- Department: Chemistry
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Seishi Shimizu
- Credit value: 30 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2022-23
This module contains lecture courses of fundamental importance in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. These lecture courses are supported by tutorial sessions (for which written work is set) as well as workshops. The module also carries practical courses in basic chemistry and synthetic chemistry.
Together with the Autumn Term module Foundation Chemistry for Biochemists I, this Spring / Summer Term module aims to provide the Biochemistry student with a firm foundation in chemistry. The emphasis in this course is on the principles of Physical and Organic Chemistry, as well as Analytical. The course forms a prerequisite for the subsequent chemistry modules specifically designed for Biochemistry students. Collectively, these modules equip the Biochemistry student for courses that survey the physical properties and interactions of biological macromolecules such as proteins and DNA.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
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A | Spring Term 2021-22 to Summer Term 2021-22 |
Together with the Autumn Term module Foundation Chemistry for Biochemists I, this Spring / Summer Term module aims to provide the Biochemistry student with a firm foundation in chemistry. The emphasis in this course is on the principles of Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.The course forms a prerequisite for the subsequent chemistry modules specifically designed for Biochemistry students. Collectively, these modules equip the Biochemistry student for courses that survey the physical properties and interactions of biological macromolecules such as proteins and DNA.
This term will introduce key foundation themes of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, with practical courses complementing the lectures. This terms work provides a vital foundation for the rest of the biochemistry degree.
Appreciation of basic chemical concepts in:
Practical chemistry skills:
Computational skills:
Molecular Orbital Theory |
CED |
5 lectures +1h tutorial |
The principles of MO theory based upon wave functions. The application of MO theory to diatomic molecules. |
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Second Law |
PBK |
6 lectures + 2h central workshop |
The Second Law of Thermodynamics Application to reactions. applied to reactions The concepts of entropy and free energy. |
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Transition Metals |
AKDK |
10 lectures + 1h tutorial |
The first transition series Sc to Cu. The origin of colour and magnetic properties in terms of the filling of d orbitals The role of transition metals on catalysis. |
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Kinetics |
TJD |
10 lectures + 1h tutorial |
The methods of determining rates of reaction, effects of concentration and temperature on the rates of reaction. Application to the understanding of reaction mechanisms. |
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Haloalkanes, Alkenes & Alkynes |
ASM |
9 lectures + 1h tutorial |
Understanding reaction mechanism as a means of rationalising the stereoselectivity and regioselectivity observable in the reactions of hydrocarbons. Electrophilic, nucleophilic and radical addition reactions of alkenes and alkynes and Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity in the addition of hydrogen halides. |
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Aromatics and Organic Carbonyls |
GAH |
8 lectures + 1h tutorial |
The 'special properties' of benzene and related cyclic compounds and ions with (4n + 2)-electrons. The mechanistic interpretation involving the intermediate carbenium ion accounts for relative reactivities and regioselectivity of attack. The structure and reactions involving the carbonyl groups. |
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Practical Chemistry (Spring/Summer) |
SKF & DSP |
Spr/Sum lab sessions |
Students will undertake a number of practicals which build on skills introduced during the autumn term, and encounter new techniques to further develop their practical skills. |
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Molecular Graphics & Protein Data Bank Workshop (Summer) | KDC | 1 x 3h workshop |
Students will use free-access graphics programmes for display and manipulation of protein/DNA structures. They will perform practical analysis of secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures, 3-D analysis of selected enzyme mechanisms and learn the basics of making figures of proteins for presentations and written work. |
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Practical work portfolio |
N/A | 10 |
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Online Exam |
4.25 hours | 70 |
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Practical online assessment |
1.5 hours | 10 |
Open Examination: Multiple choice questions online Aromatics & Organic Carbonyls |
N/A | 10 |
Non-reassessable
The assessment of the module will consist of an exam paper (70 %), assessments related to the practical sessions (20 % over Spring and Summer terms comprising 10% from an online assessment linked to practical work and 10% from the practical work portfolio), and Aromatics and Organic carbonyls assessed workshop (10 %).
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Practical work portfolio |
N/A | 10 |
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Practical online assessment |
1.5 hours | 10 |
Tutorials/workshops: Written feedback will be given for tutorial work within a week. Written and/or oral feedback for workshops will be given either during the sessions or within a week.
Summative Workshop: Aromatics/Carbonyl assessed
workshop will take place on Friday, Week 4,, Summer Term.
Practicals: feedback will be provided on all summative practical work within 20 working days.
Exams: Closed exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks (as per special approval by the University Teaching Committee). Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners’ reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry web pages.
Burrows, Holman, Parsons, Pilling and Price: Chemistry3 (Oxford University Press)