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

The topics covered in this unit build on those presented in undergraduate units, and reflect cutting-edge developments in chemistry, providing students with an understanding and knowledge of the discipline at an advanced level. Four topics, each with three lectures, are offered per year. The choice of topics delivered is dependent on staff availability—examples include nuclear magnetic resonance; electrochemistry; chemical biology; catalysis; molecular reaction dynamics; spectroscopy; computational chemistry; mass spectrometry; X-ray crystallography. Students develop and present a short lecture on an aspect of one of the topics through independent readings, in consultation with the academic staff member in charge of the topic, and submit an assignment related to this lecture. The lecture highlights the research that has led to our current understanding of the topic. The main academic objective is for students to gain an understanding and an appreciation of how the knowledge in a field of chemistry progresses. Students' abilities in critical thinking, data analysis, and interpretation of results are extended. They also broaden their knowledge base and gain experience in presenting material unrelated to their research project.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 4 elective
  • Honours core unit in Chemistry [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) discuss recent advances in the discipline of Chemistry; (2) develop the emergence of a scientific discipline in historical, technological and knowledge-based contexts, and present this information in the form of a lecture.; and (3) search and manage the acquired information, think critically, anaylse data, and interpret results.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral presentation; (2) examination; and (3) assignment. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Rob Atkin
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Advisable prior study
undergraduate major in Chemistry
Contact hours
workshops: 12 hours
presentation sessions: approx. 6 hours (depending on number of students)
consultation with academic staff during presentation planning approx. 0.5 hours
  • 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.