This course aims to understand the structure, properties and transformations of matter, from bulk behaviour down to mechanisms at the molecular level. It is the role of the chemical physicist /physical chemist to collect, collate and analyse experimental data from all branches of chemistry and to construct predictive models.
In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of chemical physics/physical chemistry with a strong focus is on developing a skill base necessary for the construction, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, as well as a practical understanding and use of predictive models. Key topics include thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and computational chemistry. This course also serves as an introduction to Materials Science at ANU. Topics covered include chemical bonding in materials and their synthesis. The course will also focus on one essential characterisation technique - X-ray diffraction - and will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between syntheses, structure and properties in various technologically important functional materials.
This course builds on information and concepts from chemistry, physics and mathematics. Students with a background in areas as diverse as medicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular engineering, chemical engineering, and earth sciences are encouraged to enrol.
This course is delivered using a flipped classroom format, with online lectures, extended weekly workshops centered on problem solving activities, and laboratories that introduce computational tools and experimental techniques used in chemical research.
Honours pathway option (HPO):
Entry to this option is subject to the approval of the course convener. Students who take this option will undertake an additional 6-8 online lectures at a more advanced level. All students in the PhB (Hons) or direct entry Honours degree programs enrolled in this course are encouraged to complete the HPO.
Proposed Assessment Honours Pathway Option: The standard course will count 90% towards the final grade and the HPO 10%. The HPO assessment will consist of two additional online worksheets.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics as applied to atoms and molecules;
- Use computational chemistry to rationalise the chemical properties of molecules;
- Predict and measure/analyse bulk properties of gases and liquids;
- Rationalise equilibrium transitions and recognise/analyse these transitions in both natural and engineered systems, using equilibrium free energies;
- Quantitatively analyse kinetics of reactions involving mechanisms which are consecutive and competitive, as well as more complex mechanisms;
- Understand the chemical reactions that occur during the solid-state synthesis process and interpret phase diagrams;
- Explain and rationalise the different types of chemical bonding in solid-state materials and understand their influence on structure and properties;
- Understand fundamental crystallographic concepts and use this knowledge to characterise inorganic materials and their properties.
Indicative Assessment
- Workshop quizzes (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Laboratory (Prac) Reports (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Mid-semester Exam (15) [LO 1,2]
- Final Exam (20) [LO 4,5,6,7,8]
- This course has a hurdle requirement: Chemistry is an experimental discipline requiring the development of hands-on laboratory skills. It is expected that students will attend all laboratory sessions and submit all associated assessments. Where there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from attending a lab, missed attendance has to be agreed with the course convener and appropriate supporting documentation submitted through the appropriate channels. There is a minimum lab attendance threshold of 80%. A minimum of 5/7 reports must be submitted and must demonstrate a reasonable attempt to satisfy the requirements of the assignment. (0) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of one x 3 hour workshop per week and 8 x 4 hour practical sessions involving computer-based and experimental work across the semester.
- Approximately 62 hours of self directed study which will include listening to online lectures and preparation for workshops, practical sessions and assessment tasks.
Workshops will consist of instructor-assisted problem-solving tasks assigned and completed by groups and individuals within the meeting period. These problem-solving tasks may require students to present/discuss their work and comment on others' work.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Atkins, P., de Paula, J., Keeler, James, Atkins' Physical Chemistry, 11th Edition, Oxford University Press, UK (2018).
Optional or extension materials such as short articles from newspapers, popular science magazines, and scholarly journals, will be provided on the Learning Management System.
Assumed Knowledge
Required Skills: Secondary-education level algebra
Recommended Skills: introductory calculus, specifically differentiation and integration of a function (although these skills will not be assumed and revision will be available).
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4887 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |