Module 21-SC-9 Special Synthesis Methods

Faculty

Person responsible for module

Regular cycle (beginning)

Every summer semester

Credit points and duration

5 Credit points

For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.

Competencies

Students acquire the ability to apply modern technologies in the field of sustainable chemistry, conduct syntheses in compliance with safety regulations, and document experimental procedures with precision. The experiments cover the following areas: (i) high-pressure synthesis, (ii) synthetic biotransformations, (iii) electrochemical reactions, and (iv) organic reactions in microreactors. Through these experiments, students gain hands-on laboratory experience with these technologies, including high-pressure reactions, the use of biocatalysts, working with genetically modified microorganisms, and the biochemical characterization of enzymes. Additionally, they develop competencies in performing electrochemical reactions and reaction engineering, exemplified by continuously operated synthesis processes. This module enables students to design such syntheses and independently apply these technologies to other synthetic challenges in the future.

Content of teaching

The module provides key preparative technologies for organic synthesis on a laboratory scale, with a particular focus on sustainability. The following experimental teaching content is covered in detail: (i) Handling carbon monoxide, a C1 building block derived from renewable sources but posing significant safety challenges, in a high-pressure autoclave reactor, while conducting the chemical reaction with computational assistance. (ii) Producing biomass through a fermentation process, followed by the biochemical characterization of enzymes obtained from cell disruption and application in a preparative biotransformation. (iii) Utilizing and operating an electrolysis cell to perform a chemical reaction. (iv) Using a microreactor for continuous-flow chemical synthesis, including process design for continuously operated reactions and their analytical evaluation.

Recommended previous knowledge

Necessary requirements

45 ECTS in chemical laboratory practice

Explanation regarding the elements of the module

Module structure: 1 uPr 1

Courses

Special Synthetic Methods
Type internship / laboratory internship
Regular cycle SoSe
Workload5 150 h (80 + 70)
LP 5 [Pr]

Examinations

portfolio
Allocated examiner Teaching staff of the course Special Synthetic Methods (internship / laboratory internship)
Weighting without grades
Workload -
LP2 -

The portfolio of scientific experiments comprises 3-4 experiments, the elements of which are examined during the course. The examination components of an experiment are basically the following four elements, which are completed one after the other:

1. review of prior knowledge including safety-relevant aspects
2. carrying out the experiment and recording the execution, observations and results
3. preparation of a written experiment protocol or an oral presentation of the results
4. discussion of the experimental protocol, the results and the theory of the experiment (final examination)

Subsequent elements of the experiment can only be started if the previous elements have been passed. In the case of individual experiments, individual elements may be omitted or, in relation to point 2, replaced by theorised elements after appropriate notification, provided that the learning objectives associated with the experiment are thereby achieved. An attempt is passed if all four elements have been completed and fulfil the requirements despite existing deficiencies.

If an element of an attempt is not passed, there are two options:
a) The entire attempt can be repeated or
b) individual elements can be repeated if elements have already been assessed as "passed" and individual learning objectives of the attempt have therefore been achieved.
This is decided by the person authorised to conduct the examination.

The attempt or individual elements of an attempt can be repeated a maximum of once in this way. A total of two attempts per practical course and portfolio can be repeated in the aforementioned sense.

The module is used in these degree programmes:

Degree programme Recom­mended start 3 Duration Manda­tory option 4
Sustainable Chemistry / Master of Science [FsB vom 05.03.2026, gültig ab Wintersemester 2026/27] 2. 1 semes­ter Compul­sory optional subject

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Legend

1
The module structure displays the required number of study requirements and examinations.
2
LP is the short form for credit points.
3
The figures in this column are the specialist semesters in which it is recommended to start the module. Depending on the individual study schedule, entirely different courses of study are possible and advisable.
4
Explanations on mandatory option: "Obligation" means: This module is mandatory for the course of the studies; "Optional obligation" means: This module belongs to a number of modules available for selection under certain circumstances. This is more precisely regulated by the "Subject-related regulations" (see navigation).
5
Workload (contact time + self-study)
SoSe
Summer semester
WiSe
Winter semester
SL
study requirement
Pr
Examination
bPr
Number of examinations with grades
uPr
Number of examinations without grades
This academic achievement can be reported and recognised.