Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CHE0036

 
TITLE Organic Chemistry for Health Professionals

 
UM LEVEL 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

 
MQF LEVEL Not Applicable

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Chemistry

 
DESCRIPTION 1. An introduction to organic chemistry
The bonding in carbon atoms, sp3, sp2 and sp hybridization
The formation of chains, branched chains and rings
Molecular, structural and three-dimensional formulae, skeletal notation
Classification of organic compounds: saturated and unsaturated compounds, aliphatic and aromatic compounds
Homologous series, functional group
The effect of chain length and functional group on physical properties
Nomenclature
Homolytic and electrolytic fission
Nucleophiles and electrophiles
Primary, secondary and tertiary carbon atoms

2. Aliphatic hydrocarbons - alkanes, alkenes and alkynes
Reactions of alkanes: combustion, halogenation (substitution reactions), physical properties
Alkenes: nomenclature
Reactions of alkenes - addition reactions
Addition polymerisation
A general look at electrophilic addition: the carbonium ion, inductive effect
Alkynes: addition reactions, reactions as acids

3. Isomerism
Structural isomers (chain isomers, positional isomers, functional group isomers, metamers)
Stereoisomers (diastereomers and enatiomers, geometrical isomers and optical isomers)

4. Polymers
From monomers to polymers
Chain reaction polymerisation
Step reaction polymerisation
Structure and properties

5. Aromatic hydrocarbons - benzene
A delocalised system of electrons
Physical properties
Nomenclature
Chemical properties of benzene: addition reactions, electrophilic substitution
Comparison of an arene to a cycloalkane
Methylbenzene: reactions of the ring and reactions of the side chain
The effect of a substituent group on further electrophilic substitution on the ring, inductive and mesomeric effects, activating and deactivating groups

6. Alcohols
Classification
Nomenclature
Physical properties
Reactions: the C - OH bond cleavage, the O - H bond cleavage

7. Halogenoalkanes
Physical properties
Reactions: nucleophilic substitution, elimination

8. The carbonyl compounds - aldehydes and ketones
Nomenclature
Physical properties
Reactions: oxidation, addition, condensation

9. Carboxylic acids and derivatives
Nomenclature
Physical properties
Chemical properties of carboxylic acids: acid properties, properties of the -OH, -C=O and alkyl groups
The carboxylate ion, delocalisation
Carboxylic acid derivatives: esters, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, amides
Polyamides and polyesters

10. Amino acids
Reactions
Zwitterions
Polymerisation to proteins
Fibrous and globular proteins

11. Phenylamine
Physical properties
Basicity
Reactions

Main Text

Musumeci, M. M., Introduction to Chemistry - Notes, 2003

Supplementary Text

Jones, A. V., et al., Access to Chemistry, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 1999
Andrew, J. and Rispoli, P., Chemistry in Focus, Hodder & Stoughton Educational, 1999
Lister, T. and Renshaw, J., Understanding Chemistry for Advanced Level, Nelson Thornes, 1999
Hill, G. C. and Holman, J. S., Chemistry in Context, Nelson Thornes, 2000
Ramsden, E. N., A Level Chemistry, Nelson Thornes, 2000
Morrison, R. T., Boyd, R. N., Organic Chemistry, Pearson US Imports & PHIPEs, 1999

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (3 Hours) Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Colette Pace

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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