Strategy in Organic Synthesis (F1088)
Strategy in Organic Synthesis
Module F1088
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
This module focuses on strategy in organic synthesis and the disconnection approach. It requires the students to take a different approach to their entire knowledge of synthetic chemistry accumulated hitherto, learn novel reactions, understand the relevance of solvents and reagents, but also to modify their way of thinking about transformations so as to predict shortfalls and be able to come up with more efficient tactics. The aim of the module is to describe the unifying principles which underline the diverse structures of natural product synthesis and the design of a total synthesis through a disconnective strategy. This will include the introduction of the concept of retrosynthetic analysis, the synthesis of complex cycles and heterocycles, alkenes and alkynes, the formation of carbon-carbon bonds and carbon-heteroatom bonds, pericyclic reactions, radicalar reactions, aromatic chemistry.
Module learning outcomes
Understand the underlying concepts behind a retrosynthetic analysis
Suggest a retrosynthetic analysis and a forward synthesis of a given molecule
Be able to choose appropriate reagents, reactants and solvents to perform transformations and the most appropriate strategy to elaborate key molecular scaffolds
Be able to safely perform chemical transformations in a laboratory environment and characterize the compounds synthesized
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 40.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T2 Week 5 | 75.00% |
| Test | T2 Week 6 (1 hour) | 25.00% |
| Unseen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 60.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222222222 |
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 4 hours | 02220000000 |
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Ms Kristy Flowers
Convenor
/profiles/365014
Dr Jon Wilden
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/126263
Mr Chris Baker
Convenor
/profiles/579932
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.