Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

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

Rationale

Physical Chemistry is a discipline of chemistry in which the influences of physical factors on chemical reactions are described and quantified. The fundamental factors that govern the extents (equilibria) and rates (kinetics) of chemical reactions are usually the realm of Physical Chemistry. This unit illustrates this basic science with applications of these principles to actual reaction types that are expounded as case studies of the principles underlying the Chemistry. In addition, all students of chemistry need an understanding of the concepts of acids and bases in their widest sense. This unit provides the tools that chemists use to understand how and why molecules react.

Aims

To demonstrate how reactions and their equilibria and rates can be described and quantified, and to understand by studying key examples, the fundamental factors that govern the outcomes of chemical reactions.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should:

1. Understand some of the basic theory that is derived from observations of the properties of matter.
2. Appreciate the major factors that govern chemical reactions.
3. Appreciate how these chemistry principles are illustrated by practical uses of chemicals.
4. Understand the electronic effects that influence reactions, and concepts that chemists use, to characterise the mechanisms of key reactions of both inorganic and organic compounds.
5. Have developed laboratory skills in handling sensitive instrumentation.
6. Be able to obtain, evaluate, and communicate laboratory data and results in a scientifically critical manner.

Content

1. Thermodynamics and Equilibrium

An account of the laws of thermodynamics with reference to their applications in modern society, covering the topics of enthalpy, heat capacity, entropy, Gibbs free energy, chemical potential, fugacity, Debye-Hückel law, chemical equilibrium and introduction to electrochemistry.

2. Chemical Kinetics

Topics include basic kinetics, the rate law, methods of determining orders, half-life, mechanisms of chemical reactions, collision theory of reaction rates and the steady state principle.

3. Case Studies on Equilibria and Reaction Mechanisms

Brønsted, Lewis and Hard and Soft Acids and Bases (HSAB) theories; acids and bases in non-aqueous solvents. Leads from the basic principles of kinetics and equilibrium and acids and bases into two major illustrations, one each from traditional inorganic and organic sub-disciplines: (a) metal complex stability in terms of both thermodynamics and kinetics; metal complex equilibria in solution; reaction mechanisms for complexes including inner and outer sphere type mechanisms; (b) concepts of nucleophiles and electrophiles, organic reactive intermediates, case study of the SN2 and SN1 mechanisms, stereochemical and kinetic outcomes.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures/tutorials (26 hours, 2 hours per week)
The lectures will emphasise the themes that thermodynamic quantities and empirical kinetic laws govern and characterize chemical reactions, and that there are universal concepts, such as rates, equilibria and acids and bases that apply across all reactions in solution, whether organic or inorganic species are being considered.

Practical work (24 hours, 8 x 3 hour sessions)
Practical work will comprise a series of exercises that illustrate the concepts from the lectures, and involve both inorganic and organic examples. Universal scientific skills such as the collection of accurate data, critical appreciation of the quality of data, and deductive reasoning are key features.

Workshops (8 hours, 4 x 2 hours)
These interactive sessions will allow a deeper exploration or revision of selected topics from the lecture program or the principles illustrated in the practical exercises.

Participation in workshops and laboratory exercises is an important component of the unit. Laboratory reports are assessed and returned to you during semester. The feedback provided therein will help you to monitor your progress and correct any misunderstandings.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Feedback will be provided to students through consultation with lecturers and/or supervisory staff.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: 8 Practical reports. Formative and Summative. You will have ample opportunity during the laboratory program to interact with staff and obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts in this unit. Feedback from practical reports will be provided by written comments and/or one-to-one contact with staff.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Quizzes or short written assignments on the Workshop topics. Formative and Summative. Feedback will be provided on your progress in developing the knowledge and skills required for success in this unit.
Relates to objectives: 1-4.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final Theory Examination. Summative. A written examination will be conducted during the examination period.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

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

Recommended textbooks:

1. Atkins P and De Paula J (2006) Atkins' Physical Chemistry, 8th Edition, Oxford Uni Press.

2. Housecroft CE & Sharpe AG (2005) Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Edition, Pearson, Essex, UK.

3. Bruice PY (2007) Organic Chemistry, 5th edition, Pearson Education.

4. Zubrick TW (2004) The Organic Chem Lab Survival Manual, 6th Edition, John Wiley & Sons.

Risk assessment statement

The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a School Health and Safety Manual in this unit (or a pre-requisite unit). Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiment are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.

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