What will I learn on this module?
This module will build on your learning from the previous two years in organic and inorganic chemistry. You will learn more advanced concepts, reactions and mechanisms that are essential knowledge in modern chemistry-based industry and research. This module will cover aspects both organic and inorganic chemistry at a molecular level.
In organic chemistry, you will learn and become proficient in:
?Modern synthetic tools geared towards the synthesis of modern chemicals such as therapeutic agents. For example, you will learn about
- the involvement of orbitals in organic reactions and of
- the involvement of reactive species in molecular transformation.
?You will also acquire advanced knowledge in synthetic techniques that are a cornerstone of modern chemistry in the workplace, for example
- the use of organometallic chemistry,
- the methods to synthesise asymmetric molecules and
- the planning of efficient synthetic strategies.
In inorganic chemistry, you will learn about the role metal-based molecules play in a biological system and about the increasingly important role that metal-based molecules play in industry. For example, you will learn about
?bioinorganic chemistry, i.e. the involvement of inorganic chemistry in enzymes as key components of any living organism.
?the ‘rarer’ metals (in the d and f blocks) in modern industry and catalysis (used from gram scale to ton scales).
?the reactivity of metal-based molecules, concepts that are at the core of their function in catalysis and in medical systems.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be taught by a series of formal lectures delivered by staff whose area of scientific expertise and whose research work closely match the taught topics. As a student, you will be provided with opportunities for independent learning, using the tools provided by the university and elsewhere, including online resources. During lectures you will also take part in problem solving sessions where constructive feedback will be provided to enhance your sense of achievement and self-confidence.
Your progress will be assessed by small stakes competence and problem-solving open book tests during the course of the module (25%) and by an unseen exam (75%) at the end of the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your learning journey through this module will be supported by a range of teaching materials that will be available on the module’s eLearning Portal (eLP) site. In addition, tutors will be available for consultation and feedback throughout the module, by email, telephone and/or face to face discussions as appropriate. General support/clarifications that would benefit the whole class will be provided by eLP announcements and emails.
The open book tests will enable you to judge your progress towards the learning outcomes and be able to judge the amount of work required before the end of semester exam.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1.Understand and evaluate to a high level key advanced and emerging concepts inorganic and inorganic chemistry, such as the link between structure and reactivity, structure and function and the methods of access to new molecules.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2.All the major key skills for enhanced employability in chemistry will be further developed such as (but not limited to)applying knowledge to problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, searching and handling of information from varied sources, planning and forward thinking.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3.You will gain an understanding of the right place of chemistry in the world, including its economic, environmental impact and contribution of health, and of its current limitations and you will gain aunderstanding of your future role anaspirations in improving that position.
How will I be assessed?
Unseen exam
75% of the module will be composed of an formal unseen written exam (3) at the end of the module where the student will have an element of choice in questions tackled.
MLO 1, 2.
Open Book Tests (on-line x 2)
25% of the module mark will be composed of short Open Book Tests where the knowledge gained in some topics covered here will be assessed. With the results of these tests, you will be able to judge your progress towards the learning outcomes and be able to judge the amount of work required before the end of semester exam. Feedback given by the tutors on these open book tests will add value to your learning experience. MLO 2, 3.
These summative tests will also be complemented by formative tests in order for you to be provide with regular feedback. You will be encouraged to actively seek further feedback from the tutors after you have collected your marked work, in particular to receive further guidance for further development and learning.
Pre-requisite(s)
Organic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will teach the student more advanced concepts in organic and inorganic chemistry; concepts that are key to the modern chemical industry, from research labs to large industrial plants. The module will build on concepts learned in previous years but will put more emphasis on advanced and cutting-edge professional knowledge and skills, and blur the boundaries between the different fields of chemistry (as it is in the work-place). For example, the students will learn that metals and organic molecules come together to provide high effective tools for the design of current and future therapeutic agents, smart materials, environmentally friendly technologies. The student will also learn how to control the structure of molecules via synthesis to achieve particular objectives. The student will understand how molecules work and behave to a deep level, how they fit in the world today and how much work remains to be done.
Course info
UCAS Code F101
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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