Natural Sciences Tripos

Programme Specification: Part IB Chemistry B

This course is taught by the Department of Chemistry

Aims

  1. to build on the knowledge and ideas gained from Part IA Chemistry;
  2. to introduce the concepts and ideas used to understand the structures and reactions of a wide range of chemical compounds, with particular emphasis on the areas of organic chemistry, electron deficient compounds and transition metal complexes;
  3. to understand the importance of the shapes and structures of molecules, and how these properties can be determined i.e. by spectroscopy or diffraction;
  4. to introduce the way in which an understanding of chemical concepts is crucial for understanding the molecular basis of living systems;
  5. to develop practical skills involved in preparing, purifying and characterising typical organic and inorganic compounds.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should:

  1. be able to apply the ideas and concepts introduced in the course to solve problems, make predictions and rationalize trends;
  2. have enhanced practical skills, particularly in the area of preparative chemistry.

Teaching and Learning Methods

These include lectures, supervisions and practical classes.

Assessment

Assessment for this course is through:

  • two unseen written examinations (for aims 1-4 and learning outcome 1);
  • submission of practical notebooks containing records of practical work (for aim 5 and learning outcome 2).

Courses of Preparation

Essential: NST Part IA Chemistry.

Recommended: NST Part IA Biology of Cells.

Additional Information

The title of this document is: Natural Sciences Tripos: Part IB Chemistry B
URL: http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/ps/p1b/chemb.html