Students

CHEM3601 – Advanced Synthesis

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Andrew Piggott
andrew.piggott@mq.edu.au
4WW 334
By appointment (please email)
Lecturer
Fei Liu
fei.liu@mq.edu.au
4WW 330
By appointment (please email)
Lecturer
Koushik Venkatesan
koushik.venkatesan@mq.edu.au
4WW 123
By appointment (please email)
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
20cp in BMOL or CHEM units at 2000 level or above including CHEM2601
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Synthetic chemistry involves the design and synthesis of complex molecules from simpler substances through precise chemical transformations. Synthetic chemistry is used to create new pharmaceuticals to treat diseases and improve health, to engineer advanced molecular sensors and diagnostic tools for detecting diseases and environmental pollutants and to develop next-generation energy solutions, including batteries, solar cells, and clean fuels. This unit examines advanced topics in modern synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry. Specific topics may include synthesis with selectivity, coordination chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, rearrangement reactions, pericyclic reactions and advanced spectroscopic methods.  The unit includes a series of laboratory sessions designed to develop practical skills in organic and inorganic synthesis, as well as in the spectroscopic identification of organic and inorganic compounds.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Good Health and Well Being; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply knowledge of the fundamental molecular properties affecting chemical reactivity and selectivity to predict the products and propose the mechanisms of a range of organic and inorganic reactions.
  • ULO2: Use the primary scientific literature to plan efficient synthetic routes to complex organic and inorganic molecules starting from simple building blocks.
  • ULO3: Assess the risks and hazards associated with working in a synthetic laboratory environment and apply appropriate processes and controls to minimise these risks.
  • ULO4: Employ a set of advanced laboratory techniques to synthesise and purify selected organic and inorganic compounds safely and efficiently.
  • ULO5: Use modern spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the structures of organic and inorganic compounds.
  • ULO6: Communicate experimental observations clearly, concisely and accurately in the form of written scientific reports.

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must:

  • Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments

 

Late Assessment Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded, even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted

In this unit, late submissions will accepted as follows: 

  • Practical Competency Portfolio – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies 

 

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Principles of Advanced Synthesis 20% No 25/08/2025
Practical Competency 40% No 09/11/2025
Final Examination 40% No Exam Period

Principles of Advanced Synthesis

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 25/08/2025
Weighting: 20%

 

A selection of real-world problems designed to assess understanding of the lecture, practical and workshop materials.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of the fundamental molecular properties affecting chemical reactivity and selectivity to predict the products and propose the mechanisms of a range of organic and inorganic reactions.
  • Use the primary scientific literature to plan efficient synthetic routes to complex organic and inorganic molecules starting from simple building blocks.
  • Use modern spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the structures of organic and inorganic compounds.

Practical Competency

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 09/11/2025
Weighting: 40%

 

A collection of evidence demonstrating the development of practical skills in advanced synthetic chemistry. An industry-standard laboratory notebook will be maintained for the duration of the unit, recording details of experimental planning, risk assessments and safety precautions, laboratory procedures, observations, calculations, and interpretation of results. A comprehensive final laboratory report will be prepared to assess ability to communicate scientific information clearly, logically, and professionally. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of the fundamental molecular properties affecting chemical reactivity and selectivity to predict the products and propose the mechanisms of a range of organic and inorganic reactions.
  • Use the primary scientific literature to plan efficient synthetic routes to complex organic and inorganic molecules starting from simple building blocks.
  • Assess the risks and hazards associated with working in a synthetic laboratory environment and apply appropriate processes and controls to minimise these risks.
  • Employ a set of advanced laboratory techniques to synthesise and purify selected organic and inorganic compounds safely and efficiently.
  • Use modern spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the structures of organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Communicate experimental observations clearly, concisely and accurately in the form of written scientific reports.

Final Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%

 

A written examination covering all course material covered in lectures, workshops and practical classes. The examination will assess understanding of all the topics presented within the course and the ability to apply the knowledge gained to solve new problems.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of the fundamental molecular properties affecting chemical reactivity and selectivity to predict the products and propose the mechanisms of a range of organic and inorganic reactions.
  • Use modern spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the structures of organic and inorganic compounds.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Overview

CHEM3601 Advanced Synthesis is a 10 credit point unit requiring 150 hours of work over the semester (formal contact hours and self study time). This is an average of 10 hours of work per week over each of the 15 weeks of semester. Formal contact hours for CHEM3601 consist of 2 hours of lectures per week, along with 4 x 3-hour interactive workshops and 7 x 4-hour laboratory classes throughout semester. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in all lectures, workshops and laboratory classes. Active participation by students in all of these activities will be essential for success in the unit.

Lectures

NOTE: Lectures begin in Week 1

The unit will cover 2 hours of lecture material each week. You should use these lectures as a starting point and supplement their content with material from the text books, the scientific literature and from other reputable online sources. The unit content builds on material covered in previous weeks, so it will be essential to keep up to date with the lecture material throughout the semester.

Workshops

NOTE: Workshops begin in Week 5

Workshops consist of interactive problem solving sessions focused on authentic real-world problems in synthetic chemistry. The workshops are designed to develop independence in problem solving and provide students with an opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback on their work. 

Laboratory Classes

Note: Laboratory classes begin in Week 2, but risk assessments and pre-laboratory preparation is due in Week 1

You should use the allocated session in Week 1 to familiarise yourselves with the requirements of the practical component of the unit, to watch the essential lab technique videos provided on Echo360 and to complete all relevant prelab exercises, hazard identification and risk assessments for the first experiment. Before commencing each new experiment, you are required to complete the prelab component. This includes completing and uploading all risk assessments to iLearn and creating a flow chart in your laboratory notebook. Failure to do so will result in your exclusion from the practical, with consequences for the successful completion of the course. You must read each experiment carefully before attending the lab. Please refer to the Laboratory Manual provided on iLearn for full details of specific requirements for each laboratory class.

Communication

The web page for this unit can be found at ilearn.mq.edu.au.

Login with your MQ student ID number and password, then follow the prompts to "CHEM3601 Advanced Synthesis."

During semester, the CHEM3601 iLearn site will be used to communicate important information to you. It is your responsibility to regularly check the iLearn site for important announcements and updates.

We will communicate with you via your university email address or through the Announcements discussion board on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or emailed directly to the Unit Convenor from your university email address.

Office Hours

There are no formal office hours for this unit. The teaching staff are happy to receive students outside of the formal lecture, workshop and practical times, but please be aware that we are not always to be found in our offices. It is generally wise to organise an appointment in advance via email (using your university email address).

Recommended Text Books

  • "Organic Chemistry", 10th Edition (2023) by John McMurry; Free from OpenStax.
  • "Organic Chemistry", 2nd Edition (2012) by Jonathan Clayden; Oxford University Press. Online copies may be available.
  • "The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals", 6th Edition (2014) by Robert H. Crabtree. QD411.8.T73 C73
  • "Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry", (1992) by David T. Davies; Oxford Chemistry Primer QD411.8.T73 C73
  • "Pericyclic Reactions", (1999) by Ian Fleming; Oxford Chemistry Primer  QD281.R5 F58
  • "Polar Rearrangements", (1992) by Laurence M. Harwood; Oxford Chemistry Primer QD281.R35.H37/1992
  • "Introduction to Organic Spectroscopy", (1996) by Laurence M. Harwood and Timothy D. W. Claridge; Oxford Chemistry Primer QD272.S6.H37
  • "Organometallics 2: Complexes with Transition Metal-Carbon π bonds: (1994) by Manfred Bochmann; Oxford Chemistry Primer. QD411.8.T73 B63 1994 V.2

Suggested Reading for Organometallic Chemistry

  • "Applied Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis" (2001) by Robin Whyman; Oxford Chemistry Primer. QD411.W48 2001
  • "Organometallics 1: Complexes with Transition Metal-Carbon α-bonds" (1994) by Manfred Bochmann; Oxford Chemistry Primer. QD411.8.T73 B63 1994 V.1

Suggested Reading for Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds

  • “Structural identification of organic compounds with spectroscopic techniques” (2005) Yong-Cheng Ning QD272.S6 N56
  • “Introduction to spectroscopy: A guide for students of organic chemistry” 2001 Donald L. Pavia, Gary M. Lampman, George S. Kriz QD272.S6.P38 2001
  • “Practical spectroscopy: The rapid interpretation of spectral data: For McMurry's Organic Chemistry, fifth edition” 2000 Paul R. Young QD95.Y68

Textbooks can be purchased from Booktopia (https://www.booktopia.com.au/).You can also find a number of textbooks with “Organic Chemistry” and "Inorganic Chemistry" in the title in the University library. All cover similar material, but often use different notation. You may find that some of these other books explain certain topics more clearly. There also many web resources, but material placed on the web is not necessarily checked for accuracy, so use with caution.

Unit Schedule

Please check the iLearn site for this unit for the most up-to-date Unit Schedule

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

To align the unit with the recently revised Macquarie University Assessment Policy, we have modified the unit assessments as follows:

  • Workshop performance (10%) has been deleted
  • Mid-Semester Test (15%) has been deleted
  • A Problem Set (20%) based on real-world scenarios has been added
  • Practical Classes (35%) have been changed to a Practical Portfolio (40%)
  • Final Examination (40%) remains unchanged

 

Unit information based on version 2025.04 of the Handbook