Courses - Faculty of Science
Chemistry
Preparatory Courses
Preparatory Chemistry 1
Preparatory introduction to elements, compounds, the periodic table, atomic structure, covalent bonding, molecular shape and polarity. Quantitative chemistry, including balancing equations, calculating moles and particles present, calculation of concentration in mol L-1. Energy and thermo-chemistry. Laboratories include practical skills and qualitative analysis, and simple modelling.
Restriction: CHEM 91F
Stage I
Molecules that Changed the World
The impact of chemistry on the modern world will be explored by focusing on the stories of specific molecules, including penicillin, DDT and nylon. Their discovery, the underlying chemical principles that explain their behaviour, their impact on our lives including social and scientific issues that arise from their use, and their likely impact on the future will be investigated. No formal prerequisite, but the course assumes a science background at Year 11 or higher.
Chemistry of the Living World
A foundation for understanding the chemistry of life is laid by exploring the diversity and reactivity of organic compounds. A systematic study of reactivity focuses on the site and mechanism of reaction including application of chemical kinetics. A quantitative study of proton transfer reactions features control of pH of fluids in both living systems and the environment. It is recommended that students with a limited background in chemistry take CHEM 150 prior to CHEM 110.
Chemistry of the Material World
The chemistry of the elements and their compounds is explored. The relationship between molecular structure and reactivity, the role of energy, concepts of bond formation and chemical equilibrium are discussed. Issues such as sustainability, energy and fuels, and the creation of new materials are also discussed. It is recommended that students with a limited background in chemistry take CHEM 150 prior to CHEM 120.
Concepts in Chemistry
The fundamentals of chemistry are explored with a view to enhancing understanding of the chemical nature of the world around us and providing a foundation for further study in chemistry. Special attention is paid to familiarisation with the language of chemistry and the chemist's perspective of the properties of matter and its transformations. It is recommended that students with a limited background in chemistry take this course prior to CHEM 110 or CHEM 120.
Restriction: Cannot be taken at the same time as any other chemistry course, or after any successfully completed chemistry course, other than CHEM 100/CHEM 100G
Stage II
Structure and Spectroscopy
To study chemicals it is important to understand the stereochemical and electronic properties of molecules. Molecular orbital techniques and the application of approaches based on molecular symmetry and group theory to the understanding of molecular properties, bonding and spectroscopy will be studied. Application of these concepts to spectroscopic characterisation and quantification of materials by various spectroscopic techniques will be discussed.
Prerequisite: CHEM 120 and 15 points from MATHS 108, 110, 120, 130, PHYSICS 120, 160, STATS 101, 108
Restriction: CHEM 220
Properties and Analysis of Matter
Understanding the physico-chemical properties of matter is crucial for modern chemistry. Fundamental processes to the analysis and understanding of chemical systems, including thermodynamics, equilibria, acid and bases will be covered. Applications of modern electrochemistry, physical chemistry of modern materials and methods for assessing the reliability of results will be described while the laboratory course emphasises the obtaining and understanding of chemical measurements.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110, 120, and 15 points from MATHS 108, 110, 120, 130, PHYSICS 120, 160, STATS 101, 108
Restriction: CHEM 240
Making Molecules: Synthesis and Isolation
Creation of chemicals and compounds is at the heart of synthetic chemistry and is fundamental for the preparation of new materials and medicines. Students will learn organic, organometallic and inorganic synthesis with an emphasis on how and why reactions occur. Students will study separation strategies and characterisation techniques such as NMR spectroscopy to determine reaction outcomes. Provides experience in synthesising, purifying and characterising compounds.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110
Restriction: CHEM 230
Modelling Chemical Processes
From quantum mechanics to enzyme active sites, statistical analysis to the greenhouse effect, models are essential to our understanding of chemical phenomena. But what makes a good model? How are they developed and tested? After exploring the concept of models and their relationship to the scientific method, students will investigate several currently accepted models used in the chemical sciences.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110, 120 and 15 points from MATHS 108, 110, 130, 150, PHYSICS 120
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 254 A and B, or CHEM 254
Introduction to Green Chemistry
Introduction to the concepts and principles of Green Chemistry. Selected real world applications of Green Chemistry are presented to illustrate how these important guiding principles can be applied. The integral laboratory course provides valuable practical experience in relevant areas of the chemical sciences.
Prerequisite: Either CHEM 110 and 120, or at least B- in CHEM 110 or 120
Stage III
Structural Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Molecular structure is fundamental to the understanding of modern chemistry. Molecular spectroscopy provides an important method for probing the structure of molecules, and the following aspects of this subject will be presented: molecular energies and molecular spectra, molecular symmetry and spectroscopy, surface spectroscopy and the structure and chemistry of surfaces.
Prerequisite: 15 points from CHEM 210, 251
Design and Reactivity of Inorganic Compounds
A selection of the most recent developments in contemporary inorganic chemistry will be covered. Topics include selected physical properties of coordination compounds such as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, magnetism, redox chemistry and photochemistry, the organometallic chemistry and catalytic reactions of transition elements, bioinorganic and medicinal inorganic chemistry, the kinetics and thermodynamics of ligand substitution reactions, main-group organometallic chemistry and main-group polymers. The laboratories provide an important complementary experience in the synthesis and measurement of physical properties for selected inorganic compounds.
Prerequisite: CHEM 220 or 251
Contemporary Organic Chemistry
Topics in advanced organic chemistry, including the synthesis, reactions and uses of compounds containing phosphorus, selenium, boron and silicon. Organotransition metal chemistry. Asymmetric synthesis. Heterocyclic chemistry and pericyclic reactions. Laboratories emphasise synthetic and structural methods.
Prerequisite: 15 points from CHEM 230, 253
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Principles and applications of modern instrumental analytical chemistry. Statistical methods, quality control and assurance, sampling, instrumentation, chromatographic and other separation methods, spectrophotometric methods, electro-analytical methods.
Prerequisite: 15 points from CHEM 240, 252
Topics in Chemistry
Topics in modern chemistry. Students will select three of the modules offered, details of which are available in the School of Chemical Sciences Undergraduate Handbook.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Chemistry
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 350 A and B, or CHEM 350
Chemicals Big and Small: Nano-material to Bio-macromolecules
Chemical materials are found with a broad range of shapes, sizes and physical properties. Students will study the synthesis of chemical materials; including polymeric materials using radical chemistry, inorganic materials and proteins and peptides using synthetic and biological chemical approaches. Methods to characterise materials will be investigated, including a range of physical and computational techniques giving insight into molecular interactions.
Prerequisite: 30 points from CHEM 251, 252, 253
Restriction: CHEM 350
Advanced Concepts in Chemistry
Comprises various topics in the chemical sciences related to current research interests in the School, which may vary from year to year. Students will be exposed to cutting-edge research concepts and will study four separate modules over two semesters.
Prerequisite: CHEM 251 or 253 with a GPA of 4.5 or higher
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 352 A and B, or CHEM 352
Contemporary Green Chemistry
Covers topics central to contemporary Green Chemistry such as sustainable syntheses, energy production, catalysis, pollution control, and basic toxicology. The integral laboratory course provides valuable practical experience in relevant areas of the chemical sciences.
Prerequisite: CHEM 260
Materials Chemistry
Synthesis, properties characterisation and applications of advanced materials. Includes a review of current trends in materials research. Important aspects of solid inorganic materials and organic polymers are covered.
Prerequisite: 15 points from CHEM 210, 220, 251, CHEMMAT 121
Medicinal Chemistry
Nature of cellular targets for drug action – lipids, proteins, enzymes, DNA. Principles of molecular recognition. Enzymes and receptors as targets for drug action. DNA as a target for drug action. An overview of approaches to drug discovery and development. Structure-activity relationships, stereochemistry and drug action, prodrugs, drug solubilisation and delivery, drug metabolism and antibiotic resistance. Laboratories focus on the synthesis, computer modelling and biological testing of drugs.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110 and a minimum of 165 points passed
Issues in Drug Design and Development
Intellectual property and patent law in the pharmaceutical industry. An overview of the legal and regulatory framework for drug design and development. Clinical trials: formulation of a drug; phase I, phase II and phase III protocols. An introduction to the principles involved in the Codes of Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Laboratory Practice (quality control and quality assurance procedures) as applied to the manufacture of drug products and the quantification of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids. Examples of drug development. Case studies of selected drugs from design to release.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110 and a further 150 points passed
Capstone: Green Chemical Science
Explores green chemical processes, principles, applications and development. Students will examine the ethical, social and commercial implications of green chemical processes.
Prerequisite: 30 points from CHEM 351, 360, ENVSCI 301
Capstone: Medicinal Chemistry
Integrates and applies the foundations of medicinal chemistry to popular science-related themes, working individually and in groups and producing written and oral reports. Comprises an open-ended drug discovery research project that will require students to work in groups and individually.
Prerequisite: CHEM 390 and 15 points from CHEM 310, 320, 330, 340, 351, 360, 380, 392
Capstone: Chemistry
Using a combination of skills learnt throughout their major, students will investigate key chemistry-related phenomena, working individually and in groups, producing both written and oral reports. Along with the chemistry behind the phenomena, the social, environmental, economic and ethical considerations will be explored.
Prerequisite: 30 points from CHEM 251, 252, 253, 260 and 255 points passed
Diploma Courses
Graduate Diploma Research Project
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 690 A and B
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Directed Study
A directed reading and individual study course to prepare students in the methodologies in a selected sub-discipline of chemistry.
Directed Study
A directed reading and individual study course to prepare students in the methodologies in a selected sub-discipline of chemistry.
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Covers modern areas of research in physical chemistry and may include solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), X-ray spectroscopic techniques commonly used in materials science (including synchrotron-based X-ray absorption, emission and scattering techniques), and computational chemistry with applications in heterogeneous catalysis.
Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
Introduces a range of modern methods used in the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials (including metal nanoparticles, polymers, ceramics and their nanocomposites), with the application of these nanomaterials in energy conversion, optical devices and biosensing also being explored. Potential risks of nanomaterials in the environment will be discussed.
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Covers modern areas of research in inorganic chemistry, and may include main-group catalysis, medicinal inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or inorganic cluster compounds.
Modern Methods for the Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules
The use of modern methods for the construction of complex molecules with an emphasis on carbon-carbon bond formation and control of stereochemistry. Principles and practice of synthesis design based on retrosynthetic analysis. Each student will present and discuss a recent synthesis of a complex bioactive organic compound. No formal prerequisite, but knowledge of organic chemistry at the level covered in CHEM 330 will be assumed.
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
A selection of topics dealing with aspects of medicinal chemistry, including anticancer agents, metals in medicine, antibacterial and antiviral chemotherapy, contemporary topics in medicinal and/or bio-organic chemistry.
Biomolecular Chemistry
Discusses how techniques including NMR spectroscopy, calorimetry, neutron scattering and computational modelling, can characterise the molecular structure, dynamics, and interactions of biological macromolecules. The principles of each technique will be presented and complemented with examples of where these methods have made major advances in understanding important biochemical processes. Accessible to students with a background in chemistry, biology, bioengineering, or physics.
Current Topics in Analytical Chemistry
Principles and applications of modern analytical chemistry. Emphasis will be on the solution of problems met by analytical chemists, including a study of the development of instrumentation, and a study of current trends in analytical research. No formal prerequisite, but knowledge of analytical chemistry at the level covered in CHEM 340 will be assumed.
Chemometrics and Quality Assurance in Chemistry
Explores a range of different chemometric processes including statistical analysis techniques, and methods and strategies for experimental design. Concepts related to method validation for analysis will be covered, as well as quality management of chemistry experimental data and principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
Advanced Topics in Chemistry 1
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 750 A and B, or CHEM 750
Advanced Topics in Chemistry 2
A modular course comprising topics in physical, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry related to departmental research interests, which will vary from year to year. Students satisfactorily completing three modules will be awarded CHEM 750. Students satisfactorily completing an additional three modules will be awarded CHEM 751.
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 751 A and B, or CHEM 751
Advanced Green Chemistry
Examines topics that are of key global significance to sustainability such as human activities that exceed the planetary boundaries, global warming, ocean acidification, endocrine disrupting compounds, global population, imbalance of the phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, and extinction of species. No formal prerequisite, but knowledge of green chemistry at the level covered in CHEM 360 will be assumed.
Advanced Materials Chemistry
A selection of topics on the chemistry of advanced materials, including novel polymeric materials and materials characterisation and analysis. No formal prerequisite, but knowledge of materials chemistry at the level covered in CHEM 380 will be assumed.
Research Project - Level 9
Corequisite: CHEM 795
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 791 A and B, or CHEM 791
Honours Dissertation in Chemistry - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 793 A and B, or CHEM 793
Dissertation - Level 9
Corequisite: CHEM 795
To complete this course students must enrol in CHEM 794 A and B, or CHEM 794
Research Methods in Chemistry - Level 9
Supervised research planning on a topic in chemical sciences culminating in an independent written research proposal to develop advanced knowledge and understanding of the nature, purpose and application of a range of research methods in chemical sciences. A research seminar will demonstrate critical awareness of the role of research and knowledge in a specialised field of chemical sciences.