Molecular Chemistry is a core course for MSc LST students. Note: this course is not intended for master students that did finish a BSc MST!
Description
Fundamental concepts of organic chemistry, such as acidity/basicity, orbital interactions, conjugation, etc. are discussed. The most common transformations and corresponding mechanisms are explained and illustrated with examples of reactions that are used in the total synthesis of natural compounds or are part of biological processes. The lecture series includes interactive discussions and problem solving sessions.
Course objectives
After the course the student is able to:
Apply the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry in the analysis and construction of molecules
Construct the mechanism of a reaction in terms of electron movement and/or participating orbitals
Predict the structures of products for the most common organic reactions
Provide one or more critical arguments which reagents and conditions are more suitable than others based on the knowledge of the structure and reactivity of the molecules
Design a synthesis of a small molecule based on identification of structural functionalities
Identify key components in a chemical reaction which you can use to explain the regio- and stereoselectivity of that reaction
Literature
Organic Chemistry, 2nd edition, Clayden, Greeves and Warren
Assessment method
Written exam (“closed book”)
Expected Background
A BSc degree in the Life Sciences or equivalent degree. You should be familiar with fundamental concepts in general chemistry; acid/base, kinetics, thermodynamics, oxidation/reduction, functional groups. These will be qualitatively used throughout the course. The contents of Chapter 2 of the book (Clayden) must be entirely familiar to you, study it beforehand if this is not the case.
Students who obtained their BSc degree in MST with a major in chemistry are not allowed to take this class.
Contact Information
Registration
Register for this course via uSis