Advanced Practical Chemistry (CHEM30015)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will build on the experience gained in second year practical chemistry through the synthesis and characterisation of complex molecules, the acquisition and interpretation of advanced spectroscopic and physical data and the investigation of chemical systems through computational techniques. It consists of a series of laboratory-based experiments aimed at developing skills in the synthesis, safe handling and analysis of chemical substances of a range of different classes of compounds; an understanding of modern characterisation techniques (e.g. chromatography, atomic and molecular spectroscopy); and the operation of instrumentation for the acquisition of kinetic, structural and thermodynamic data.
A component of this subject will also involve the development of skills in independent practical work through the design and implementation of experimental procedures and techniques, and data interpretation. The subject will also provide opportunities for the development of scientific writing and presentation skills, problem solving and small group collaboration, while introducing resources and software commonly used within chemical research fields (i.e. scientific databases, chemical drawing software, molecular modelling & optimisation, etc).
In addition to increased proficiency in standard techniques, this subject provides an introduction into research-based chemistry through integrated and themed experiments. It will provide skill development in a range of techniques utilised in the modern chemistry laboratory.
The subject provides experience across multiple traditional chemical disciplines whilst highlighting the importance of these disciplines in diverse 'real world' applications such as materials science and medicinal chemistry.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Assemble complex molecules through chemical reactions.
- Acquire and interpret spectroscopic data for the characterisation of compounds.
- Apply computational and mathematical techniques in the analysis of chemical data.
- Record, interpret and report scientific observations.
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;
- ability to search databases and the scientific literature;
- ability to use advanced computational packages;
- be able to apply procedures for data and error analysis;
- ability to write clear and concise scientific reports;
- an understanding and basic operations of modern techniques;
- an awareness of safe and diligent laboratory practice, including safe chemical and glassware handling, and proper instrument operation.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM20019 | Practical Chemistry 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM30016 | Reactivity and Mechanism | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Exchange students are required to contact the subject coordinator prior to enrolment.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
10 individual experiments (one per week): each experiment is chosen from a group of 2-4 available experiments in each block. The assessment type for each experiment is either written report, viva or oral presentation, determined by the academic in charge of the experiment. Includes 7 short experiments (6 hours of preparation time for the report/ viva/ presentation) and 3 long experiments (12 hours of preparation time for the report/ viva/ presentation )
| From Week 1 to Week 10 | 78% |
Group experiment: 20-minute group oral presentation
| From Week 9 to Week 12 | 10% |
Group experiment, with written report completed in group (3 students/group)
| During Weeks 9 - 12, with report due during the examination period | 12% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Wallace Wong Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours On average 7 hours a week of practical laboratory work. Total 84 hours. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
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: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
A laboratory coat and safety glasses are required for laboratory activities (to be provided by the student).
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
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Medicinal Chemistry Informal specialisation Chemical Physics specialisation Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Chemistry Informal specialisation Chemistry Informal specialisation Medicinal Chemistry specialisation Informal specialisation Chemistry specialisation Informal specialisation Medicinal Chemistry - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025