CHEM 3555 - Topics in Chemistry IIIB

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2020

This course covers a range of specialised topics in chemistry, the methods of presentation and assessment of which vary according to the components selected (coursework or practical). Students enrolled in this course select topics in existing chemistry courses offered in the same semester and at the same year level as this course. Topics should be selected in consultation with the Chemistry Level 3 Coordinator and Head of Discipline.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHEM 3555
    Course Topics in Chemistry IIIB
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites CHEM 2510 & CHEM 2520 or equivalent
    Course Description This course covers a range of specialised topics in chemistry, the methods of presentation and assessment of which vary according to the components selected (coursework or practical).
    Students enrolled in this course select topics in existing chemistry courses offered in the same semester and at the same year level as this course.
    Topics should be selected in consultation with the Chemistry Level 3 Coordinator and Head of Discipline.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor David Huang

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On completion of this course, depending on the topics selected, students should be able to:

    1 extend knowledge and understanding of a variety of chemical concepts in a range of contexts;
    2 develop solutions to a variety of chemical problems;
    3 critically analyse and evaluate quantitative & qualitative chemical information;
    4 obtain and evaluate information from a variety of sources;
    5 communicate effectively in a variety of forms;
    6 use terminology appropriate to the field of study correctly and contextually;
    7 undertake laboratory investigations using appropriate apparatus; make observations and draw appropriate conclusions;
    8 conduct, analyse and interpret results of an experiment, and effectively communicate these in written reports.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-3,7
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2-4,8
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    5,7,8
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-8
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    5,8
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    5,8
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources

    -        Organic Chemistry’ (Bruice, 5th Edition, Pearson Education, 2007)

    -        ‘Organic Chemistry’ (Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers, Oxford University Press, 2001)

    -        ‘Inorganic Chemistry’ (Shriver & Atkins, 4rh Edition, Oxford University Press, 2006)

    -        ‘Physical Chemistry’ (Atkins, 8th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2006)

    -        ‘A Guide to Lasers in Chemistry’ (Van Hecke & Karukstis, Jones & Bartlett, 1998)

    -        'Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds' (Silverstein, 7th Edition, Wiley Press, 2005)

    -        'SI Chemical Data' (Aylward, 6th Edition, Wiley Press, 2007)

    -        ‘Pushing Electrons’ (Weeks, 3rd Edition, Harcourt College Publishers, 1998)

    -        ‘Modern Physical Organic Chemistry’ (Ansyln and Dougherty, University Science Books)

    -       ‘Molecular Spectroscopy’ (Banwell, 4th Ed., McGraw Hill, 1994) out of print

    Maths Resources

    The Maths Learning Centre (MLC) helps all students learn and use the maths they need at uni. The MLC offers seminars, workshops, online, and print resources. It also run a drop-in room in Hub Central from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday during teaching weeks. For more information, visit http://www.adelaide.edu.au/mathslearning/

    For chemistry-specific maths help, visit http://www.adelaide.edu.au/mathslearning/resources/chem/

    Online Learning

    MyUni:    Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures

    Students attend timetabled classes of topics chosen as part of the course, as agreed with the Level 3 Chemistry Coordinator and Head of Discipline.

    Practicals

    Format 1 - Experiments

    Practical exercises will provide students with "hands on" experience in the quantitative use of various analytical methods. In addition, students will be involved in the analysis of "real world" chemical samples.

    Format 2 – Laboratory placement

    All practical work will be conducted by lab placement in Research labs of the Chemistry academics. The placement will be conducted during the semester during the practicals.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

    Learning Activities Summary

    -        Metallo-Supramolecular Chemistry

    -        Heterocyclic Chemistry

    -        Porous Extended Materials

    -        Nanoscale and Non-linear Optical Materials

    -        Sub-Nano Assemblies

    -        X-ray Characterisation of Materials

    -        Chemistry of the Carbonyl Group

    -        Stereoselective Synthesis

    -        Metals in Synthesis

    -        Bioorganic Chemistry

    -        Proteins and Disease

    -        Medicinal Chemistry

    -        Biological Structure Determination (MS)

    -        Advanced topics in current research strengths
    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendance is compulsory at all scheduled chemistry practical sessions. The learning outcomes for this course are substantially dependent on laboratory experience and practice. Therefore, missing any practical class in a semester will result in a grade of FAIL being recorded for the course. Students with medical or compassionate reasons for non-attendance will be given an opportunity to make up missed practical sessions.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Assessment task

    Type of assessment

    Percentage of   total assessment for grading purposes #

    Hurdle

    Yes or No #

    Objectives being assessed / achieved

    Practical reports

    Formative & Summative

    30%

    No

    1 – 8

    Summative Assignments

    Formative & Summative

    10%

    No

    5,9,13

    Exam

    Summative

    60%

    Yes (45%)

    1 – 6

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Practical work is compulsory  – This includes attendance, conduct of required experimental work, attendance at demonstrator interviews (as required) and submission of laboratory reports. The learning outcomes for this course are substantially dependent on laboratory experience and practice.  Therefore, missing any practical class in a semester will result in a grade of FAIL being recorded for the course. Students with medical or compassionate reasons for non-attendance will be given an opportunity to make up missed practical sessions.

    To pass this course, students must attain a minimum of 45% for the examination and attend all practicals. Students who attain a final course grade of at least 45% but do not attain a minimum of 45% for the exam may be offered an Additional Academic Exam during the Replacement/Additional Assessment period, in line with the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy.
    Assessment Detail

    Practical reports (30% of total course grade)

    This will come from assessment of experiment reports (major reports and minor reports submitted in the lab session).  In general, each experiment will be assessed on laboratory results (yield, appearance of product, melting point, graphs, quality of data etc.) as well as the laboratory note books and report. 

    Summative Assignments (10% of total course grade)
    Students will complete assignments on the course material.  Each assignment will consist of a series of short-answer and/or multiple-choice questions.

    Examination (60% of total course grade)

    The end-of-semester examination will be based primarily on lecture/tutorial material and will consist of a series of short-answer
    and/or multiple-choice questions.

    Submission
    Submission of Assigned Work
    Coversheets must be completed and attached to all submitted work. Coversheets can be obtained from the School Office (room G33 Physics) or from MyUNI. Work should be submitted via the assignment drop box at the School Office.

    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Coordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time. 

    Late submission of assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.