CVB204 Organic Structure and Mechanisms
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CVB204 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (CVB101 and CVB102) or (CVB102 and admission to ST20) or (CVB101 and admission to ED59) or CZB190 or CZB191(CVB101 and CVB102) or (CVB102 and admission to ST20) or (CVB101 and admission to ED59) or CZB190 or CZB191 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB204 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (CVB101 and CVB102) or (CVB102 and admission to ST20) or (CVB101 and admission to ED59) or CZB190 or CZB191 |
| Coordinator: | Hendrik Frisch | h.frisch@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit builds on the organic chemistry knowledge and laboratory skills gained in CVB101 and CVB102. The deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms, instrumental characterisation and stereochemistry are important in facets of all subsequent chemistry units. This unit aims to demonstrate how structure of organic molecules can influence chemical reactivity and the observed molecular spectroscopy. Perhaps most importantly, this unit will be used as the foundation for advanced studies in organic chemistry and potentially your capstone research project.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Appreciate chirality in organic molecules and its practical consequences.
- Describe the electronic effects and mechanistic concepts which govern the reactions of organic compounds.
- Predict the outcome of an unfamiliar set of reaction conditions when applied to simple organic compounds.
- Design simple syntheses and interconversions based on the major functional groups.
- Apply modern spectroscopic techniques as an aid to structure elucidation.
- Demonstrate a range of practical skills in safe laboratory practice applied to the synthesis, isolation and purification of organic compounds and document these findings in an appropriate work oriented format
Content
This unit will build on the foundation of organic chemistry laid in CVB102. The unit will revisit a number of the reactions previously investigated, but will build towards a deeper understanding through study of mechanisms of reaction. The understanding gained from mechanisms in organic synthesis will then be extended to advanced synthetic reactions and implications of structure (stereochemistry) on synthesis.
Finally with greater understanding of synthetic reactions and structurally more complex reaction products, there will be a realisation that the spectroscopic techniques applied in CVB101 will not always suffice for structural determination. Therefore a number of advanced molecular spectroscopy techniques will be introduced that will be built upon further in CVB301.
We will adopt a guided approach to learning in each of these key areas (below) leading from experimental result to conceptual model to predictability and testability. Successful learning will depend on recall of relevant factual material as a necessary preparation for solving problems.
Material covered will include but is not limited to:
- Introduction to modern concepts in organic synthesis
- Stereochemistry
- Reactions in organic chemistry
- Introduction to organic mechanisms
- Molecular spectroscopy: Ultraviolet, infra-red and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy
Learning Approaches
Class contact in this unit will involve a combination of traditional lectures and less formal interactive workshop/tutorials, and a sequential laboratory experiment.
Lectures/tutorials (26 hours, 2 hours per week)
Interactive lectures using appropriate real world examples to demonstrate theory and concepts combined with collaborative problem solving in groups with feedback and discussion with the larger class.
Practical work (24 hours, 8 x 3 hour sessions)
The practical program is designed to reinforce the practical skills you learnt in CVB102 as well as develop more advanced skills in the syntheses, isolation and purification of organic compounds. Your acquisition of the knowledge and skills in the practical aspects of the safe handling and use of organic chemicals and reagents is emphasised. You will be able to work individually and collaboratively as members of a team in laboratory settings to develop these practical skills.
Workshops (10 hours, 5 x 2 hours)
These inquiry based interactive sessions will allow a deeper exploration or revision of selected topics from the lecture program or the techniques used in the practical exercise.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit. By attendance and participation in the tutorial program, you will be able to assess your understanding of the lecture material. The informal atmosphere in the laboratory means that you will have the opportunity for one-to-one feedback from your demonstrator. The results that you obtain in the problem solving assignment will provide ongoing feedback, in particular about your preparation for the final theory exam. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
The assessment in this unit comprises both formative and summative elements. Formative assessment will take the form of provision of model answers for summative tasks, practice problems with worked solutions, feedback on your practical reports, and interactive discussions with your laboratory demonstrators. Summative assessment is a combination of the laboratory workbooks, a problem solving quiz that will apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the semester and a supervised written theory examination.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Workbook
You will be required to undertake 24 hours of supervised practical work for which you will maintain a laboratory workbook which documents the reaction being performed (including description of the mechanism), description of the synthetic procedure and workup and an analysis of the spectroscopic data used to characterise your compounds. Workbook document will be submitted as succinct summary reports of proforma document, both of which draw on the information collated in your workbook.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination (written)
The end of semester theory exam will cover content from all theory components of the unit.
For extension purposes, this is not an assignment.
Assessment: Quiz/Test
You will be assessed on your theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the semester. The practical knowledge tested will be specifically related to your practical experience in the practical laboratory sessions and workshops.
For extension purposes, this is not an assignment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Molecular Models:
Molecular Models may be purchased in a package with the textbook by Bruice.
Resource books containing useful information and tutorial exercises will be provided, together with details of recommended websites.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Bruice PY (2007) Organic Chemistry, 5th edition, Pearson Education
Zubrick TW (2009) The Organic Chem Lab Survival Manual, 8th Edition, John Wiley & Sons
Risk Assessment Statement
The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will undertake compulsory formal pre-laboratory assessment in Health and Safety matters relevant to the laboratory and QUT buildings in general. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this advice, it is your responsibility to comply with all instructions, for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Workbook, Examination (written), Quiz/Test
Relates to: Workbook, Examination (written), Quiz/Test
Relates to: Workbook, Examination (written), Quiz/Test
Relates to: Workbook, Quiz/Test
Relates to: Workbook, Quiz/Test
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Workbook, Examination (written), Quiz/Test
Relates to: Workbook, Examination (written), Quiz/Test
Relates to: Workbook, Examination (written), Quiz/Test
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1 - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO2 - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4 - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, ULO6, Workbook - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO6, Workbook - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO6, Workbook
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1 - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO2 - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4 - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, ULO6, Workbook - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO6, Workbook - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO6, Workbook