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Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry unit (KRA341)

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Location: Hobart

This unit is intended for all students majoring in chemistry along with those with interests in the biotechnology; natural products; medical and biomedical research and pharmaceutical science areas. Students who would like to do this unit but have a timetable problem with either lectures or laboratory work should consult the Head of School or Unit Coordinator.

Introduction

This unit extends the basic understanding of organic chemistry and chemical reactivity from level 200 units and introduces more advanced chemical reactions and the concept of rational synthetic design. It is one of four 300 level units essential for students who intend to major in chemistry. The unit highlights the key reactions in the synthesis of biological molecules and provides and introduction to the role of natural products and synthetic chemistry to the pharmaceutical sector. Topics that will be included are selected from: the biosynthesis of biologically important molecules, natural products and medicinal chemistry, the chemistry of reactive intermediates, pericyclic reactions, heterocyclic chemistry, mechanisms of polymer formation and the use of retrosynthetic analysis in the design of multi-­-step chemical syntheses. The laboratory program is closely associated with the lecture material and introduces techniques and instrumentation that are used in modern synthetic chemistry for the synthesis of small organic molecules such as those of importance to the pharmaceutical industry.  

Summary

Unit name Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
Unit code KRA341
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Chemistry
Coordinator Professor Alex Bissember
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Justify the biosynthetic origin and formation of naturally occurring molecules by evaluating their structural information.
  • Evaluate and rationalize the theory underpinning synthetic polymerisation and advanced organic reactions.
  • Create solutions to construct complex organic molecules and polymeric materials.
  • Perform safe laboratory chemical manipulations using advanced techniques and equipment.
  • Communicate scientific concepts and experimental results using appropriate scientific notation.
  • Critically analyse scientific literature using scientific databases.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010501 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $3,575.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KRA241 - Organic and Inorganic Chemistry

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KRA541 Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

3 x 1-hr sessions weekly (total 39), 4-hr laboratory weekly (10 weeks)

AssessmentAssignment (30%)|Laboratory (30%)|Examination (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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