Key facts
UNE unit code: CHEM505
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In an era of increasing environmental pressure and growing demand for novel medicinal and industrial products, skilled professionals who can apply the fundamental concepts of physical and materials chemistry to produce innovative solutions and materials for real-world problems are in demand.
Studying this unit you will explore the applied physical chemistry associated with chemical equilibria, adsorption, and electrochemistry. You will also be introduced to the preparation, behaviour and analysis of materials from a molecular perspective.
Delving into the diversity of materials, you will explore macromolecules, colloids and surfactants. You will learn about different polymer synthesis methods as well as novel manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, to prepare advanced materials with a wide range of applications in engineering, and healthcare.
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
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. |
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:
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated knowledge of reactions that take place in electrochemical cells and the importance of energy in the control of chemical reactions;
- demonstrate, an expert knowledge of materials, an advanced understanding of the physical basis for the properties, synthesis, and analysis of polymers, colloids, surfactants, and other molecular structures of importance in materials;
- use expert and specialised cognitive and technical skills for problem solving related to chemical systems in industry and the environment;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement and responsibility through an integrated laboratory program;
- demonstrate the ability to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas, based on laboratory or assignment work, using written and graphical communication methods to a specialist or non-specialist audience; and
- demonstrate an expert level of knowledge, interpretation, understanding, communication and laboratory skills.
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 | 7.5% | All offerings | Assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. Three assignments will require the student to demonstrate greater depth of understanding and an enhanced ability to integrate critical aspects of the material. No. Words: 750 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. Three assignments will require the student to demonstrate greater depth of understanding and an enhanced ability to integrate critical aspects of the material. No. Words: 750 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations. Three assignments will require the student to demonstrate greater depth of understanding and an enhanced ability to integrate critical aspects of the material. No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 4 - Practicals - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. Laboratory practicals. Students will be assessed on their laboratory skills and their demonstrated ability to connect theoretical concepts with laboratory practice. Students will need to demonstrate professional conduct in the laboratory, including the ability to work safely, collegially, and productively in a shared setting. Assessment may also include data analysis, laboratory proficiency, reporting of results, and teamwork. |
| Assessment 5 - Project - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Hurdle task. A multi-part project: developing a project plan, carrying out project in the laboratory, and reporting on outcomes. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 45% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. |
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.
Physical Chemistry
ISBN: 9781292022246
Engel, T. and Reid, P., Pearson Education 3rd International ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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