Module: Organic & Polymer Chemistry

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Organic & Polymer Chemistry
Module Code	CS321 (ITS) / CHM1032 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Ruairí Brannigan
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Primarily face-to-face, but with occasional blended delivery
Independent Study	89	Revision 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	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

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

Other Resources

None