Overview

Physical chemistry provides insight into the fundamental reason that chemical systems and materials behave the way they do. This unit gives you an advanced understanding of the properties and characteristics of solids, liquids and gases from a fundamental level - utilising computation of individual atoms and bonds - right through … For more content click the Read More button below.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS
S1-FF-CLAYTON-FLEXIBLE

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Philip Wai Hong Chan

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Alison Funston
Dr Ekaterina Pas

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Comprehend the basic concepts of computational chemistry and become proficient in the "hands-on" use of specific computational chemistry software.

2.

Develop assessment skills of reliability and accuracy of computational chemistry methods for a chemical problem at hand.

3.

Become proficient in the applications of the four laws of thermodynamics.

4.

Learn about the connections between kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions.

5.

Understand how chemical rate analysis is performed, and analyse the kinetics of advanced chemical processes.

6.

Apply key concepts related to the fundamental physical chemistry of solids, liquids and gases.

7.

Develop an understanding of phase diagrams and phase behaviour, and how this is related to the interactions between atoms/molecules.

8.

Rationalise the key processes that occur at - and differences between - interfaces between solids, liquids and gases.

9.

Understand the wetting of solid surfaces, how this controls colloidal systems, and how kinetics of adsorption can be analysed.

10.

Explore colloidal systems involving solid particles, liquid droplets and gas bubbles.

11.

Rationalise the molecular basis for surfactant behaviour and the uses of surfactant-based systems including liquid crystals.

Assessment summary

  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 40%
  • Mid-semester task assessment, assignments and computer testing: 30%
  • Laboratory work and short laboratory reports and pro forma reports: 30% (Hurdle)

Hurdle requirement: If you would otherwise have passed the unit but you do not achieve at least 45% in the laboratory practical component you will receive a Hurdle Fail (NH) grade and a mark of 45 on your transcript.

Supplementary assessment is not available for the lab practical component.

Workload requirements

Workload

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Lab coat required - $35, safety glasses $8, Lab book $3.00

Availability in areas of study

Chemistry