FACULTY OF SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE AND ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

STUDENT GUIDE
YEAR: 2024
Module Title Organic Chemistry 3
Module Code 4CHM311
Module Credit Value 16
Level of study Third year level
Notional Hours 160
NQF Level 7
Lecturer(s) Dr TS Motsoeneng
Full Title of the
Programme the Module Bachelor of Science (BSc)
belongs to
Dear Student
Welcome to the module 4CHM311 organic chemistry. This module entails theoretical
and practical components. This course emphasizes the synthetic aspects of chemistry.
The main purpose of this module is to advance the basic knowledge and understanding
of chemical reactions, mechanisms, spectroscopic analysis of carbonyl compound
derivatives and practical skills of organic chemistry as required for further modules in
organic chemistry. When you complete this module, you will be expected to
demonstrate a thorough understanding of more advanced facts and synthetic
applications of useful organic compounds and understanding to study basic principles
underlying reaction mechanisms as well as the comprehension of the spectroscopic
interpretation of organic chemistry structures. All the various topics that are covered
during the course and the inter-relationships that exists between them. The course
outline is only a summary of the information that is required for the 4CHM311 module. It
is essential to take additional notes during the lectures and to make extensive use of the
prescribed textbooks as well as material made available to you from the web to get a
deeper understanding of the course content. This course requires the following
prerequisites modules: 4CHM212, 4MTH111, and 4MTH112 and any two of 4PHY112,
4PHY121 or 4PHY122.

(i) Lecturer’s contact details

Contact: 035 902 6827

E-mail : [email protected]
Office : Room 232, Science Building (KwaDlangezwa)

Consultation times

Days of the week Times Venues

Monday 13h30-15h00 Room 232
Tuesday 13h30-15h00 Room 232
Wednesday 13h30-14h30 Room 232

(iii) Departmental secretary

Contact: 035 902 6852
E-mail : [email protected]

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) LECTURER
The lecturer will be responsible for giving lectures, guidance and assessments for the
module for which they are in charge. It will thus be their responsibility to provide
students with material containing suitable content as prescribed in the curriculum. Such
material can be in the form of hard copies or electronic media. The lecturer will also be
responsible for the upkeep of students’ marks.

(b) THE STUDENT

Students will work together as individuals, teams/groups from the beginning of the term.
Full attendance of lessons is very important for this module and learners will have to
interact with the lecturer from the beginning so that fruitful results are obtained by the
end of the Semester.
 Students are expected to attend all lectures and be on time.
 There will be a number of assessments set for the module in a form of class
tests, group assignments and practical reports. You will be expected to hand
them in before or on due dates that will be communicated to you.
 For practical reports you are expected to do your own work independently.
Plagiarism is a criminal offence. Please acknowledge sources in your work and
use proper referencing methods when required.
Students are expected to be involved in the following:
 Class participation & activities
 Group/Teamwork responsibilities
  Participate in learner evaluation of the lecturer, of the module, etc.
 Engage in self-directed learning
 Identify own learning style
(c) STUDENT SUPPORT AVAILABLE
 Tutorials
 Library
TABLE OF CONTENTS

(i) Lecturer’s contact details 2

(ii) Tutor’s contact details 3
(iii) Departmental secretary 3
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3
(a) LECTURER 3
(b) THE STUDENT 3
(c) STUDENT SUPPORT AVAILABLE 4
1 LEARNING COMPONENT 5
1.1 Purpose of the Module 6
1.2 Module outcomes 6
1.3 Chapter or Learning Unit breakdown 7
1.4 Laboratory Work/Practical Work/Experiential Learning 11
1.5 Arrangements for self-study 11
1.6 Arrangements for e-learning 11
2 ASSESSMENT COMPONENT 12
2.1 Assessment Plan 12
2.2 Rules and requirements during assessment activities 12
2.3 Self-assessment activities 12
2.4 Assignment and project details 12
2.5 Glossary of unfamiliar terms/concepts/acronyms 13
3 READINGS 13
3.1 Prescribed Readings 13
3.2 Recommended Readings 14
4 GUIDELINES FOR LEARNERS 14
ANNEXURE A 15
1 LEARNING COMPONENT

1.1 Purpose of the Module

This module serves to enable learners to develop knowledge, attitudes, and skills in
synthetic organic chemistry. This would be done by:
 providing students with key concepts in carbonyl chemistry
 providing students an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of carbonyl
compounds and their derivatives
 building on the foundation laid on the synthetic organic chemistry for the
syntheses of the carbonyl compound derivatives
 introducing students to spectroscopic evaluation of the structure of carbonyl
compounds

1.2 Module outcomes

At the end of the module the student should be able to demonstrate:
 an understanding of more advanced facts and synthetic application of useful
organic compounds.
 an understanding to study basic principles underlying reaction mechanisms.
 the description of the principles, experimental setup and the application of
several useful carbonyl compounds in organic chemistry.
 the choice of appropriate organic and/or inorganic reagents required for the
synthesis of carbonyl compounds.
 an understanding of which starting materials or substrates used for the
preparation of carbonyl compounds.
 an understanding of spectroscopy in structure elucidation.
1.3 Chapter or Learning Unit breakdown

1.3.1 Learning Unit 1: INTRODUCTION TO CARBONYL COMPOUNDS

Specific Outcomes
Students must be able to demonstrate adequate understanding of the basic concepts of
carbonyl compounds chemistry, which are required in the understanding of advanced
topics of carbonyl chemistry as well as its application.

Assessment Criteria
Students will be expected to:
 produce coherent descriptive text and informative structures that display their
understanding of the course content.
 draw relevant reactions’ equations or mechanisms that demonstrate their grasp
of the synthesis aspects of the course content.

Content and Learning activities

This unit looks at the introduction of carbonyl compounds, in particular, aldehydes and
ketones, their preparation methods using different substrates or starting materials. The
reaction of aldehydes and ketones with a plurality of other organic and/or inorganic
compounds including but not limited to alcohols, acids, bases, organometallics and
water.
Resources
Notes on this unit are available on electronic platforms including Moodle and students
can read any relevant chapters in any of the reference books.

Assessment activities
This unit will be assessed through different assessment methods such as a group or
individual assignment and will be part of the first test.
1.3.1 Learning Unit 2: CARBOXYLIC ACIDS

Specific Outcomes
Students must be able to demonstrate adequate understanding of the basic concepts of
carbonyl compounds chemistry, which are required in the understanding of advanced
topics of carboxylic acids as well as its application.

Assessment Criteria
Students will be expected to:
 produce coherent descriptive text and informative structures that display their
understanding of the course content.
 draw relevant reactions’ equations or mechanisms that demonstrate their grasp
of the synthesis aspects of the course content.

Content and Learning activities

This unit covers the introduction of carbonyl compounds, in particular, carboxylic acids
their preparation methods using different substrates or starting materials. The reaction
of carboxylic acids with a plurality of other organic and/or inorganic compounds
including but not limited to alcohols, acids, bases, organometallics and water.

Resources
Notes on this unit are available on electronic platforms including Moodle and also
students can read any relevant chapters in any of the reference books.

Assessment activities
This unit will be assessed through different assessment methods such as a quiz, group
assignment and will be the focus of the first test.
1.3.3 Learning Unit 3: CARBOXYLIC ACID DERIVATIVES AND DICARBONYL
COMPOUNDS
Specific Outcomes
Students must be able to demonstrate adequate understanding of the basic concepts of
carbonyl compounds chemistry, which are required in the understanding of advanced
topics of carboxylic acid derivatives and dicarbonyl compounds as well as their
application.

Assessment Criteria
Students will be expected to:
 produce coherent descriptive text and informative structures that display their
understanding of the course content.
 draw relevant reactions’ equations or mechanisms that demonstrate their grasp
of the synthesis aspects of the course content.

Content and Learning activities

This unit covers the introduction of carbonyl compounds particularly carboxylic acid
derivatives and dicarbonyl compounds as well as their preparation methods using
different substrates or starting materials. The reaction of carboxylic acid derivatives and
dicarbonyl compounds with a variety of other organic and/or inorganic compounds
including but not limited to alcohols, acids, bases, organometallics and water.

Resources
Notes on this unit are available on electronic platforms including Moodle and also
students can read any relevant chapters in any of the reference books.

Assessment activities
This unit will be assessed through different assessment methods such as a group or
individual assignment and will be part of the second test.
1.3.4 Learning Unit 4: CARBONYL COMPOUNDS SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS
Specific Outcomes
Students must be able to demonstrate adequate understanding of the basic concepts in
spectroscopic elucidation of carbonyl compounds, which are required in the
understanding of position of different functional groups substituted within the carbonyl
compounds in question. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H and 13
C nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR) are to be discussed for the evaluation of the various
carbonyl compounds covered in the preceding units.

Assessment Criteria
Students will be expected to:
 produce coherent descriptive text and informative diagrams that display their
understanding of the course content.
 manipulate equations and perform calculations that demonstrate their grasp of
the quantitative aspects of the course content

Content and Learning activities

The unit introduces students to the spectroscopic evaluation of carbonyl compounds
which were discussed in units 1 to 3. The theoretical aspects of proton magnetic
resonance (1H MNR) and carbon magnetic resonance ( 13C NMR) as well as Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR) for structure elucidation of carbonyl compounds are also
covered. This will include the identification of various functional groups in the carbonyl
compounds and how one can decipher the carbonyl compounds from the analysis of the
spectra given.

Resources
Notes on this unit are available on electronic platforms including Moodle and also
students can read any relevant chapters in any of the reference books.

Assessment activities
This unit will be assessed through different assessment methods such as a group or
individual assignment and will be part of the second test.

1.4 Laboratory Work/Practical Work/Experiential Learning

Practicals are compulsory and make up 50% of the DP mark. You are therefore
expected to attend at least 80% of all practical sessions. Learners are expected to
demonstrate an ability to effectively and efficiently perform the various practical skills
required by the course content.

Practicals are conducted every Thursday at 11:30 and Friday at 13:30 in the Inorganic
laboratory. Safety is of utmost importance during practical sessions therefore students
should wear a white Laboratory coat, safety goggles long pants or dress and closed
shoes (anyone found wearing sandals will be dismissed on the spot from the practical).

1.5 Arrangements for self-study

As part of self-directed learning, you are expected to spend about 50 notional hours
studying on you own. Some of the activities that expected to be engaged in include
revision of material covered in class, doing homework given during lectures,
collaborating with classmates in answering questions for group assignments and
preparing for quizzes, tests and examinations.

1.6 Arrangements for e-learning

The blended learning approach that will be used in this course require the use of
material that is available on the internet such as notes, videos and e-books. These
would be useful when preparing for lectures and assignments.
2 ASSESSMENT COMPONENT

2.1 Assessment Plan

Test Date/period Format Learning Content

1 Assignment Units 1 & 2 (content)
2 Quiz Units 1 & 2 (content)
3 Sit-in Test Units 1 & 2 (content)
4 Quiz Units 3 & 4 (content)
5 Assignment Units 3 & 4 (content)
6 Sit-in Test Units 3 & 4 (content)

2.2 Rules and requirements during assessment activities

 Learners will not be allowed to leave the venue while an assessment is being
conducted.
 Learners are not allowed to bring any form of supplementary material during
assessments.
 Plagiarism is a serious offence, and disciplinary action will be taken should a
learner be found guilty.
 The use of programmable calculators is not permitted.

2.3 Self-assessment activities

 Revision questions
 Reflective reports
 Previous Question papers

2.4 Assignment and project details

(a) All assignment must be typed out as follow:
 Arial to be used.
 Use 12 Point font,
 1.5 line spacing,
 Insert Page numbers.
 Use the university approved assignment front page as provided in Annexure A,
this should reflect your personal information.
 Make provision for a table of contents.
 Reference all outside sources that you use

2.5 Glossary of unfamiliar terms/concepts/acronyms

LEARNER/STUDY GUIDE: A learner/study guide helps in organising lecture notes and
textbook material so that students can increase their comprehension and memory of
large amounts of information. Specific outcomes on topics covered, the summary of
content, as well as revision questions are included.
TUTORIALS/CLASS ACTIVITIES: A tutorial is an interactive method of transferring
knowledge in the learning process. A tutorial seeks to teach by example and supply the
information to complete a certain task.
PRACTICAL: A practical is a lesson in which theories and procedures learned are
applied to the actual making or doing of something.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: The goal of formative assessment is to develop and
monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by lecturers to
improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT: The goal of summative assessment is to evaluate
student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against some
standard or benchmark.

3 READINGS
3.1 Prescribed and Recommended Readings
Organic Chemistry
The following textbooks are prescribed for the theoretical part of the second, third and
Honours courses in organic chemistry:

 Organic chemistry 6th edition: Prentice-Hall International editions, Morrison Boyd.

 Organic Chemistry 2nd Edition by Clayden, Greeves and Warren.
 Organic chemistry 3rd Edition by David Klein

4 GUIDELINES FOR LEARNERS

4.1 This Learner Guide contains important information relevant to the module.
Please read through it carefully and ensure you have a thorough understanding of what
is expected of you for this module.
4.2 Only typed assignments will be accepted and these are to be submitted online on
Moodle with result of the plagiarism test from Turnitin. No handwritten and hand
delivered assignments will be accepted.
4.3 Assignments submitted after the due date and time will be treated as follows:
 The group will be penalized 10% for every hour the assignment is late.
 For individual assignments, individuals will be penalized 10% for every day the
assignment is late.
4.4 The following resource are available on Moodle
 Study guide
 Notes and/or videos
 ANNEXURE A

FACULTY OF …
DEPARTMENT OF …
ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
MODULE TITLE
MODULE CODE
ASSIGNMENT TOPIC

LECTURER NAME
DUE DATE
NON - PLAGIARISM DECLARATION
I know that plagiarism means taking and using the ideas, writings, works or
inventions of another as if they were one’s own. I know that plagiarism not only
includes verbatim copying, but also the extensive use of another person’s ideas
without proper acknowledgement (which includes the proper use of quotation
marks). I know that plagiarism covers this sort of use of material found in textual
sources and from the Internet. I acknowledge and understand that plagiarism is
wrong. I understand that my research must be accurately referenced. I have
followed the rules and conventions concerning referencing, citation and the use of
quotations as set out in the Departmental Guide. This assignment is my own work,
or my group’s own unique group assignment. I acknowledge that copying someone
else’s assignment, or part of it, is wrong, and that submitting identical work to others
constitutes a form of plagiarism. I have not allowed, nor will I in the future allow,
anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as their own work. By
signing this cover sheet, I agree that I have read and understood the above. I
acknowledge that should it be found to be higher than the acceptable similarity
percentage, I may receive 0 (ZERO) for my assignment.
LEARNER NAME LEARNER NO SIGNATURE

LECTURER REMARKS