Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry unit (KRA541)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit builds on a basic understanding of organic chemistry and chemical reactivity and introduces advanced chemical reactions and the concept of rational synthetic design. The unit also highlights the key reactions in the synthesis of biological molecules and provides an 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 aligned with theoretical content, developing skills in modern synthetic chemistry techniques and instrumentation for synthesizing small organic molecules. This prepares you with the experimental proficiency needed to conduct independent investigations in the Master of Chemistry course.

Summary

Unit name	Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
Unit code	KRA541
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Chemistry
Coordinator	Professor Alex Bissember
Delivered By
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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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 rationalise the theory underpinning synthetic polymerisation and advanced organic reactions.
• Design synthetic pathways 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 scientific notation.

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	$3,401.00

• 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

Mutual Exclusions

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

KRA341

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 x 1-hr sessions weekly (total 26) 4-hr laboratory weekly (10 weeks)
Assessment	Assignments (20%)|Examination (40%)|Laboratory (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	KRA541 Laboratory manual, (available from MyLO) KRA541 Lecture Notes, University of Tasmania, (available from MyLO)
Recommended	Clayden, Organic chemistry 2nd ed, 2012 (Oxford Press)

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.