Advanced Organic Synthesis
Source: https://www.su.se/english/education/course-catalogue/ko/ko7010?semester=HT2026&eventcode=57045 Parent: https://www.su.se/english/education/course-catalogue?q=&internationalStudents=%5B%22true%22%5D&forcedReasonCode=%5B%220%22%5D
This advanced course in organic synthesis provides a deep understanding of the reactivity and properties of organic compounds and covers modern synthetic methods, stereoselective synthesis and mechanisms.
This course contains an advanced laboratory part, including a multi-step synthesis of a complex organic compound. The lab work is done individually, with several full days in the lab each week.
Safety information for pregnant and breastfeeding students \ The course includes mandatory components in which pregnant and breastfeeding students should not participate. Please contact the course coordinator for further information.\
Course structure
The course covers detailed studies in synthetic organic chemistry, such as:
- Synthetic methods to produce organic compounds containing the most common reactive groups.
- Reactions with several steps and principles of stereoselective synthesis.
- Reaction mechanisms. Properties and reactivity of organic compounds, based on empirical facts and theoretical calculations.
- Organometallic chemistry and use of organometallic catalysts in organic synthesis.
The laboratory part has emphasis on planning and performing synthetic work including modern synthetic techniques and multistep syntheses, the course will also cover the importance of safety rules. You will:
- Plan and independently perform advanced synthetic lab work
- Make risk analyses of planned reactions
- Use SciFinder to search for scientific literature
- Utilize experimental sections in scientific literature to run reactions
- Set up advanced laboratory equipment based on descriptions in scientific literature
- Analyze results using NMR and other techniques
- Critically analyze own and other results – and come up with which conclusions can be drawn
- Write detailed and scientifically correct lab book and lab reports
- Understand the importance of scientific ethics and how to avoid plagiarism
- Plan and give scientific oral presentations, answer scientific questions
- Ask scientific questions to fellow student presentations
Modules
- Theory, 7.5 ECTS
- Laboratory exercises, 7.5 ECTS
Teaching Format
The education consists of:
- Lectures
- Exercises
- Presentations
- Practical laboratory work.
Participation in the practical laboratory work, presentations and thereby associated group teaching is compulsory.
After the course, it is expected that the student will be able to:
- Solve more advanced organic chemistry problems based on a mechanistic way of thinking.
- Suggest synthetic methods to solve organic chemistry problems, with application of simple retrosynthetic analysis.
- Analyze organic reactions concerning the stereochemical outcome.
- Solve basic organometallic problems.
- Perform more advanced organic chemistry reactions including multistep syntheses.
What to expect: Full-time studies in organic chemistry
Full time studies correspond to an average of 40 hours weekly, that include:
On campus
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Laboratory experiments
Off campus
- Self-study
- Exercises
- Laboratory report preparation
It is important to learn how to manage your time during courses like this. The expected work load may vary between weeks. You may also have free time in the middle of the day, but occasionally need to stay late in the lab to finish onging experiments.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated based on their theoretical knowledge in a written exam as well as their performance in the lab.
The lab grade is decided based on performance in the following:
- Understanding of written and oral instructions
- Experimental skills
- Interpretation, analysis and understanding of results
- Independence
- Time planning
- Oral presentations
- Lab reports
- Practical lab exam
- Theoretical lab exam
Examiner
Pher Andersson\ pher.andersson@su.se\
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
See schedule here pdf, 173.7 kB.
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Organic Chemistry 2nd Ed; Clayden, Greeves and Warren, Oxford University Press, 2012
Lecture handouts and notes.
Course reports
Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.
Contact
Course Coordinator**Pher Andersson, email: pher.andersson@su.se\ \ Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office:** chemistry@su.se
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Autumn 2026 | Period 1 | Day-time, 100% | On campus | For international students
15 credits
Autumn 2025Autumn 2026
Period 1Day-time, 100%On campusFor international students
Beginning/EndPlease view course schedule for exact dates
week commencing
30/08/2026 - 01/11/2026
Held every autumn
Apply
Application deadline 14 April 2026
Course code: KO7010
Application code: SU-57045
Level
Master's level
Language
English
Eligibility
Admission to this course requires knowledge equivalent to 75 ECTS completed courses in chemistry. Of these, at least 20 ECTS have to be in Organic chemistry. English 6 or equivalent.
Selection
Higher Education Credits (up to 270).
Tuition fee
Applies to citizens from outside EU, EEA or Switzerland. First instalment: 35000 SEK. The complete course: 35000 SEK.
More information on tuition fees
Subject
Area of interest
Department responsible for education
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