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Advanced Topics in Chemistry 1

Unit code: PCB780-2
Contact hours: 6 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

This is the second semester component of a two-semester unit covering a selection of advanced topics in the areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. The topics offered reflect the expertise of the academic staff as well as the needs of the students. (24 credit points achieved at completion of PCB780-1 and PCB780-2.)

Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 2 Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The complexity of the chemical systems studied in a research program and the sophistication of the instrumentation used demand that deeper theoretical understanding than that acquired in an undergraduate program.

Aims

To complement the research project by study of relevant advanced concepts in chemistry.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to comprehend, analyse, apply and evaluate material at an advanced level in Chemistry or related fields.

Content

The unit is modular in design and runs for 2 semesters. The content varies since students may study between 1 and 3 modules of a particular topic depending on the nature and demands of their research project. Typical examples of course content might include:

  • Synthetic methods and strategies, detailed study of selected reactions and their mechanisms.
  • Advanced theory an practice of inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy, ICP mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry.
  • The fundamental concepts of NMR with particular emphasis on the interpretive aspects of the subject, including: the source and production of the NMR signal in FT instruments; chemical shift and the factors which influence it in both 1H and 13C spectra; exchange phenomena (OH, NH, etc.); significance of first order homonuclear coupling in 1H spectra (up to AMX systems); structural factors which influence the size of the coupling constant; homonuclear decoupling in 1H spectra and its use in spectral analysis; interpretation of 13C spectra (both proton decoupled and off resonance decoupled spectra).
  • Automated methods of chemical analysis, including flow-based chemical analysis techniques, such as continuous flow analysis, stopped flow analysis, flow injection analysis and discontinuous flow analysis, together with appropriate detector technology.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    A series of interactive lectures and/or reading program and/or selected laboratory exercises.

    Assessment

    This is a full year unit incorporating PCB780-1 and 780-2.
    The assessment in this unit will be negotiated between you and the teaching staff.The unit will be conducted in close consultation with the staff teaching the unit, so you will have opportunities to assess your progress and understanding by one-to-one discussions.

    Assessment name: Student negotiated assessment
    Description: Theory examination and/or written problem-solving tasks and/or the presentation of a laboratory log book if appropriate.
    Relates to objectives: All
    Weight: 100%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: End of each Semester

    Academic Honesty

    QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

    A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

    Resource materials

    Texts will be indicated in accordance with the exact area of study. In some cases a knowlege of relevant articles from the primary literature will be required.

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    Risk assessment statement

    There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. If laboratory work is included, a Risk Assessment will be carried out.

    Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

    Last modified: 30-Apr-2012