CHM3911 · Advanced physical chemistry

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 to applied systems such as colloids and surfactants, relevant to minerals, food and formulation. The unit follows a natural progression from atomic and molecular properties at a single atom or bond level through key thermodynamics to the properties of chemical systems, such as viscosity, phase behaviour and the interactions between solids and liquids. The final section deals with surfaces and colloids - key to understanding important chemical systems in Australian science and industry, due to their ubiquity in minerals processing, food and dairy industries, energy and oil, pharmaceuticals, water and waste processing.

Areas of study: Chemistry

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Apply fundamental concepts in thermodynamics, kinetics, and intermolecular interactions to complex problems relating to advanced physical chemistry;
2. Analyse and rationalise complex chemical systems in laboratory environments relating to advanced physical chemistry;
3. Interpret reliability and accuracy of theoretical calculations, and compare theoretical results with experimental data in written reports;
4. Assess the reliability of experimental results and suggest improvements;
5. Apply skills in reflection, computational chemistry software, group work, professionalism and production of professional lab reports.

Workload

• One 1-hour self-paced online work; • One 2-hour workshop; • Three hours or equivalent of laboratory and • Six hours of independent study per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.