KJM110 Organic Chemistry

Knowledge in chemistry is vital for the understanding of the basic principles behind sustainability and climate as defined by UN Sustainable development goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15.

Lectures start with a review of the most basic concepts and continue throughout the entire autumn term. The teacher will go through calculation exercises. Quiz questions can be found on Canvas for each laboratory exercise and has to be taken prior to the exercise day (compulsory). Work in the lab is mandatory. Teaching assistants offer help in connection with the writing of laboratory reports and the solving of calculation exercises.

Some basic knowledge in organic chemistry will be an advantage. But the course is set up starting from scratch.

KNOWLEDGE: The student should:

• Get basic knowledge of organic chemistry and be able to put this in to a general context.
• Get an overview of the most common compound classes in organic chemistry and their nomenclature.
• Get knowledge of hybridisation and bonding types in organic molecules.
• Know the importance of the three-dimensional structure of molecules.
• Understand properties of organic compounds and their reaction patterns (general mechanisms).
• Be able to predict the physical properties of organic compounds with regard to solubility in water or organic solvents, volatility, boiling points etc.
• Know basic properties and constitution of biomolecules such as polysaccharides, proteins, RNA and DNA.
• Set this in connection to biological and biochemical processes.

SKILLS: The student should:

• Be able to use this knowledge on novel problems.
• Be able to name simple organic molecules.
• Distinguish between reductions and oxidations of organic molecules.
• Be able to write a report on simple laboratory experiments.
• Use the basic knowledge in understanding biochemical and biological processes.
• The student is able to perform the preparations, techniques and analyses employed in the course.
• The student masters the instruments and equipment used in the course.

GENERAL COMPETENCE: The student should:

• Apply their knowledge and skills to typical issues in chemistry and biochemistry including medical problems.
• Communicate and popularize basic organic chemical concepts and reactions both in writing and orally.
• Have a solid foundation for further studies in organic chemistry.