Program Overview

Program Overview

The CHEM3918: Synthetic Chemistry (Advanced) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of synthetic chemistry, including the development of fundamental strategies and reactions to create new molecular structures. The program focuses on the importance of selectivity in synthesis, including chemoselectivity, regiochemoselectivity, diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity.

Program Description

In this program, students will investigate strategies that allow the synthesis of specific isomers to interact with the chiral world we live in, including molecules that cure disease. They will learn modern synthetic reaction methods that mitigate the environmental impact of chemical synthesis. By completing this program, students will develop an understanding of how chemical bonds can be broken and formed in a directed manner to build new molecular architectures with specific properties and 3-dimensional shapes.

Advanced Seminar Series

Advanced students will attend an additional advanced seminar series to gain more in-depth disciplinary knowledge, where they will actively engage with a diverse range of contemporary chemical research problems and case studies. They will gain additional opportunities to develop skills in collaborative work and enhance their written and oral communication skills.

Unit Details and Rules

• Managing Faculty or University School: Science
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Academic Unit: Chemistry Academic Operations
• Credit Points: 6

Enrolment Rules

• Prerequisites: A mark of 65 or greater in [(CHEM2401 or CHEM2911 or CHEM2915) and (CHEM2402 or CHEM2524 or CHEM2912 or CHEM2916 or CHEM2924)] or a mark of 65 or greater in (CHEM2521 or CHEM2921 or CHEM2991)
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: CHEM3115 or CHEM3915 or CHEM3118
• Assumed Knowledge: None

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Explain the importance of selectivity in synthesis, including chemoselectivity, regiochemoselectivity, diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity.
• Apply knowledge of chemical reactivity for the selection of appropriate protecting groups.
• Analyse molecules using retrosynthetic strategies.
• Evaluate observed selectivity across a range of chemical transformations and invent synthetic pathways that could be used to synthesize target molecules in a highly selective fashion.
• Carry out experimental work safely and competently in a chemical laboratory.
• Develop skills to work collaboratively in responsible data collection, analysis, and communication and advance chemical enquiry.
• Evaluate and interpret scientific information and experimental data and judge their reliability and significance.
• Communicate scientific information and laboratory findings appropriately both orally and through written work and engage in discussions on contemporary topics in chemistry.

Unit Availability

The program is available in various sessions, including:

• Semester 1 2025: Normal day, Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
• Semester 1 2026: Normal day, Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
• Previous years: Various sessions and locations