Practical Chemistry 2 (CHEM20019)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject allows students to develop skills in the synthesis of different classes of organic and inorganic compounds; analysis of samples with single and multiple components; determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of molecules; measurement and interpretation of the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of inorganic and organic compounds. Students will have the opportunity to obtain expertise in the operation of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques (including chromatography, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry).

The subject consists of a program of experiments supported by three lectures, two tutorials and a variety of electronic online resources. The lectures and tutorials, in addition to the electronic resources, provide background theory relevant to the experiments as well as instruction on different analytical and computational techniques, spectroscopic identification of unknown compounds and cover various aspects of chemical safety, reporting of experimental data, data and error analysis and the use of chemical databases.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate skills in organic and inorganic chemical synthesis and characterisation.
  • Select appropriate techniques for specific chemical analyses.
  • Operate common chemical instrumentation and interpret the results.
  • Use a variety of physical techniques to probe thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopic properties of compounds.
  • Perform computer-based calculations to provide insight into chemical systems.
  • Present coherent reports that describe experiments, analyse the data and discuss the results of an investigation.
  • Search databases and the scientific literature.
  • Work safely and efficiently in a chemical laboratory.
  • Apply appropriate procedures for data and error analysis.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • the ability to use conceptual models to rationalise observations;
  • data recording and interpretation of scientific observations;
  • the ability to search databases and the scientific literature;
  • be able to apply procedures for data and error analysis;
  • the ability to write scientific reports;
  • an understanding and basic operations of modern analytical techniques;
  • an awareness of safe and diligent laboratory practice, including safe chemical and glassware handling, and proper instrument operation.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM20018 Chemistry: Reactions and Synthesis
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEM20020 Chemistry: Structure and Properties
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Note: these can be taken concurrently (at the same time)

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects

CHEM20014 CHEM20021 CHEM20022 CHEM20023 CHEM20024 CHEM20025

Recommended background knowledge

It is recommended that students have completed or obtained the knowledge contained in the following subject:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM20018 Chemistry: Reactions and Synthesis
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

It is recommended that students who plan to major in Chemistry to also have completed the following:

Mathematics and Statistics - two semesters of first year mathematics, for example MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 and/or MAST10007 Linear Algebra.
Physics - VCE Units 3/4 12 Physics or equivalent, for example PHYC10005 Physics 1: Fundamentals

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

An online test (not exceeding 1.5 hours) based on the material developed in lectures

  • 1.5 hours
Week 610%

Ongoing assessment of practical work (of technical competence, reporting and interpretative skills) in the form of 15 short (1 to 3 pages each) and 2 long reports (5 to 6 pages each). Each report is due 6 days after the conclusion of the experimental work.

  • 25-57 pages
Throughout the semester90%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorBrendan Abrahams
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursA total of 21 three-hour practical classes at a rate of no more than 2 x three hour practical classes per week; 2 x one hour lectures per week for four weeks; 1 x one hour tutorial per week for two weeks. Total 73 hours.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024
    Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024
    Census date 2 September 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail20 September 2024
    Assessment period ends15 November 2024

    Semester 2 contact information

    bfa@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours.

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025