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Research School of Chemistry · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This course aims to understand the structure, properties and transformations of matter, from bulk behaviour down to mechanisms at the molecular level. It is the role of the chemical physicist /physical chemist to collect, collate and analyse experimental data from all branches of chemistry and to construct predictive models. In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of chemical physics/physical chemistry with a strong focus is on developing a skill base necessary for the construction, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, as well as a practical understanding and use of predictive models. Key topics include thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and computational chemistry. This course also serves as an introduction to Materials Science at ANU. Topics covered include chemical bonding in materials and their synthesis. The course will also focus on one essential characterisation technique - X-ray diffraction - and will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between syntheses, structure and properties in various technologically important functional materials. This course builds on information and concepts from chemistry, physics and mathematics. Students with a background in areas as diverse as medicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular engineering, chemical engineering, and earth sciences are encouraged to enrol. This course is delivered using a flipped classroom format, with online lectures, extended weekly workshops centered on problem solving activities, and laboratories that introduce computational tools and experimental techniques used in chemical research. Honours pathway option (HPO): Entry to this option is subject to the approval of the course convener. Students who take this option will undertake an additional 6-8 online lectures at a more advanced level. All students in the PhB (Hons) or direct entry Honours degree programs enrolled in this course are encouraged to complete the HPO. Proposed Assessment Honours Pathway Option: The standard course will count 90% towards the final grade and the HPO 10%. The HPO assessment will consist of two additional online worksheets.
Workshop quizzes
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Laboratory (Prac) Reports
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Mid-semester Exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2
Final Exam
Learning outcomes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
This course has a hurdle requirement: Chemistry is an experimental discipline requiring the development of hands-on laboratory skills. It is expected that students will attend all laboratory sessions and submit all associated assessments. Where there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from attending a lab, missed attendance has to be agreed with the course convener and appropriate supporting documentation submitted through the appropriate channels. There is a minimum lab attendance threshold of 80%. A minimum of 5/7 reports must be submitted and must demonstrate a reasonable attempt to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of one x 3 hour workshop per week and 8 x 4 hour practical sessions involving computer-based and experimental work across the semester. - Approximately 62 hours of self directed study which will include listening to online lectures and preparation for workshops, practical sessions and assessment tasks. Workshops will consist of instructor-assisted problem-solving tasks assigned and completed by groups and individuals within the meeting period. These problem-solving tasks may require students to present/discuss their work and comment on others' work.
Atkins, P., de Paula, J., Keeler, James, Atkins' Physical Chemistry, 11th Edition, Oxford University Press, UK (2018). Optional or extension materials such as short articles from newspapers, popular science magazines, and scholarly journals, will be provided on the Learning Management System.