Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This course gives hands-on experience in understanding and obtaining the

molecular structure via X-ray crystallography, the gold standard for determining

structure in chemistry. Advanced concepts and techniques in chemical

kinetics, molecular collision theory, and molecular dynamics simulations

of bulk chemical properties are also presented. Concepts and theory will be

supported by practical workshops, use of world-class modern equipment, software

and visualisation tools. The unit emphasises core STEM skills sought after

by employers and invaluable for second-year physical chemistry.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand, observe and carry out the refinement

of a simple crystal structure such as sucrose; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the origin of reaction rate laws and how terms in the Arrhenius equation are obtained in theory and by experiment; (3) demonstrate an understanding of how molecular dynamics simulations work, and carry out actual molecular dynamics simulations, and visualise the motion of molecules

; and (4) practice relevant skills related to vectors, matrices and dynamical and rate equations.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) final examination; (2) quizzes and assignments; and (3) laboratory sessions. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the laboratory sessions component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Dino Spagnoli
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of two Unit(s)
CHEM1001 Chemistry—Properties and Energetics
or CHEX1001 Chemistry—Properties and Energetics
and
CHEM1002 Chemistry—Structure and Reactivity
or CHEX1002 Chemistry Structure and Reactivity
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
Or Enrolment in
CHEM2001 Core Chemical Concepts and Techniques
Incompatibility
Unit(s) CHEM3007 The Chemistry of Reactions
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
labs: 36 hours across the semester
tutorials: 1 per week
Texts

Physical Chemistry, Atkins et. al, 11th edition (2018)

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.