CHEM 2516 - Chemistry IIA (Nanoscience and Materials)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2017

Studies in Chemistry at Level II deal with a range of fundamental concepts that can be used to explain various phenomena in chemistry, biology and materials science. The courses have been designed to provide students who have an interest in chemistry with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake further studies in chemistry or pursue alternative pathways in the biological, environmental, earth and physical sciences. Chemistry IIA (Nanoscience and Materials) focuses on chemical reactivity and illustrates how reactions occur and how structure influences the properties of molecules. The examples used to illustrate these points draw on expertise in the areas of stereochemistry, synthesis, properties and reactions of molecules, thermodynamics, kinetics and symmetry.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHEM 2516
    Course Chemistry IIA (Nanoscience and Materials)
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7.5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101, CHEM 1201 & CHEM 1312
    Incompatible CHEM 2510, CHEM 2512, CHEM 2514
    Restrictions Available to B Sc (Nanoscience & Materials) students only
    Course Description Studies in Chemistry at Level II deal with a range of fundamental concepts that can be used to explain various phenomena in chemistry, biology and materials science. The courses have been designed to provide students who have an interest in chemistry with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake further studies in chemistry or pursue alternative pathways in the biological, environmental, earth and physical sciences.
    Chemistry IIA (Nanoscience and Materials) focuses on chemical reactivity and illustrates how reactions occur and how structure influences the properties of molecules. The examples used to illustrate these points draw on expertise in the areas of stereochemistry, synthesis, properties and reactions of molecules, thermodynamics, kinetics and symmetry.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Tak Kee

    A/Prof Tak W. Kee (tak.kee@adelaide.edu.au)
    A/Prof Christian Doonan (christian.doonan@adelaide.edu.au)
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 explain chemical reactivity on the basis of structure and electronic arguments
    2 predict likely chemical reactivity based on the chemical functionality, metal oxidation state or electronic nature of a molecule, be it organic or inorganic in nature
    3 describe the underlying principles of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics, and be able to clearly communicate the link between these quantitative means of characterising chemical reactions
    4 define chemical structure in terms of isomerism and stereoisomerism, and apply stereochemical considerations to aspects of organic and inorganic reactivity
    5 identify likely candidates in the characterisation using symmetry arguments;
    6 use molecular orbital theory to describe chemical bonding in complicated molecules that are not adequately explained by less advanced theories;
    7 design, 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)
    1-6
    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
    2,5,6,7
    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
    7
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    7
    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
    7
    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
    7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    ‘Pushing Electrons’ (Weeks, 3rd Edition, Harcourt College Publishers, 1998)
    Recommended Resources
    • ‘Organic Chemistry’ (Bruice, 5th Edition, Pearson Education, 2007)
    • ‘Organic Chemistry’ (Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers, Oxford University Press, 2000)
    • ‘Modern Physical Organic Chemistry’ (Anslyn and Dougherty, University Science Books, 2005)
    • ‘Inorganic Chemistry’ (Shriver & Atkins, 4th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2006)
    • ‘Physical Chemistry’ (Atkins, 8th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2006)
    • ‘Physical Chemistry’ (Tinoco, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2002)

    All the above are available for purchase from UniBooks or for loan from the Barr Smith library. Some are also available for consultation in the Chemistry Resource Centre (Rm 120, Johnson Laboratories)

    Online Learning

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

    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
     


  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    • Lectures 36 x 50-minute sessions with three sessions per week
    • Tutorials 12 x 50-minute sessions with one session per week
    • Practicals 9 x 5-hour sessions (including the lab familiarisation session
    • Specialist Tutorials 5 x 1-hour sessions
    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

    Coursework Content

    Synthetic Chemistry I - Chemistry of the Carbonyl Group (25%)
    This section of the course will examine the reactivity of the carbonyl group, with the emphasis on aldehydes, ketones, imines, esters, amides and carboxylic acids. A mechanistic approach to the reactions of these compounds will be undertaken. Applications to the synthesis of molecules will be a feature, as will applications of this chemistry to the biological and material sciences.

    Applications of Symmetry (25%)
    This section of the course will introduce students to symmetry operations and elements, point groups and applications of symmetry (e.g. chiralilty, polarity, and IR spectroscopy). Use of ligand field theory. Symmetry aspects in construction of MO orbital diagrams, pi-acceptor ligands, electronic configuration versus molecular geometry, Term Symbols, Selection rules, UV-Vis spectroscopy.

    Thermodynamics and Kinetics (25%)
    Thermodynamics - enthalpy (reprise); entropy; free energy; chemical potential; applications [reverse osmosis, dialysis, osmometry (polymer MW distribution)].

    Kinetics - introduction to kinetics, first order reactions, second order reactions, applications

    Stereochemistry (25%)
    This section of the course will extend the concepts of chirality encountered at Level I, then examine the three-dimensional shape of molecules. Conformation will be an important feature, with the emphasis on the effect that this can have on reactivity. Substitution and elimination reactions will be used to illustrate these concepts.

    Practicals

    There will be 8 sessions from Weeks 2 – 11. The 3-hour session in Week 1 is devoted to analytical techniques, data acquisition and data handling with a variety of software. The remaining sessions will be divided equally between synthetic chemistry, which will introduce the student to a variety of techniques to prepare chemicals in a safe manner, and measurement and analysis, which will introduce the student to techniques for studying and quantifying chemical processes.

    Tutorials

    The tutorials are formative in nature. These sessions will be held weekly and will provide the student with the opportunity to answer and discuss material from the lecture content. In addition, there are 4 summative tasks/assignments which will be used to assess the comprehension of the student on the material. The assignments have been designed to resemble what would be asked in the final examination.

    Specialist Tutorials These tutorials will be held for six weeks. The tutorials will cover a range of topics that will provide insight into the issues relevant to the named degrees.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendance is compulsory at all scheduled chemistry 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 # Outcomes being assessed/achieved
    Assignments Summative 10% No 1 – 6
    Safety Assignment Summative 5% No 6
    Practical Reports Formative & Summative 20% No 1 – 6
    Specialist Tutorials Presentation Formative & Summative 5% No 1 – 5
    Exam Summative 60% Yes (45%) 1 – 6
    Assessment Related 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

    To pass this course students must:

    • Attend all scheduled chemistry practical sessions; and
    • Attain a minimum of 45% for the exam:
      • 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

    Assignments 10% - This assessment activity specifically covers lecture course content and is designed to encourage students to engage with the subject matter through semester (4 short-answer assignments). The assignments are supported and enhanced by students’ participation in tutorials.

    Safety Assignment 5% - This short-answer assessment activity addresses the safety aspects in the chemical laboratories. There are 9 questions covering the topics of hazardous substance, hazard classifications, health hazard classification, material safety data sheets, EC/Hazard symbols, The Dangerous Goods Act, the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (ADG Code), Dangerous Goods Classes , Packaging Groups (PG), exposure standard, LC50, LD50.

    Practical Reports 20% - This assessment activity comprehensively addresses the practical aspects of chemistry and competent training in the techniques employed in chemical laboratories (8 short, hand-written practical reports submitted in class).

    Specialist Tutorials Presentation 5% - This assessment activity covers the specialist tutorial topics in which students are required to give a 10 minute presentation in pairs (5 minutes per student). Each pair is assigned a topic covered specifically in the specialist tutorials and provided with some background material and a research paper to study in class. Students are required to do a presentation to outline their understanding of the topic and present it to the class. The requirements and marking scheme for the presentation are provided to students at the start of the semester.

    Final exam 60% - This assessment activity comprehensively addresses the learning outcomes

    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. The assessment extension application form can be obtained from: http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current/

    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.