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:

1. Predict and measure/analyze bulk properties of gases and liquids.
2. Rationalize equilibrium transitions and recognize/analyze these transitions in both natural and engineered systems, using equilibrium free energies.
3. Quantitatively analyze kinetics of reactions involving mechanisms which are consecutive and competitive, as well as more complex mechanisms.
4. Understand fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics as applied to atoms and molecules.
5. Use computational chemistry to rationalize the chemical properties of molecules.
6. Understand the chemical reactions that occur during the solid-state synthesis process and interpret phase diagrams.
7. Explain and rationalize the different types of chemical bonding in solid-state materials and understand their influence on structure and properties.
8. 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. 

Research-Led Teaching

The course laboratories will introduce students to computational resources and instrumentation used in modern day research.

Required Resources

Atkins, P., de Paula, J., Keeler, James, Atkins' Physical Chemistry, 11th Edition, Oxford University Press, UK (2018).

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

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).

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Section A: Quantum Mechanism and Computational Chemistry - seven short online lectures A1-A7 and one workshop.	Workshop 1 is assessed (wattle quiz).
2	Section A: Quantum Mechanism and Computational Chemistry - two online lectures A8-A9, a workshop and a computational laboratory.	Workshop 2 and the computational laboratory are assessed (wattle quiz).
3	Section A: Quantum Mechanism and Computational Chemistry - three online lectures A10-A12, a workshop and a computational laboratory.	Workshop 3 and the computational laboratory are assessed (wattle quiz).
4	Section A: Quantum Mechanism and Computational Chemistry - three online lectures A13-A15, one workshop and instrument laboratories commence.	Workshop 4 is assessed (wattle quiz).
5	Section B: Classic Thermodynamics - four online lectures B1-B4, one workshop, and instrument laboratories continue.	Workshop 5 is assessed (wattle quiz).Practice exam (section A) will be held.
6	Section B: Classic Thermodynamics - three online lectures B5-B7, one workshop and the mid-semester exam.	Workshop 6 is assessed (wattle quiz).The mid-semester exam (wattle quiz) will be held in person during the laboratory session.
7	Section C: Equilibria, Kinetics and Reactions Mechanisms - five online lectures C1-C5, and instrument laboratories conclude. Workshop 7 will be held concurrently with the laboratory.	Workshop 7 and all instrument laboratory are assessed (wattle quiz).
8	Section C: Equilibria, Kinetics and Reactions Mechanisms - four online lectures C6-C9 and one computer laboratory.	Workshop 8 and the computer laboratory are assessed (wattle quiz).
9	Section C: Equilibria, Kinetics and Reactions Mechanisms - four online lectures C10-C15 and one workshop.	Workshop 9 is assessed (wattle quiz). Practice exam (sections B and C) will be held.
10	Section D: Materials Characterization - three online lectures D1-D3, one workshop and one experimental laboratory.	Workshop 10 and the experimental laboratory are assessed (wattle quiz).
11	Section D: Materials Characterization - three online lectures D4-D6, and one workshop.	Workshop 11 is assessed (wattle quiz).
12	Section D: Materials Characterization - three online lectures D7-D9, and one workshop.	Workshop 12 is assessed (wattle quiz).

Tutorial Registration

Computational laboratories and all workshops will be run as a single session. Practical instrument laboratories may be split into two weekly sessions. Students can select their preferred laboratory session through Wattle. 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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Weekly workshop problem sheets (12 in total)	24 %	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Three computational laboratories in weeks 2, 3 and 8	15 %	2,3,4,5
Four practical laboratories in weeks 4, 5, 7 and week 10	20 %	1,2,3,6,7,8
Two online practice exams	6 %	1,2,3,4,6,7,8
An in person mid-semester exam held in week 6	15 %	4,5
An in person end-of-semester exam	20 %	1,2,3,6,7,8

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are required to attend all workshops and computational laboratories.

Students must also complete four practical laboratories, including attending the laboratory. You must wear the appropriate protective clothing (laboratory coat, safety glasses and covered, non-absorbent shoes) to participate in a practical class. Students who do not comply will not be permitted to work in the laboratory.

Examination(s)

Examinations (include practice examinations) must be completed individually.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly workshop problem sheets (12 in total)

Each weekly workshop will have an online problem sheet (wattle quiz). These web-based quizzes are designed for students to test and practice their understanding of concepts introduced in lectures. These will use Juypter notebooks and include some basic python coding.

Due to the Good Friday and ANZAC Day public holidays the weekly workshop will be held concurrently with the laboratory session.

Assessment Task 2

Three computational laboratories in weeks 2, 3 and 8

Each computational laboratory will be worth 5%. Each lab report will be in the form of a online worksheet (wattle quiz).

The first computational laboratory (week 2) will introduce Jupyter notebooks and using python to solve equations and plot mathematical functions.

The second (week 3) and third (week 8) computational laboratories will instead use IQMOL, to solve chemical structures and their properties i.e. section A content. The third laboratory aims to tie sections A, B and C together, showing how properties introduced in sections B and C are calculated using quantum chemical packages.

Due to the ANZAC Day public holidays the third computational laboratory will be held concurrently with the weekly workshop.

Assessment Task 3

Four practical laboratories in weeks 4, 5, 7 and week 10

Each practical laboratory will be worth 5%. Each lab report will be in the form of a online worksheet (wattle quiz).

The first three laboratories will cover sections B and C of the course. Students will complete these in small groups - 2-3 students per group.

The fourth laboratory will cover section D.

Due to the Good Friday Day public holidays the week 7 laboratory will be held concurrently with the weekly workshop.

Assessment Task 4

Two online practice exams

The first will cover section A of the course, the second sections B and C of the course. Each will be worth 3%. These will be an online worksheet (wattle quiz) in the same format as the mid-semester and final exam.

Students will be provided feedback prior to the mid-semester and final exam.

Assessment Task 5

An in person mid-semester exam held in week 6

This exam will be held in the laboratory session in week 6.

The exam will be a online worksheet (wattle quiz).

Assessment Task 6

An in person end-of-semester exam

This exam will be held in the examination session

The exam will be a online worksheet (wattle quiz).

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Weekly workshops will be returned within a week of the due date.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students