Key facts
UNE unit code: CHEM210
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Physical chemistry offers us boundless opportunities to harness the power of matter. Being able to successfully predict the chemical and physical properties of atomic and molecular systems is key to successfully manipulating and utilising them.
Studying this unit, you will develop an in-depth understanding of quantum and thermal structures, and the relationship of these to reactivity and physical processes.
Quantum and thermal structures are fields which present you with interesting theoretical and technical puzzles, and as such the laboratory component of this unit is not bench-based. Rather it involves exploring physical chemistry concepts and data analysis, and applying these to solve a range of problems.
Focusing throughout on applications to chemical and physical systems, topics include introductory quantum mechanics, symmetry, molecular orbital theory, the laws of thermodynamics, work, heat, internal energy and enthalpy, entropy and free energy.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand how the principles of quantum mechanics can be used to predict atomic and molecular properties, and use these principles to predict properties of simple atomic and molecular systems;
- explain types of chemical bonding and the formalisms used to describe them;
- understand, articulate and apply the laws of thermodynamics to chemical and physical systems; and
- solve a range of intermediate level numerical, physical and chemical problems in the field.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. |
| Assessment 3 - Practicals | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Laboratory Work. This does not include bench experiments, but involves interpreting experimental data provided cogent to the subject matter of the unit, carrying out calculations and making critical judgments about the meaning of the results. |
| Assessment 4 - Lab Project | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Laboratory Work - project. This project involves interpreting experimental data provided cogent to the subject matter of the unit, carrying out calculations and making critical judgments about the meaning of the results. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. It is mandatory to pass the final examination (minimum score of 45%) to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Chemical Structure and Reactivity: An Integrated Approach
ISBN: 9780199604135
Keeler, J. and Wothers, P., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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