This course aims to understand the structure, properties and transformations of matter, from bulk behaviour down to mechanisms at the molecular level. It is the role of the chemical physicist /physical chemist to collect, collate and analyze experimental data from all branches of chemistry and to construct predictive models.
This course is delivered using a flipped classroom format, with online lectures, extended weekly workshops centered on problem solving activities, and laboratories that introduce computational tools and experimental techniques used in chemical research.
In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of chemical physics/physical chemistry with a strong focus is on developing a skill base necessary for the construction, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, as well as a practical understanding and use of predictive models. Key topics include thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and computational chemistry. This course also serves as an introduction to Materials Science at ANU. Topics covered include chemical bonding in materials and their synthesis. The course will also focus on one essential characterisation technique - X-ray diffraction - and will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between syntheses, structure and properties in various technologically important functional materials.
This course builds on information and concepts from chemistry, physics and mathematics. Students with a background in areas as diverse as medicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular engineering, chemical engineering, and earth sciences are encouraged to enrol.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Predict and measure/analyze bulk properties of gases and liquids.
- Rationalize equilibrium transitions and recognize/analyze these transitions in both natural and engineered systems, using equilibrium free energies.
- Quantitatively analyze kinetics of reactions involving mechanisms which are consecutive and competitive, as well as more complex mechanisms.
- Understand fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics as applied to atoms and molecules.
- Use computational chemistry to rationalize the chemical properties of molecules.
- Understand the chemical reactions that occur during the solid-state synthesis process and interpret phase diagrams.
- Explain and rationalize the different types of chemical bonding in solid-state materials and understand their influence on structure and properties.
- Understand basic crystallographic concepts such as unit cells, real and reciprocal spaces, symmetry operations, etc., and apply this knowledge to identify the space groups and symmetries of typical inorganic materials. Use X-ray diffraction for phase and structural analyses.
Indicative Assessment
- Web-based quizzes (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Laboratory (Prac) Reports (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Mid-semester Exam (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final Exam (30) [LO 4,5,6,7,8]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of one x 3 hour workshop per week and 8 x 4 hour practical sessions involving computer-based and experimental work across the semester.
- Approximately 62 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Workshops will consist of instructor-assisted problem-solving tasks assigned and completed by groups and individuals within the meeting period. These problem-solving tasks require students to present/discuss their work and comment on others' work.
Inherent Requirements
Students with accessibility concerns should consult convenors regarding any necessary accommodations.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Atkins, P., de Paula, J., Keeler, James, Atkins' Physical Chemistry, 11th Edition, Oxford University Press, UK (2018).
Preliminary Reading
Optional or extension materials such as short articles from newspapers, popular science magazines, and scholarly journals, will be provided on Learning Management system.
Assumed Knowledge
Required Skills: Secondary-education level algebra
Recommended Skills: introductory calculus, specifically differentiation and integration of a function (although these skills will not be assumed and revision will be available).
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3623 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |