Curriculum Information

1. Organic Chemistry:

Functional group chemistry: Alkanes, Alkenes, Aromatics, Carbonyls.
Bonding and Stereochemistry: sp3, sp2 and sp hybridisation of carbon, σ- and π - bonds, delocalisation, intermolecular forces, bond angles, bond length, shapes of molecules, structural and geometric isomerism The asymmetric carbon atom, chirality and optical activity, R/S and E/Z conventions.
Chemical reactions: addition, substitution, elimination, rearrangement, condensation, combustion, to include specific reference to the synthesis and chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols and alkyl halides. Homolysis, hetrolysis, the stability of reaction intermediates, resonance; types of reagents: electrophile, nucleophile, radical, acid, base, the effect of solvent, leaving group.
Aromaticity: Special features of aromatic species and the Huckel rule. Electrophilic aromatic substitution. Directive effects of the first substitution. Haworth synthesis.

2. Practical Skills:  

Basic analytical and synthetic techniques used in the organic chemistry laboratory which may include distillation, recrystallisation, fractional distillation, tlc, derivatisation, solvent extraction, evaporation and simple preparative approaches.

3. Analytical and Spectroscopic:

To include the scope of analytical chemistry and the analytical method. Accuracy, precision, uncertainties, errors and measurement. An overview of analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The use of UV, IR, NMR and mass spectroscopy (MS) for the structural elucidation of organic compounds. Multi-spectral interpretation.

4. Laboratory Practice:

(a) Quality and Standards: Importance of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality assurance, GLP, GMP. Quality standards such as ISO and BS compliance.

(b) Risk Evaluation and Control: Introduction to the legislation surrounding the storage, handling and usage of chemicals including The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the relevant regulations (e.g. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, Identification of special safety considerations. Guidance for the safe handling of chemicals. COSHH, Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regs 2005 (CHIPS), EH40 and the various sources of data such as hazard data sheets, reference books, data bases etc.  Fire Safety, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002. Ionising and non-ionising radiation Effects and Precautions. The Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999.Main causes of accidents. Techniques for reducing the probability of accidents: inspections, check lists, work permits and hazard analysis studies. Understanding of Risk, Hazard and Probability. Perception of Risk. Control and monitoring risk.  Completion of risk and COSHH assessments.