Module Code - Title:
CH4102
-
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 1
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
CH4102
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To impart to the student an understanding of, an enthusiasm for, and a basic working knowledge of organic functional group chemistry.
Syllabus:
Alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkynes: structural formulae; shape and bonding; nomenclature; isomerism; conformational analysis; free radical and ionic reactions; mechanism of reactions; electrophilic addition; primary, secondary and tertiary carbonium ions.
Haloalkanes: nomenclature; substitution and elimination reactions; mechanism of reactions รป SN1, SN2, E1, E2.
Alcohols, ethers and epoxides: methods of preparation; typical reactions.
Aldehydes and ketones (part 1): methods of preparation; typical reactions - nucleophilic addition, Grignard reaction as a carbon-based nucleophile; keto-enol tautomerism and reaction (bromination) at the a-position.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Recognize the functional groups listed above. 2.
Name systematically simple organic structures.
Describe, and illustrate with examples, structural and geometric isomers, most stable and least stable conformations of simple substituted alkanes and cycloalkanes.
Describe, and illustrate with examples, the fundamental reactions that these functional groups undergo.
Associate the required reagents with: a functional group reaction, transformation of one functional group into another, formation of a product from a starting material.
Link a simple sequence of functional group reactions with the required reagents. Describe the mechanism by which functional group reactions occur.
Rationalize why the structure of a compound influences how it reacts.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate an appreciation of the role of organic chemistry as a fundamental molecular science.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Assemble Quickfit apparatus for operations such as reflux and distillation.
Demonstrate safe practice in the use and disposal of a variety of chemical compounds and reagents.
Present a record of ones own experimental results in the form of a brief repor
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught over a 12 week period through a formal interactive lecturing mode (2 x 1 hour lectures); students will carry out relevant laboratory work throughout the semester (5 x 3 hour sessions).
The module will be assessed by an end-of-semester written exam (75% of final marks); students will record their laboratory work in a written report for each experiment (25% of final marks).
Prime Texts:
T. W. Graham Solomons, Craig B. Fryhle, Scott A. Snyder (2017)
Solomons' Organic Chemistry, 12th Edition
, Wiley
L. G. Wade, J. W. Simek (2021)
Organic Chemistry 9th Edition
, Pearson
Francis A. Carey, Robert M. Giuliano (2024)
Organic Chemistry
, McGraw Hill
K. Peter C. Vollhardt (2022)
Organic Chemistry
, W.H. Freeman and Company
Paula Yurkanis Bruice (2025)
Organic Chemistry 9th Edition
, Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF MEDICINE BACHELOR OF SURGERY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (SCIENCE CHOICE)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FOOD SCIENCE AND HEALTH
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Shalini.singh@ul.ie