Reactivity and Mechanism (CHEM30016)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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The subject builds on the skills base established in CHEM20020 Structure and Properties. The concepts of quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, molecular interactions and reaction kinetics will lay the fundamentals for the discussion of chemical reactions involving various types of reactive intermediates. The application of molecular orbital theory will be used to understand the nature of pericyclic reactions and the concept of coordination in main group (including carbon) and transition metal elements. An investigation of inorganic reaction mechanisms will focus on transformations involving coordination and organometallic complexes of d-block metals. Discussion of synthetic aspects will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation and functional group transformations, as well as principles of catalysis involving transition metal complexes and their chemistry in synthetic and biological systems.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Students will develop the conceptual framework needed to rationalise chemical reactivity in contexts ranging from isolated molecules, macromolecules to surface chemistry.
  • Learn important spectroscopic methods that underpin emerging areas of research in fields as diverse as materials science and biotechnology.
  • Upon completion, students will have obtained the chemical knowledge that enables them to successfully specialise in all different areas of chemical sciences.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject students should have developed 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: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All 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

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Three equally weighted short tests, each of duration no more than 90 minutes. Each test will be made available in the final week of each 4 week block (weeks 4, 8 and 12)

  • 90 minutes (each)
During the teaching period20%

An exam

  • 3 hours
End of semester80%

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorTrevor Smith
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x one hour tutorial per week. Total 48 hours.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    trevoras@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.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025