Chemistry

J.A. Elix, BSc PhD Adel., DSc ANU (Organic Chemistry)

Introduction

Chemistry is the study of matter, in relation to its structure at the level of individual atoms and molecules, and of the manner in which such structures can be transformed by chemical reactions. Between physics on the one hand, and biology on the other, it forms the principal interface. The subject may thus be pursued in many ways; at the one extreme at a purely theoretical level (for which a strong background in physics and mathematics is desirable) and at the other through experimental investigations (informed nowadays by a wide range of qualitative principles) of structure and change.

Chemistry is also an essential part of the background to the study of most other science disciplines, and to medicine and engineering. The courses offered are designed to meet the needs of students to whom chemistry is their principal concern, and of students whose interest is subsidiary to another branch of science.

Course structure and sequence

In 1999 there will be six A-level chemistry units: Chemistry A14, Chemistry A15, Chemistry A16, Chemistry A17, Chemistry Fundamentals (Engineering), and Chemistry A12.

Chemistry A14 (first semester) and Chemistry A15 (second semester) cover a broad range of basic chemical concepts presented in an integrated way, stressing the wide applicability of chemical principles. Together, these two semester units comprise a core course designed to cater for those whose primary interests lie in other areas of science as well as acting as a basis for a continuing study of chemistry.

Chemistry A16 and Chemistry A17 are based on A14 and A15 above, but offer additional work in wider areas of chemistry to students whose interest may have been aroused at school or by a Science Summer School or by Chemistry Olympiad training. Staff from the Research School of Chemistry are intimately involved in the additional work presented in this course.

Chemistry Fundamentals is a single (second semester) unit that consists of material considered essential background for engineers. This unit is available to Engineering students only.

Chemistry A12 (Chemistry for Natural Resource Managers) is a single (first) semester unit with no formal chemistry prerequisite. This unit aims to provide a chemical background for students withing to pursue studies in resource and environmental management as well as other disciplines. Successful completion of Chemistry A12 qualifies a student to enrol in Chemistry A14.

B-level Chemistry semester units target the main areas of chemistry in employment and research, and link with other science subjects. The areas covered include inorganic, organic, physical, analytical and materials chemistry.

The C-level Chemistry semester units offer advanced study in professional areas of chemistry — inorganic, organic, and physical.

Chemistry undergraduate course requirements

Attendance at laboratory sessions at the specified times is compulsory.

For all chemistry units, a pass in the prescribed laboratory work will be required in order to gain a pass in the unit.

A pass or better in the designated prerequisite chemistry units is required for entry into subsequent chemistry units.

Safety glasses and laboratory coats are required for all laboratory courses. It is strongly recommended that all students have a scientific pocket calculator.

Assessment: For each unit, an agreed assessment scheme will be decided upon following discussion with the class at the beginning of the unit.

Chemistry A14    CHEM1014

(6cp) Group A

First semester
Three lectures, one tutorial and three hours of laboratory work a week.

Prerequisite: A passing grade in chemistry to the level of at least a minor in the ACT or multistrand science in NSW is required. Incompatible with CHEM1011, CHEM 1012 and ENGN1225

Convener: M.G. Humphrey

Syllabus: The following syllabus provides a general guide to the topics to be discussed:

Atomic structure and bonding: electronic structure of atoms, quantum numbers, orbitals and energy levels, filling sequence, periodicity of atomic properties, octet ‘rule’, chemical bonds — ionic, covalent — energetics, H-bonds, Lewis structures, shapes of molecules, VSEPR theory, valence bond theory, hybridisation, resonance, molecular orbitals of diatomics — sigma/pi/antibonding.

Equilibrium: Haber process as example of the Law of mass action, equilibrium constants, Kc and Kp, Le Châtelier’s principle, reaction quotient, endo- and exo-thermic reactions.

Acids/bases and aqueous equilibria: classical, Lowry-Brønsted, and Lewis definitions, pH of aqueous solutions, strengths of acids and bases — Ka and Kb, titration curves, buffers, extent of hydrolysis — weak acids/bases, solubility products.

Introductory kinetics: reaction rates — 1st, 2nd and 3rd order; molecularity, Arrhenius equation.

Spectroscopy: absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation, applications of spectroscopy, especially UV-Vis, AAS, IR & NMR, Beer-Lambert law, colorimetry.

Introductory thermodynamics: Energy — different forms, kinetic and potential, heat and work, the First Law of Thermodynamics, conservation of energy, internal energy and enthalpy, Hess’ Law, state functions, standard states, calorimetry.

Organic structure, isomerism & reactivity: carbon hybridization, functional groups, nomenclature, 3D chemistry, conformations, structural/geometrical/ optical isomerism, biological and synthetic polymers — poly-amides and poly-saccharides.

Laboratory: Exercises illustrating the simpler principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The apparatus used in the course is supplied by the Department. Attendance at laboratory classes is compulsory.

Chemistry A15    CHEM1015

(6cp) Group A

Second semester
Three lectures, one tutorial and three hours of laboratory work a week.

Prerequisite: Chemistry A14 or Chemistry A16. Incompatible with CHEM1011, CHEM1012 and ENGN1225

Conveners: K.A. Ahrling/R.J. Pace

Syllabus: The following syllabus provides a general guide to the topics to be discussed:

Chemistry of the elements: periodicity exemplified, descriptive chemistry of non-metallic groups VII, VI and V, silicates — structural variety, transition metals, coordination chemistry — ligands, isomerism, stability, biological examples.

Electrochemistry: redox reactions, half-cell reactions and balancing equations, oxidation states, Voltaic cells, electrodes, electrode potentials, electromotive force and the free energy of cell reactions, Nernst equation, batteries, corrosion.

Advanced thermodynamics: entropy, Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics, free energy, equilibrium, spontaneous processes, equilibrium constants — calculations, extent of reaction.

States of matter: gases, kinetic theory, effusion, equipartition of energy principle, deviations from ideality, intermolecular forces, states of matter, liquefaction, vapour pressure, molar heat capacity, phase diagrams (one component), melting, boiling, critical phenomena, solids, close packing geometries, lattice energies.

Solutions: solubility, phase diagrams of multicomponent systems, colligative properties, Raoult’s law, deviations from ideality, mp depression/bp elevation, osmosis, colloids.

Quantum mechanics: electromagnetic waves, quantum view of energy levels, particle in a box, matter waves.

Advanced Kinetics: activation energies, collision and transition state theories, elementary steps in reaction mechanisms, catalysis, Michaelis-Menten kinetics, radioactive decay (as an example of exponential decay).

Biologically active compounds, chemical communication, drugs, synthesis and spectroscopy: drugs, pharmaceuticals and synthesis, reaction mechanisms, alcohols, ethers and carbonyl compounds, structural determination by spectroscopy.

Laboratory: Exercises illustrating the simpler principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The apparatus used in the course is supplied by the Department. Attendance at laboratory classes is compulsory.

Chemistry A16    CHEM1016

(6cp) Group A

First semester
Four lectures, one tutorial and three hours laboratory work a week.

Prerequiste: A passing grade in chemistry to the level of at least a major in the ACT or 3/4 unit science in NSW is required. Incompatible with CHEM1011 and CHEM1012.

Conveners: B. Wild (RSC)/G. Salem

Syllabus: This course is identical to A14 except that it provides for up to four lectures per week instead of three. The extra lecture/tutorial constitutes an enrichment program designed for students with a strong interest in chemistry from school, Science Summer School, Olympiad or equivalent.

Chemistry A17    CHEM1017

(6cp) Group A

Second semester
Four lectures, one tutorial and three hours laboratory work a week.

Prerequisite: Chemistry A14 or Chemistry A16. Incompatiable with CHEM1011 and CHEM1012.

Conveners: B. Wild (RSC)/G. Salem

Syllabus: This course is identical to A15 except that it provides for up to four lectures per week instead of three. The extra lecture/tutorial constitutes an enrichment program designed for students with a strong interest in chemistry from school, Science Summer School, Olympiad or equivalent.

Chemistry A12    CHEM1022

(Chemistry for Natural Resource Managers)    (6cp) Group A

First semester
Three lectures and one tutorial per week and 15 hours of laboratory classes.

Prerequisite: No previous knowledge of chemistry is assumed although some background will be useful. This unit cannot be taken concurrently with or after successful completion of CHEM1014 or CHEM1016.

Convener: P.M. Angus

Syllabus: This course introduces students to the basic concepts of chemistry. The topics covered are matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, structure and bonding in compounds, inorganic nomenclature, chemical calculations, stoichiometry, properties of gases, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the Earth.

Laboratory: Assignments will cover various aspects of the lecture course and attendance at laboratory classes is compulsory.

Chemistry Fundamentals    ENGN1225

(3cp)

Second semester
Twenty four lectures (1 hr), twelve tutorials (1hr)

Prerequisite: Admission to BE degree course or approval of Head of Engineering

Convener: P.M. Angus

Syllabus: Introduction to essential concepts of chemistry. Electronic structure and chemical bonding. Quantum mechanics and atomic spectroscopy. Reaction rates, Arrhenius equation, activation energy of chemical reactions. Chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, Le Chateliers Principle. Theories of acids and bases, strong and weak acids and bases, Ka and Kb calculation of pH and extent of hydrolysis. Thermochemistry, enthalpy and the First Law of Thermodynamics. Entropy and Gibbs free energy, the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Electrochemistry, calculation of electrode cell potentials, operation of batteries.

Chemistry B-units

Students selecting B-units should note carefully the prerequisites of two B units for entry into the Chemistry C-units.

Chemistry B53    CHEM2053

(Inorganic and Materials Chemistry)    (8cp) Group B

Second semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisite: Chemistry A14 and Chemistry A15; or Chemistry A16 and Chemistry A17; or Chemistry A11; or Chemistry A11 (Special).

Convener: G. Salem

Syllabus: Chemical bonding; valence bond and ligand field theories; metallic bonding. Coordination chemistry. Crystal chemistry, structures of metals, alloys, semi- and super-conductors; phase equilibria, alloys.

Laboratory: Synthetic inorganic chemistry; quantitative inorganic analysis; use of some or all of the following techniques: IR and UV spectroscopy, thermal analysis, Xray powder diffraction.

Chemistry B54    CHEM2054

(Organic Chemistry II)    (8cp) Group B

First semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisite: Chemistry A14 and Chemistry A15; or Chemistry A16 and Chemistry A17; or Chemistry A11; or Chemistry A11 (Special).

Convener: C.L.L. Chai

Syllabus: An analysis of the stereochemistry and mechanism of addition, elimination and substitution reactions with particular reference to natural products and synthesis of compounds of commercial importance. The central role of reactive intermediates (carbocations, carbanions, carbenes and radicals) in organic reactions will be emphasised. The chemistry of carbonyl compounds and aromatic compounds with emphasis on the synthetic aspects. Applications of infra red, ultraviolet/visible and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to organic structure analysis.

Laboratory: Exercises involving basic laboratory techniques of organic chemistry: their application in separation, synthesis, and analysis of organic compounds will be involved. The recording and interpretation of infra red and ultraviolet/visible spectra.

Chemistry B56    CHEM2056

(Physical Chemistry)    (8cp) Group B

Second semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisite: Chemistry A14 and Chemistry A15; or Chemistry A16 and Chemistry A17; or Chemistry Fundamentals and Introduction to Materials Science; or Chemistry A11; or Chemistry A11 (Special).

Incompatible with Chemistry B53 completed prior to 1993.

Convener: RJ Pace

Syllabus: Thermodynamics of gas, liquid and solid systems and use of phase rule. Introductory statistical mechanics as the basis of thermodynamics. Molecular spectroscopy and introductory quantum chemistry. Introduction to chemical kinetics and reaction dynamics.

Laboratory: Assignments will cover various aspects of the lecture course and will include experiments on IR spectroscopy, calorimetry, kinetics, refrigeration and phase changes.

Chemistry C51    CHEM3051

(Organic Structure and Mechanisms)    (8cp) Group C

First semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisites: Chemistry B54 and one other Chemistry B unit.

Convener: C.L.L. Chai

Syllabus: A study of the basic reaction mechanisms encountered in organic chemistry, with particular reference to the reactions and rearrangements of electron deficient and radical species. Applications of nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral techniques in structural and mechanistic studies. Stereochemistry and conformational analysis. Carbocyclic chemistry. Pericyclic reactions.

Laboratory: Advanced organic laboratory techniques with emphasis on syntheses and spectroscopic analyses. Some project work may be included.

Chemistry C52    CHEM3052

(Applied Physical Chemistry)    (8cp) Group C

First semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours laboratory a week

Prerequisite: Any two Chemistry B units

Convener: G. Fischer

Syllabus: Surface and polymer chemistry (colloidal and surfactant solutions, mechanisms and rates of polymerization). Applied spectroscopy (molecular symmetry).

Laboratory: Assignments will cover various aspects of surface and polymer chemistry, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.

Chemistry C53    CHEM3053

(Advanced Inorganic Chemistry)    (8cp) Group C

First semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials, and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisite: Chemistry B53 and one other Chemistry B unit or written approval of the unit convenor

Convener: G. Salem

Syllabus: Advanced chemistry of the elements, in particular, the transition metals. Molecular symmetry, structure and bonding. Organotransition metal chemistry. Metal ions in biological systems.

Laboratory: Methods of synthesis and characterisation of Werner complexes, organometallic compounds and compounds of biological importance.

Chemistry C55    CHEM3055

(Selected Topics in Physical Chemistry)    (8cp) Group C

Second semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisites: Chemistry B56 and one other Chemistry B unit, or written approval of the unit convenor

Convener: G. Fischer

Syllabus: General principles of magnetic resonance, applications to NMR and ESR. Computing methods. Statistical mechanics. Quantum chemistry including aspects of electronic structure and approximation methods.

Laboratory: A series of projects and assignments, some computer oriented and some theoretical.

Chemistry C56    CHEM3056

(Selected Topics in Inorganic Chemistry)    (8cp) Group C

Second semester
Maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisites: Chemistry B53 and one other Chemistry B unit. Chemistry C53 is recommended.

Convener: R. Stranger

Syllabus: A selection from: applications of ligand field theory to electronic spectra; magnetism and optical activity; inorganic reaction mechanisms; main group chemistry (eg organometallics, boron hydrides, chemistry of phosphorus, etc); solid-state chemistry.

Laboratory: Preparation of inorganic compounds. Use of polarimetry, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and magnetochemistry.

Chemistry C57    CHEM3057

(Organic Synthesis, Biosynthesis and Heterocycles)    (8cp) Group C

Second semester
A maximum of four lectures/tutorials and four hours of laboratory a week

Prerequisite: Chemistry B54 and one other Chemistry B unit. Incompatible with Chemistry C54.

Convener: J.A. Elix

Syllabus: An introduction to the chemistry of the main five and six-membered heterocyclics. Particular emphasis will be given to biologically-important systems. The biosynthesis of the major classes of natural products. Selected syntheses, often of natural products, will be used to illustrate modern synthetic reactions and strategies.

Laboratory: A series of laboratory exercises in organic chemistry. Some project work may be included.

The degree with honours

Convener: M.G. Humphrey

Students who have attained a sufficient standard in the course (see the Faculty of Science introductory section in this Handbook) for the pass degree may be admitted to an honours year.

A supervisor, who will guide the candidate in the selection of a suitable course of study and who will direct the research project, will be appointed for each honours candidate. The course of study must be selected from a special schedule of lecture courses, details of which will be made available within the Department, and must be approved by the Head of Department. Candidates will normally be able to select their general field of investigation.

Attendance at colloquia held in the Department constitutes a part of the course and the candidates will be required to prepare and deliver seminars describing the background to (first seminar) and results from (second seminar) their research project. Candidates must submit a written report (thesis) describing the method and results of their investigation.

There will be written examinations during the year, and an oral test is required.

The classification for honours will be based on the assessment of the students written report of the investigation, on the results of the written and oral examinations, on a report by the supervisor, and on their performance in their second seminar.