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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 2023/24
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 biomolecular systems and explain biological function in terms of molecular structure, structural organization, and dynamic behaviour.

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 the application of the theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
  • Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature.
  • Workshops are groups of students where problems are considered and common difficulties shared. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed. Workshops are also used to teach applied spectroscopy, where a concept is introduced and students work to understand its application and use.
  • Student performance will be summatively assessed through an examination. 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
Lectures332 per week1 Hour33 
Workshop41.5 Hours6Yes
Preparation and Reading161 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

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

Formative Assessment

Set work for workshops.

More information

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