Units / BPS3041
BPS3041 · Synthetic chemistry 2: Advanced methods
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The principal aim of this unit is to provide you with a detailed knowledge of numerous aspects of synthetic organic chemistry, as it applies to modern medicinal chemistry. The subject follows from BPS2021, covering advanced organic synthesis and methodology. Topics include catalysis in synthesis, radical chemistry, organometallic chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, reactive intermediates and stereochemistry, as well as retrosynthetic analysis. An understanding of reaction mechanisms will be emphasized throughout. The laboratory component reinforces aspects of the lecture course with laboratory experience. This will involve: • catalysis and biocatalysis • organometallic reactions • radical reactions • heterocyclic chemistry • stereoselective synthesis • pericyclic reactions • reactive intermediates
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Parkville | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workshop submissions | Exercise | 15% | — |
| 2 | Mid-semester test | Quiz / Test | 15% | — |
| 3 | Laboratory Report | Written | 20% | — |
| 4 | Final Assessment | Examination | 50% | — |
In-semester assessment 50%, final assessment 50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Explain key concepts in catalysis, radical reactions, organometallic and heterocyclic chemistry and apply them to problems in synthetic chemistry.
- Undertake a retrosynthetic analysis and design a synthesis of a target molecule;
- Read and understand the synthetic organic chemistry literature;
- Safely and competently perform a routine synthesis and carry out the most common operations in a synthetic chemistry laboratory.
- Apply appropriate problem-solving approaches to questions in synthesis planning and execution .
Workload
• Twelve 1-hour online discovery modules • Twenty-four 1-hour online modules • Twelve 2-hour Workshops • Six 4-hour Laboratories • Eleven 2-hour Applied sessions • One hour of scheduled mid-semester assessment • Two hours of scheduled final assessment
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Laboratories | 24 hours |
| Applied sessions | 22 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Assessments | 3 hours |
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