CHEM3012: CORE CHEMISTRY 3

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

• None.

• Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411)

• To develop the fundamentals of chemistry through in-depth discussion of selected areas.

• Introduction to organometallic chemistry and catalysis.
• Pericyclic transformations in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Reactive intermediate in organic processes.
• Selectivity in organic transformations.
• Statistical thermodynamics.
• Transition state theory and its applications.
• Soft Matter and/or Molecular biophysics

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Have an appreciation of the chemistry of low oxidation state transition metal compounds and the ability to predict structure and reactions from electron distributions and mechanisms, where appropriate using spectroscopic data, and hence solve problems in organometallic chemistry.
• Discuss the significance, industrial or otherwise, of catalysis at a variety of metal centres with an emphasis on understanding their mode of action.
• Employ advanced organic synthesis models alongside more basic methodologies learnt in earlier years to solve problems in organic chemistry.
• Describe synthetically useful free radical reactions, carbenes, nitrenes and ionic rearrangements.
• Use models to predict and define control of stereoselectivity in a variety of organic transformations.
• Use FMO theory to predict reaction outcomes in different classes of pericyclic transformations.
• Employ pericyclic reaction strategies to the synthesis of organic frameworks.
• Describe the ideas of statistical thermodynamics and develop equations which allow the calculation of heat capacities, standard entropies and equilibrium constants.
• Describe the principles of transition state theory, develop equations for rate constants and activation parameters and apply these to chemical reactions.
• Either (i) describe how soft matter differs from liquids and solids; or (ii) describe how techniques from the physical sciences are used to understand the structure, assembly and dynamics of biomolecular systems.

Subject-specific Skills:

Key Skills:

• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Workshops are where groups of students consider problems and explore common shared difficulties. Problem exercises provide students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
• Student performance will be assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.