

Magnetic properties of lower symmetry complexes:TBP, trigonal and trigonal prismatic.  

Organometallic examples.  

Elucidation of geometry utilising magnetic data.  

Effect of paramagnetism on NMR; contact shift; shift reagents; Evans’ method.  

Non-dilute systems.  

Multimetallic systems.  

Exchange mechanisms: for design or for rationalising systems.  

Exchange integral: measuring for d9 systems.  

Complexes with co-ordinated radicals:  

Innocent and non-innocent ligands.  

Examples considering magnetic, electrochemical and EPR properties.  

The module describes fundamental concepts in quantum and statistical mechanical description of molecules and solids. Starting from solution of the Schrödinger equation for model systems, quantum mechanical methods for approximate description of molecular electronic structure, and their applications, will be discussed. Statistical mechanics will be based around the definition of partition functions, and will employ such definitions in discussion of thermodynamics and kinetics. Extension of quantum mechanics to the solid state will lay the basis for band theory description of the electronic structure of metals, semi-conductors and insulators. 

Demonstrate awareness of methods for description of electronic structure of molecules and solids. 

Describe means to relate molecular to macroscopic properties using the techniques of statistical mechanics. 

Evaluate results of electronic structure calculations, critically assess their performance and extract chemically relevant properties. 

Calculate thermodynamic and kinetic properties of molecular systems from knowledge of molecular properties. 

Understand and predict key properties of materials based on a band structure description of their electronic structure. 

Retrieve and communicate data, findings and procedures from a variety of sources (literature, electronic databases, experiments/calculations). 

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (22 h across one semester, equating to approximately two lectures per week). In addition, lectures will include worked problems and informal ad hoc formative tests.  

Workshops will be used to enhance and assess problem-solving skills related to the retrieval and analysis of data. 

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying ideas from fundamental physical chemistry to understand how modern descriptions of the electronic structure of molecules and solids are constructed and applied to reach a unified picture of molecular properties. Students will develop a detailed understanding of how properties of molecules and materials are related to their electronic structure, and how these properties are related to observed macroscopic behaviour. The module will also involve a large element of problem solving using both numerical and algebraic techniques, based around real examples of theoretical methods. 

Assessment of this module is solely through coursework, allowing students to demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and apply knowledge to chemical problems. Marks will reflect the extent to which students have met the module learning outcomes shown above. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Type of assessment    %  Contrib   Title                                                                                                                              Duration      Approx. date of Assess

Written assessment      100                Quantum and Statistical Mechanics of Molecules and Solids for Distance Learners  N/A               N/A 

Quantum mechanics: Schrödinger equation, Born-Oppenheimer approximation; Exact solutions for model problems; electron spin and the Pauli principle; Coulomb and exchange energies; Variation theorem, approximate wavefunctions and energies; LCAO approximation, Slater determinants and basis sets; Hartree-Fock and self-consistent field approach; Electron correlation: Post-HF and density functional theory methods; potential energy surfaces and chemical properties.

Statistical mechanics: Review of basic concepts, probability, kinetic theory of gases, microstates, Boltzmann distribution; Definition of partition functions for translational, rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom Thermodynamics from partition functions: internal energy, entropy and heat capacity; role of partition functions in rate constants derived from transition state theory. 

Band theory: Band structure and its relationship to the electronic structure of solids; Band structure at interfaces; Periodic quantum chemistry approach for theoretical analysis of solid-state structure; Bloch functions for wavefunctions for periodic systems; Reciprocal space and use of sampling to determine approximate band structures. 

This module concerns the structure, chemistry and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. The module illustrates how fundamentals of chemical structure and reaction mechanisms can be applied to the physical and functional properties of proteins and nucleic acids. Real-life applications in medicine and industry will be outlined. Students will learn about the range of analytical and structure determination techniques that can be applied to biological macromolecules. The principles of modern methods for DNA synthesis, amplification and sequencing will be elucidated. Principles of enzyme catalysis and kinetics will be discussed, together with an overview of the roles played by cofactors. The processes of transcription and translation will be described with an overview of how molecular biology enables production of new proteins. 

• Explain the roles of macromolecules in the chemistry of life. 

• Predict and explain the function and reactivity of biological macromolecules in terms of chemical structure and reaction mechanism. 

• Select experimental strategies to synthesise and analyse biological macromolecules. 

Content will be delivered using recorded lectures (22 h across two semesters, equating to approximately one lecture per week). Lectures will include worked problems representative of exam questions. 

Chemistry-specific skills will be focused on applying ideas from functional group chemistry and mechanistic organic chemistry to understand how the structure of proteins and nucleic acids permit them to perform their biological function. Students will learn how to select appropriate techniques for synthesis and analysis of biological macromolecules. Students will also gain familiarity with computer-based methods for searching, retrieving and visualising protein and nucleic acid sequences and structures from on-line databases. 

Formative assessment: Example problems based on examination questions will be covered during lectures. Students will have access to tutorial problems and an answer guide with which to check their solutions. Students may attempt an on-line workshop as a formative exercise and will receive feedback.

Summative assessment: There will be a summative workshop in autumn semester that will cover topics from the first half of the lectures, and a spring semester workshop covering topics from the second half. These will be open-book non-timed exercises and will require students to search for data on-line, visualise it and solve problems. 

  A timed (2 h) open-book exercise at the end of spring semester will test students’ ability to apply the knowledge and concepts from the syllabus to unseen problems. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic session will complete an additional piece of coursework during the Resit Examination Period. 

Type of assess       %  Contrib    Title                                       Duration      Approx. date of Assess

CW                          100                 Workshops                                                May 

CW                          100                 Macromolecules of Life          2 hours        Aug 

Overview of protein structure; Ramachandran plots and secondary structure; Tertiary and quaternary structure; Protein structure prediction; Introductory NMR and mass spectrometric characterization of proteins. 

Principles of protein function; Binding and catalysis. Myoglobin and hemoglobin; Physical basis of enzyme catalysis including the role of cofactors, Michaelis-Menten kinetics; Mechanisms of enzyme inhibition; Simple examples of enzyme-catalyzed transformations. 

Structure, biophysical properties and chemistry of nucleotides (DNA and RNA); DNA synthesis, amplification and sequencing; DNA-based technologies and their applications. 

Transcription and translation; mRNA and tRNA synthesis; The genetic code and the molecular basis of ribosomal protein synthesis. 

This module will expand upon the practical skills in medicinal chemistry introduced in the second year. Key C-C and C-X bond forming reactions (for example Wittig, SNAr, generation and reaction of organolithium compounds, trifluoromethylation) will be introduced along with further Pd-catalysed couplings that are essential in medicinal chemistry. Key skills to safely and reliably handle air sensitive reagents and reactions will be developed, alongside a deeper understanding of the kinetic and thermodynamic control of reaction products. Additional seminars will cover relevant topics, such as good manufacturing practice and medical imaging. Exposure to liquid chromatography, automated purification systems and computational chemistry software will prepare the participants for their future careers in the field.  

1. Safely and effectively synthesise compounds using air and moisture sensitive reagents and catalysts. 

2. Predict and explain reaction outcomes with reference to reaction mechanism, kinetic and thermodynamic factors. 

3. Present experimental work in a concise and consistent manner and critically assess both synthetic and biological results. 

This module will be delivered through blended learning. Online resources will supplement hands-on learning in the teaching laboratory: 

• Online laboratory manuals will allow participants to plan experimental work beforehand in a safe and timely manner and also introduce key medicinal chemistry concepts  

• Participants will carry out ten synthetic  experiments with an additional two computational experiments being delivered live online  

• The write-ups for the experimental work will be split into four reports. Prior to each submission, a 1 h session will be held to clearly explain the expectations for the reports 

• Carrying out COSHH assessments to ensure safe practice prior to experimental work 

• Essential practical synthetic chemistry skills  

• Safely manipulating air sensitive reagents and reactions 

• Operating automated purification and liquid chromatography systems  

• Identifying and assessing the purity of reaction products using modern analytical and spectroscopic methods 

• Preparing concise and accurate scientific reports of experimental data 

• Calculating the lipophilicity and pKa values of molecules in-silico 

• Predicting reaction outcomes from mechanism and pathways 

• The use of several software packages used in the field of medicinal chemistry 

• Time management.  

There are 2 points of assessment in this module:  

  1. Practical skills (60%)  

Feedback on practical work and COSH assessments will be delivered by experienced laboratory demonstrators. Quality of each participant’s reaction product samples will be assessed by appearance, 1H NMR spectroscopic and LC/MS analysis. Consistent attendance of practical sessions is essential.   

  2. Experimental write-up (40%)  

The remaining assessment will compromise of four experimental write-ups, which will include additional questions to broaden understanding of related area. The write-ups will be assessed with regards to: concise scientific writing style, analysis of spectroscopic and LC-MS data, ability to problem solve using a combination of medicinal chemistry concepts and appropriate software.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Students who do not pass the ‘Practical Work’ component of this module will be required to resit as an internal student during the next academic session. 

Type of assessment     %   Title                              Duration             Approx. date of Assessment 

Practical skills                60    Experimental work      14 experiments  

Experimental write up    40    Experimental reports   4 reports  

Principles and operation of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for reactions and purification. 

Experimental techniques for safely carrying out a range of reactions involving air and moisture sensitive reagents and/or catalysts. Typical reactions could include Wittig, SNAr, generation and reaction of organolithium compounds, trifluoromethylation, Pd catalysed couplings. 

Applications of all the aforementioned reactions in drug discovery and development. 

Classes of Pd cross-coupling reactions and their application in synthesis. 

Optimising reactions through investigation and consequent understanding of mechanism, kinetics and thermodynamics. 

Presentation of experimental work in a concise and consistent manner. 

Critical assessment of data and conclusions from synthetic and biological experiments. 

Computational determination of the lipophilicity and ionisation state of molecules. 

This module will explore trends and developments in drug discovery that are attempting to move beyond rule-of-five small molecule drugs that target protein binding pockets. The limitations of traditional small molecule approaches to drugs and their targets will be described, and the rationale for pursuing novel structural classes, modes of action and previously undruggable targets will be discussed with reference to recent examples. Opportunities for efficient strategies for design and screening of compounds will be explored, and the challenges associated with pharmacokinetics, formulation and manufacture highlighted.  

• Exemplify current research towards drugs that do not conform to the typical structures and modes of action of action of small molecules and biologics. 

• Relate the structures of new modality drugs to their molecular mechanism of action. 

• Compare the synthesis, screening, formulation and manufacture of new modality drugs to conventional small molecules and biologics.