Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences module (BS21008)

​​Understanding organic chemistry at the molecular level is essential for anyone pursuing drug discovery, medicinal chemistry or biological chemistry. This module takes you through the core principles of organic chemistry as they apply to the life sciences, with a focus on heterocyclic compounds: the ring structures found in the majority of drug molecules and many biological processes.  You will cover molecular structure, stereochemistry, acid-base chemistry, carbonyl reactivity and the synthesis of heterocycles. Two laboratory sessions give you hands-on experience synthesising these structures, developing your practical skills alongside the theory. Problem-solving workshops provide regular opportunities to apply what you are learning. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Gain knowledge and understanding of organic and heterocyclic chemistry principles as applied to drug discovery and the life sciences 
• ​Develop synthetic chemistry laboratory skills through hands-on experience of heterocyclic synthesis 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Demonstrate understanding of core organic chemistry principles, including molecular structure, stereochemistry, and acidity and basicity 
• ​Apply carbonyl chemistry to the synthesis of heterocycles and use curly arrows to describe reaction mechanisms 
• ​Discuss the relevance and properties of heterocycles in drug discovery and the life sciences 
• ​Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills, and work safely in a chemistry laboratory 
• ​Self-assess your understanding of the material and make connections between different topics​

Assignments / assessments

​​Problem-solving coursework (100%) 

​This module does not have a final exam.​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Weekly lectures 
• ​Weekly problem-solving workshops 
• ​Laboratory practicals (heterocyclic synthesis) 
• ​Online exercises and self-directed study​