Year
2019
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 2-hour workshop weekly
6 x 6-hour laboratories per semester
1 x 1.5-hour on-line lecture weekly
Prerequisites
1 Admission into MNT-Master of Nanotechnology
1a Admission into MSCCM-Master of Science (Chemistry)
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a))
Enrolment not permitted
CHEM3711 has been successfully completed
Assumed knowledge
The material such as can be found in CHEM3701 Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry and CHEM2702 Organic Reactions.
Topic description
The topic extends the chemistry concepts of second year Organic Reaction and extends the fundamental concepts to modern synthetic methods used in industry and research today.

This topic includes:

  1. Oxidation and reduction methods, stereochemistry and products from hydride and dissolving-metal reductions
  2. Synthetic organic applications of phosphorus, silicon, titanium, copper, palladium and ruthenium
  3. Chemistry of heterocycles: their synthesis, reactivity, electrophilic and nucleophilic substitution
  4. Mechanisms and applications in synthesis of molecular rearrangements involving carbo-cations, electron deficient nitrogen and oxygen species, and of carbonyl compounds
  5. The connection of the course material to the current literature in organic chemistry is highlighted
  6. Illustrates further experimental and instrumental methods and techniques of organic chemistry
Educational aims
This topic aims to provide material to complete the basic understanding of the core organic chemistry that would be expected for a graduate of the Diploma in Nanotechnology in the workplace. It will deliver a level of understanding of `Organic Chemistry' to students and provide an appreciation of applications in other areas of Chemistry. It will also bridge the gap between `bookwork' organic chemistry and research areas in organic chemistry. Practical skills will be developed further with exposure to a variety of new synthetic organic chemistry techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Apply a sound knowledge and understanding of those aspects of chemistry in the syllabus to chemical problems
  2. Demonstrate the use of modern reagents and methods in organic synthesis
  3. Show an appreciation of the application of organic chemistry in industry and society
  4. Demonstrate developed experimental skills and the confidence to safely and efficiently manipulate organic compounds with consideration of the regulatory framework surrounding chemistry, including Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and Intellectual Property
  5. Show developed communication skills in the preparation of reports appropriate to their purpose, and to interact meaningfully in group discussions
  6. Use an understanding of how different aspects of chemistry apply in the area of organic chemistry and thus solve problems in applied chemistry
  7. The ability to define a research area and complete a detailed investigation in this area