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CHEM3211: BIOACTIVE CHEMISTRY 3

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Chemistry

Prerequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411).

Aims

  • To develop the fundamentals of chemistry through in-depth discussion of selected areas likely to be of most interest to students studying at the interface between chemistry and biology.

Content

  • Pericyclic transformations in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Reactive intermediate in organic processes.
  • Selectivity in organic transformations.
  • Molecular biophysics.
  • Applied spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Employ advanced methods of organic synthesis 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.
  • Describe methods for introducing stereoselectivity into a variety of organic reactions.
  • Understand pericyclic transformations as a strategy to make new carbon-carbon bonds.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Interpret simple 2D NMR spectra and use this evidence in the elucidation of molecular structure using a combination of techniques;

Key Skills:

  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • 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 Blackbaord 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures322 per week1 hour32 
Workshop41.5 hours6Yes
Preparation and Reading162 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written examination 12 hours100 

Formative Assessment

Set work for workshops.

More information

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