Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit introduces the foundation concepts of modern organic chemistry through a systematic treatment of: covalent bonding and the shapes of molecules, chirality and stereoisomerism; the nature, nomenclature and reactions of alkanes and cycloalkanes, alkenes and alkynes, haloalkanes, alcohols and ethers, benzene and its derivatives, amines, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids. The nature, properties and synthesis of polymers reinforce the fundamental aspects of this topic. The unit also introduces the important topic of kinetics covering rates of chemical reactions and the kinetics of complex and enzymatic reactions in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• describe the principles of bonding in organic molecules
• demonstrate competency in the naming of organic molecules according to the nomenclature rules
• describe common organic chemical reactions
• demonstrate an awareness of the interplay of functional groups in organic reactions
• communicate the key features of these chemical principles both verbally and in writing
• demonstrate competency in commonly used organic chemical laboratory techniques
• Perform and analyse experiments involving aspects organic synthesis and product characterization
• describe the definitions and distinctions between average rate, instantaneous rate and initial rate of a chemical reaction and the related rate constants
• recognise the characteristics of zero, first and second order rate laws and be able to evaluate the corresponding rate constants
• outline the major experimental techniques used to obtain kinetic data, including techniques applicable to fast reactions
• understand such terms as complex reaction, elementary step, mechanism, molecularity, rate-determining step
• describe the Lindemann-Hinshelwood mechanism of unimolecular reactions
• discuss chain reactions, polymerisation kinetics, catalysis and temperature dependence in chemical kinetics
• perform and analyse experiments exemplifying a variety of classes of chemical rate processes.

Assessment

Laboratory exercises: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 70%
Hurdle requirement: Laboratory course must be competed at Pass level
Web based continuous assessment: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Peter Godfrey

Contact hours

3 hours lecture/tutorials per week, 24 hours laboratory classes per semester and 8 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

VCE Chemistry 3/4, or ENG1070

Prohibitions

CHM1011, CHM2733, CHM2734