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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ruairí Brannigan
Semester 2: Ruairí Brannigan
Autumn: Ruairí Brannigan
Module TeachersEmma Coyle
Hasim Ibrahim
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

The first half of this module will introduce organic chemistry, in particular visualisation of chemistry in three-dimensions, understanding the rate and selectivity observed during reactions and factors that can influence these, and introducing the mechanism of some selected organic transformations. The second half of this module will introduce aspects of polymer chemistry. This will include synthetic mechanisms like step-growths and chain polymerisation, reaction kinetics as well as application examples of the most important classes of polymers, i.e. polyesters, polyamides and polyacrylates. The module will further introduce basic principles of polymer characterisation and polymer physics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the reactivity and selectivity of reactive intermediates, e.g. radicals
2. Predict the products and selectivity of reaction pathways
3. Know the differences between and examples of the most important polymerisation reactions
4. Know basic polymer properties and be able to calculate polymer molecular weights



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Primarily face-to-face, but with occasional blended delivery
Independent Study89Revision of past courses and how they relate to lecture materials for this module, identifying where concepts from this course are related to other modules, preparation for terminal exam
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Organic chemistry
Introduction to aspects of physical organic chemistry and organic reaction mechanisms. Overview of selected reactive intermediates, looking in particular at their preparation, structure and reactivity. Introduction to asymmetric synthesis, in particular how to visualise induction of selectivity in three-dimensions using models.

Polymer chemistry
Brief overview of preparation of polymers. Focus on polymer characterisation, looking at molecular weight distribution, determination of molecular weight, thermal properties, and instrumental methods to determine thermal properties.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Indicative Reading List

  • Clayden, Greeves, and Warren: 2012, Organic Chemistry, 2, Oxford University Press,
Other Resources

None

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