Advanced Organic Synthesis

The course is classified as a second-cycle course and can be read as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Master's Programme in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (N2KEL) and 2) Master's Programme in Chemistry (N2KEM)

90 credits in chemistry, including KEM815, Advanced Organic Chemistry (15 credits), or equal qualifications.

Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

• Repetition and deepening of methods for transformation of functional groups
• Retrosynthetic analysis
• Synthesis strategy including "atom efficiency" and environment and health aspects
• Chemistry of protective groups
• Selectivity and reactivity of reagent and functional groups
• Modern methods for the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• describe a variety of modern synthesis methods for transformation of functional groups as well as formation of new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds

Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• plan efficient multistep syntheses of complex molecules by means of retrosynthetic analysis
• identify and remedy selectivity issues by choice of appropriate synthesis methods and protective groups
• describe a variety of modern synthesis methods for transformation of functional groups as well as formation of new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds
• present synthesis methods from the literature in oral and written form

Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• evaluate a proposed synthesis path with regard to access of appropriate start materials selectivity
• assess different synthesis methods' "atom efficiency" as well as environment and health risks.

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, group work and literature seminars. In the seminar part, each student stands for the teaching at two to three occasions. Group work and literature seminars are compulsory and relevant for grading.

The examination is based on:

• theoretical tests that are organised continuously during the course
• the seminar part where the student stands for the teaching
• submitted literature assignments

Each student is assessed jointly by two examiners.

A student who has not passed the regular examination session is offered additional examination sessions.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The individual grading-relevant components are graded. The final grade is decided by weighing together the individual grades.

Students who participate in or have completed course should be given possibility to anonymously perform experiences of and views in the course in a course evaluation.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Language of instruction: Swedish and English

As principal rule, the course is given in English but it can be give completely or partly in Swedish if the circumstances allow this.