Advanced Organic Chemistry

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course deals with chemical reactivity and reaction mechanism beyond the basic level. The reactions are systematised on the basis of the properties of the functional groups, and in addition, environmental aspects are discussed when relevant. The properties of individual and classes of chemical compounds are explained on the basis of the molecules¿ chemical bonds and conformational properties. Application of chemical transformations in a planned fashion to convert simple compounds into complex molecules is analysed, discussed, and illustrated with examples from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Important compounds found in Nature or used for various purposes in daily life are highlighted throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course KJEM231 the student will be able to:
  • name substituted organic compounds with several functional groups and stereocentres correctly
  • use relevant chemical terminology in a correct fashion
  • apply knowledge about electron distribution and chemical bonds to predict how organic molecules, belonging to the most central compound classes, will react
  • use knowledge about chemical reactivity to propose syntheses of more complex organic molecules
  • discuss reactivity for compounds with one or several acidic C-H moieties

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor and Master

Semester of Instruction

 Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
KJEM110, KJEM130, KJEM131/KJEM124 or equivalent
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Project work (1-3) with report and presentation. The compulsory activites are valid for one follwing semester. Compulsory work must be submitted within the given deadlines for the course. Approval of the compulsory work is necessary to get admittance to the written exam.
Forms of Assessment

The final grade is based upon:

  • Mid-term written examination 2 hours (20%)
  • Project (1-3) with report and presentation (20%)
  • Final 4 hour written examination (60%)

Supplementary exam-regulations:

1. Mid-term examination is valid for 1 following semester and project work is valid the 4 following semesters.

2. In semesters with teaching:

a) Students with approved project from previous semesters must participate in the mid-term examination and the final written exam. The final grade is based upon the mid-term examination (20%), project from previous semester (20%), and a final 4 hour written exam (60%).

b) Students without approved project work from previous semesters, must participate in the portfolio assessment (mid-term examination (20%), project(s) with report and presentation (20%), and a final 4 hour written exam (60%)).

3. In semesters without teaching:

a) Students with approved approved project(s) from the previous semesters and approved mid-term examination from the previous semester can take the final exam. The final grade is based upon the mid-term examination from previous semester (20%), project work from previous semesters (20%), and a final 4 hour written exam (60%).

b) Students without approved project(s) and mid-term examination from previous semester can not take the final written exam.

Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A-F.
Assessment Semester
There is an exam every semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester.
Examination Support Material
Molecular building set. 
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the coontent, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry has the administrative responsibility for the course and program.