Syllabus for Modern Methods in Organic Synthesis

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• identify and compare the relative merits of various modern synthetic methods
• present and critically evaluate recent literature reports relating to synthetic methods in organic synthesis
• find relevant literature information by database searching
• analyse, plan and perform the synthesis of organic compounds using modern approaches
• discuss mechanistic aspects relevant to reaction outcomes

Content

Methods for the synthesis of organic compounds, including modern approaches to the construction of C-C, C-N and other C-heteroatom bonds. Catalytic and stoichiometric approaches to various functional group interconversions. Presentation of literature reports relating to advances in organic synthetic methodology. Training in communication skills, including feedback and opposition. Laboratory projects based on modern synthetic methodology.

Instruction

Lectures, problem solving sessions, seminars and laboratory work.

Assessment

A written examination (7 credits) is organised at the end of the course. Laboratory work together with other mandatory parts of the course correspond to 3 credits. The final grade corresponds to a weighted average of the results of different course components.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.