CHEM2310
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course deals with concepts in organic chemistry, the branch of chemistry that deals with compounds of carbon. The course covers the chemistry of functional groups, their chemical reactions and their spectroscopic identification and characterisation. The laboratory introduces the students to practical skills on the synthesis, separation, purification and identification of organic compounds employing exemplar reactions, methods and techniques. A good understanding of organic chemistry is important for students intending to become chemists and those involved in other STEMM disciplines.The spectroscopic (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance) and mass spectrometric techniques for the characterisation of organic compounds are taught in the first 3 weeks of the semester.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify characteristic organic reactions and illustrate reaction mechanisms;
2. Apply spectroscopic techniques in the identification of functional groups and elucidation of the structure of organic compounds;
3. Independently integrate key organic chemistry concepts that apply to the identification, characterisation and reactions of functional groups;
4. Acquire practical skills on the synthesis, separation, purification and identification of organic compounds employing exemplar reactions, methods and techniques;
5. Work safely and competently in an organic chemistry lab setting;
6. Record and present data and write reports in a format suitable for organic chemistry.
Content
- Structure analysis and characterisation of compounds
- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
- Mass spectrometry
2. The how and why of organic chemistry
- Chemical reactivity and mechanism
- Nucleophilic substitution at sp3 carbons
- Elimination reactions
- Addition to unsaturated systems
- Nucleophilic reactions at carbonyls
- Enolate chemistry
- Aromaticity and electrophilic aromatic substitution
3. Essential laboratory skills: literature survey, exemplar synthesis, identification, separation and purification of organic compounds
Requisites
Students must have successfully completed CHEM1020 to enrol in this course.
Students who have not completed CHEM1020 but who hold equivalent wet lab experience should contact the Course Coordinator for guidance. Students with a background that includes equivalent wet lab experience should contact the Course Coordinator for guidance.
Assumed knowledge
CHEM1010 Introductory Chemistry I
Assessment items
Formal Examination: Formal exam
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement 40% - Must obtain 40% in this assessment item to pass the course.
In Term Test: Online quiz or in-class quiz or assignment
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory exercises and reports
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.
Written Assignment: Spectroscopy Assessment
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement 50% - Must obtain 50% in this assessment item to pass the course.
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s) starting in week 4
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must meet the compulsory attendance requirement.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s) starting in week 1
- 3 hours per week for 2 weeks and 2 hours per week for 10 weeks
Lecture-2
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s) starting in week 3
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s) starting in week 3
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- CHEM2310 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 202.7 KB)
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