Chemistry: Structure and Properties (CHEM20020)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject covers key concepts related to the stereochemical and electronic properties of molecules and the methods central to their study. Important elements of the subject include the spectroscopic characterisation and quantification of materials by a range of spectroscopic techniques, molecular orbital techniques and the application of approaches based on molecular symmetry and group theory to the understanding of molecular properties, stereo-selective reactions, bonding and spectroscopy. These topics have applications to advanced materials, light emitting polymers, chemical analysis and catalysis in biological and industrial systems.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject students should;



  • be able to classify molecules according to their symmetry and to relate their physical properties (e.g. dipole moment, isomerism) to the molecular symmetry;
  • have a basic knowledge of the basis and application of spectroscopic techniques that are conducted in the presence (NMR, EPR) or absence (IR, Raman, UV-Vis.) of an applied magnetic field;
  • be able to apply molecular orbital theory to simple homo- and heteronuclear diatomic molecules and polyatomic molecules;
  • be able to apply simple Huckel approaches to arrays of atoms having orbitals of pi symmetry;
  • be able to identify systems that are aromatic or antiaromatic in character and to have a knowledge of their basic reactions;
  • be able to describe the changes in bonding that occur to small molecules (e.g. CO) on binding to a transition metal and to be able to apply these concepts to the catalysis of reactions of those species.

Generic skills

This subject will provide students with opportunities to develop the following generic skills:

  • the ability to comprehend complex concepts and effectively communicate this understanding to the scientific community and in a manner accessible to the wider community;
  • the ability to analyse and solve abstract technical problems;
  • the ability to connect and apply the learnt concepts to a broad range of scientific problems beyond the scope of this subject;
  • an awareness of advanced technologies;
  • the ability to think and reason logically;
  • the ability to think critically and independently.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM10004 Chemistry 2
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Students who have only successfully completed CHEM10006 Chemistry for Biomedicine or CHEM10009 Chemistry for BioSciences are required to contact the coordinator for approval.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Students who have completed this subject cannot also gain credit for:

CHEM20014 Organic and Physical Chemistry 2

CHEM20021 Physical Chemistry 2

CHEM20022 Organic Chemistry 2

CHEM20023 Inorganic Chemistry 2

CHEM20024 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry 2

CHEM20025 Physical and Inorganic Chemistry 2

Recommended background knowledge

It is recommended that students who plan to major in Chemistry also enrol in two semesters of first year mathematics, for example MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 and MAST10007 Linear Algebra.

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

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

Five short tests each of up to 60 minutes duration conducted on-line using the learning management system (LMS); the tests will run in weeks 2, 4, 7, 10 and 12 and each test will contribute equally to this component of the assessment

  • 60 minutes (each)
From Week 2 to Week 1220%

An examination

  • 3 hours
End of semester80%

Additional details

This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorPatricia Jackson
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x one hour tutorial per week; 3 x one hour seminars during the semester. Total 51 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

    pjackson@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 Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025