AP0526 - Organic Chemistry

What will I learn on this module?

This module will build on your learning from the previous year in Principles of Chemical Structure. You will learn and develop further both your theoretical and practical skills in organic chemistry that are essential in modern chemistry-based jobs. For example, you will learn about key aspects of molecular structure of organic molecules, the molecular basis for their reactivity, how to devise synthetic schemes for target compounds, and about modern synthetic tools that are used in the everyday synthesis of organic chemicals. You will also further develop your practical, interpretive and reporting skills in the laboratory.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, small group tutorials, independent learning and laboratory-based practical experiments. The lectures will outline relevant theories and concepts which will equip you with knowledge and understanding that will enable you to predict and rationalise the outcomes of organic reactions. During lectures, you will also take part in problem solving sessions where constructive feedback will be provided to enhance your self confidence and sense of achievement. The lectures will also be supported by tutorials which will enable you to participate in problem solving activities. The laboratory based experiments are designed to develop more advanced competence in practical organic chemistry compared to the first year.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your learning journey through this module will be supported by the tutorial sessions in which you will have the opportunity to ask questions and practice problem solving activities under the guidance of a tutor. A range of other teaching materials that will support, reinforce and extend your learning within the subject area will be available on the module’s eLearning Portal site. In addition, tutors will be available for consultation and feedback throughout the module by email, phone and/or face to face discussions as appropriate.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to understand the link between structure and reactivity in organic molecules, and devise suitable syntheses of them.
2. You will be expected to perform a range of intermediate laboratory practical skills in a safe and accurate manner.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge to solve problems in Organic Chemistry.
4. You will be expected to be able to analyse and explain accurately the results of scientific experimentation.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You will develop a curiosity for the subject area through problem solving and experimentation.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed summatively by two components:

Unseen Exam
60% of the module will be composed of an unseen exam (2 hrs) at the end of the semester where the student will have an element of choice in the questions to be answered (MLO 1, and 3).

Continuous Assessment
40% of the module will be composed of marks for continuous assessments, which includes marks for the completion of laboratory proformas and reports (MLO 2, 4, and 5).

Formative assessment will be staged by means of short practisepractice problem solving/competency checking exercises in the teaching sessions throughout the module. These will be reviewed by the lecturer and discussed in class and students can self-mark their own attempts to establish and reflect upon their progress (MLO 3, and 5).

Pre-requisite(s)

level 4 Principles of Chemical Structure and Reactivity

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

‘Organic Chemistry’ will build on concepts learned in previous years allowing you to discover and appreciate the structures of organic molecules, how this influences their reactivity, and how to plan and execute the synthesis of organic molecules in the laboratory. You will engage with the subject area through lectures, tutorials and independent learning. The module will be assessed by an examination and by continuous coursework in the form of laboratory-based assessments. These tests will evaluate your problem-solving abilities and feedback from the tests will be given in the tutorial sessions. Independent learning will form a substantial component of this module giving you the opportunity to enrich and broaden your knowledge of the subject area and also to support problem solving activities.

Course info

UCAS Code F101

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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