Key facts
UNE unit code: CHEM502
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
With such an abundance and structural diversity available in carbon-based molecules, the potential for the discovery of new molecular entities of industrial and medicinal importance is virtually limitless. High-level understanding of the key principles of organic and organometallic chemistry is therefore invaluable. This unit introduces you to advanced principles of organic and organometallic chemistry, and how these disciplines underpin organic synthesis.
You will study advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques for the structural determination of complex molecules. You will explore reactivity principles for an understanding of organic reactivity and organic reaction mechanisms; including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, selectivity, retrosynthetic analysis, pericyclic reaction mechanisms, and free radicals.
A practical research project follows, involving individual research and planning, followed by group-based experimental work and communication of results.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- display a broad and coherent understanding of more advanced aspects of NMR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry in the determination of the structure of complex molecules;
- demonstrate broad and coherent cognisance in the theoretical basis of organometallic reactions and catalysis, pericyclic chemistry, organic synthesis and free radical chemistry;
- apply advanced techniques and technical strategies for synthetic design and research project planning;
- apply advanced practical and analytical skills working both individually and in a team through a project-based laboratory program;
- communicate scientific findings to an expert audience through a variety of modes.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Problem based assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Problem based assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Problem based assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
Assessment 4 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Open book quiz during the trimester. Students must obtain an overall pass grade in the quiz components to pass this unit. |
Assessment 5 | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Problem based assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
Assessment 6 | Yes | 45% | All offerings | Laboratory/Practical work in the form of an Inquiry based project with an associated pre-lab assessment and post-lab assessment in the form of a written report and a short oral presentation. Students must complete all parts of the assessment in order to pass the unit. |
Assessment 7 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | A final report in the form of a research article (communication). Students must submit the practical report and gain an overall pass in this assessment in order to pass this unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Organic Chemistry
ISBN: 9780199270293
Claydon, J., Greeves, N. and Warren, S., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure
ISBN: 9781119371809
Smith, M.B. and March, J., Wiley-Interscience 8th Edition 2020
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Reactive Intermediates
ISBN: 9780198556725
Moody, C.J. and Whitham, G.H., OUP 1st ed. 1992
Text refers to: All offerings
Introduction to Spectroscopy
ISBN: 9781285460123
Pavia, D.L., Lampman, G.M. and Kriz, G.S., Brooks/Cole 5th ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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