GCH5120 - Green chemical synthesis and applications

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Overview

This unit will provide you with the knowledge, tools and skills to understand synthetic methods that adhere to Green Chemistry principles. Case studies will look at applications of selected chemicals and polymers, with consideration of life cycle and circular economy factors. Topics covered include will include metrics for green synthesis; … For more content click the Read More button below. During your studies you will apply your learning to a series of experiential activities that address and demonstrate novel applications of green synthesis in industry. The activities include problem solving, discussion of case studies and scenarios from the research literature and industry.

This unit will provide you with the knowledge, tools and skills to understand synthetic methods that adhere to Green Chemistry principles. Case studies will look at applications of selected chemicals and polymers, with consideration of life cycle and circular economy factors. Topics covered include will include metrics for green synthesis; solvent selection and solvent free reactions; catalysis (including heterogeneous, homogenous and bio catalysis); energy options for driving chemical reactions (microwave, mechanochemistry, ultrasound, electrochemical); chemical transformations from renewable primary feedstock chemicals and feedstock options; green polymer synthesis including biopolymers; continuous flow systems for chemical synthesis; case studies from academia and industry demonstrating innovation in the chemical industry.

During your studies you will apply your learning to a series of experiential activities that address and demonstrate novel applications of green synthesis in industry. The activities include problem solving, discussion of case studies and scenarios from the research literature and industry.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Kellie Tuck

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Antonio Patti

Learning outcomes

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

Demonstrate critical understanding of organic and inorganic synthesis applying green chemistry principles for small molecule, organic/inorganic and polymer synthesis;

Design green chemical synthetic pathways, including reaction conditions, process options, product/co-product formation and mechanisms, to achieve more efficient manufacturing of chemicals and polymers;

Critique the various options and potential of biomass derived chemical feedstocks for the synthesis of fine chemicals, polymers and commodity chemicals;

Apply green chemistry metrics, life cycle assessment and supply chain considerations in assessing the greenness of chemical reactions and how these can apply to chemical manufacturing processes;

Describe how catalysts can be used heterogeneously and homogeneously, biological and asymmetric catalysts and the importance of catalysis in green chemical synthesis and industrial production.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Problem-based learning

Peer assisted learning

Online learning

Research activities

Assessment

1 - Continuous assessment by workshop activities, quizzes and assignments

2 - Summative assessment (group project on an industry case study)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Assessments

Lectures

Tutorials

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit will have a minimum of three hours of scheduled activities per week, which include a two-hour lecture with discussion and a one-hour workshop, to be offered face-to-face and/or with hybrid learning options. Formal contact will involve combination of teacher-directed learning, problem solving, case study evaluations, supplemented with further directed reading, videos, problem solving, group work and associated peer-directed learning and on-line engagement.

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Technology resources