Module: Organic & Polymer Chemistry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Organic & Polymer Chemistry
Module Code	CHM1032 (ITS: CS321)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10261	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ruairí Brannigan	Module Teacher	Mary Pryce

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End of semester formal exam	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None