CHEM10040 The Molecular World

Academic Year 2020/2021

This is an optional module intended for students with a background in Chemistry at Leaving Certificate or equivalent. The purposes of the module are to reinforce key basic concepts, and to introduce students to the central role that molecular science now plays in understanding our environment, in understanding life processes, and in the design of new materials and medicines.

The first section of the course covers several case studies which pinpoint how chemistry is applied in society, technology and how it can be employed in alleviating significant global challenges as derived from the UN sustainable development goals. Alongside with the case studies fundamental principles are covered relevant to natural/synthetic polymers and structure-property correlations which contribute to the current plastic crisis. The main principles of electrochemistry, energy storage in batteries and capacitors as well as natural/artificial photosynthetic concepts which allow for CO2 and waste conversion (including plastics) to useful ‘green’ fuels/chemicals will be also covered.
The second half of the course consists of a series of case studies of important drugs, including aspirin, the beta-lactam antibiotics and cimetidine.
The case studies are used to revise fundamental concepts of structure and reactivity of organic compounds, and to illustrate the development of medicinal chemistry and the key role that it plays in alleviating human suffering. There are four experimental sessions associated with the module and each of these will involve student preparation (using an online assessment), carrying out experiments and a laboratory report.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mode of delivery, assessment and content of the module may be subject to change. E.g., the number of laboratory hours may be reduced due to the need for physical distancing. Each student will carry out 2 experimental sessions in laboratories at the School of Chemistry, and 2 sessions at-distance.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Explain the structures of atoms and molecules.
Discuss the properties of atoms and the ways in which they can react.
Draw the chemical structures of common polymers (synthetic and natural).
Describe the main synthetic approaches to produce polymers.
Explain how the macromolecular structure affects the properties and applications of polymers.
Explain the basic principles of electrochemistry.
Explain energy transfer in chemical reactions.
Discuss how energy can be stored in batteries and capacitors.
Explain the basic principles of photochemistry.
Explain how natural photosynthesis works.
Recognize how the principles of natural photosynthesis can be applied in artificial photosynthesis to tackle persistent environmental problems.
Predict the geometries and polarities of molecules and illustrate their importance in determining molecular function and intermolecular interactions.
Discuss the beneficial impact of medicinal chemistry on human health.
Discuss the importance of chemistry in understanding the natural environment.
Carry out some basic experimental procedures safely and efficiently.

Indicative Module Content:

History of the development of atomic theory including the Thomson, Curie and Rutherford experiments.
The importance of charged species in magnetic or electric fields – e.g. in mass spectrometry.
The Bohr model of the atom and the H emission spectrum, the development of the quantum view of the electron.
Isotopes, measurements and uses (including ice core analysis and radioactivity).
Chemical structures of synthetic and natural polymers used in society.
Common synthetic approaches for polymer production.
Structure-property correlations in polymers.
Properties of plastics that contribute to the current plastic crisis.
Basic principles of electrochemistry.
Energy storage in batteries and capacitors.
Applications of energy storage devices.
Basic principles of photochemistry.
Natural and artificial photosynthesis: energy storage in chemical bonds
Alleviation of the greenhouse effect via artificial photosynthesis.
Waste (i.e., plastic) utilization via artificial photosynthesis for the synthesis of “green” fuels and useful chemicals
Structures and Shapes of Molecules (VSEPR); Chirality.
Drawing organic structures, identification of functional groups.
Structure and reactivity of aromatic compounds; basic reactions of carboxylic acids and derivatives; aromaticity, strain and resonance.
Simple calculations using the mole concept (%yield, concentration etc.).
Reaction Energy profiles. Effects of temperature, concentration and catalysts on reaction rates.
Amino acids and introduction to proteins.
Electronegativity and polarity. Bronsted Acids/Bases; equilibria, equilibrium constants; pKa.
History, development and mode of action of aspirin, penicillin and cimetidine.
Introduction to drug design: structure-activity relationships, lead compounds.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mode of delivery, assessment and content of the module may be subject to change.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

5

Practical

15

Specified Learning Activities

10

Autonomous Student Learning

48

Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, Laboratory work including some problem-based learning, case-based learning, tutorials and problem-based learning; in-lecture activities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mode of delivery, assessment and content of the module may be subject to change. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Grade H5 or above in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Chemistry, or O1 in Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level Chemistry, or equivalent.
Students who have already passed CHEM10050 may not register to this module in 2020/21 academic year.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BIOC00010 - Chemistry-Biochemistry, CHEM00010 - Introductory Chemistry, CHEM10030 - Chemistry for Engineers

Additional Information:
In 2020/21 academic year, students may not take this module if they have already passed CHEM10050.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: Students will be assessed at the end of 4 workgroup sessions (tutorials) and on homework assignments submitted in advance of tutorials. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Lab Report: Assessment will be on pre-lab quizzes, in-lab performance and reports for each of 2 practical classes, as well as 2 online/at-home practicals.
Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: Synoptic Exam on Assistant Prof. McGarrigle's part of the course.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the assessment strategy may be subject to change.
Week 12 No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Examination: Synoptic exam on lectures by Prof.s Sullivan and Achilleos.
The exam and other elements of the assessment strategy for the module may be subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Week 8 No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

25


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given on Lab reports by return of the report with annotations and laboratory demonstrators will give oral feedback to groups and/or individuals. Feedback will be given on homework assignments by tutors by return of the assignments with written annotations and tutors will give oral feedback to groups during tutorials. Feedback on pre-lab tests may be given through automated online means.

Organic Chemistry by McMurry
Chemistry3 by Burrows, Holman, Parsons, Pilling, and Price.
Chemistry by Mahaffy, Bucat, Tasker, Kotz, Treichel, Weaver and McMurry

Background Reading
D. Jeffreys, “Aspirin: The Story of a Wonder Drug”, Bloomsbury, 2004.
John Mann, “Life Saving Drugs”, RSC, 2004. [ebook online]
Eric Lax, “The Mold in Dr Florey’s Coat”, Owl Books, 2005.
Name Role
Dr Demetra Achilleos Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor James Sullivan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer