Reactivity and Mechanism

Subject CHEM30016 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x one hour tutorial per week. Total 48 hours.
Total Time Commitment:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Prerequisites:

Both of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Exchange students are required to contact the subject coordinator prior to enrolment.

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Brendan Abrahams

Contact

bfa@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The concepts of quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, molecular interactions and reaction kinetics will lay the fundamentals for the discussion of chemical reactions involving various types of reactive intermediates. The application of molecular orbital theory will be used to understand the nature of pericyclic reactions and the concept of coordination in main group (including carbon) and transition metal elements. An investigation of inorganic reaction mechanisms will focus on transformations involving coordination and organometallic complexes of d-block metals. Discussion of synthetic aspects will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation and functional group transformations, as well as principles of catalysis involving transition metal complexes and their chemistry in synthetic and biological systems.

Learning Outcomes:

The subject builds on the skills base established in CHEM20020 Structure and Properties. Students will develop the conceptual framework needed to rationalise chemical reactivity in contexts ranging from isolated molecules, macromolecules to surface chemistry. Important spectroscopic methods that underpin emerging areas of research in fields as diverse as materials science and biotechnology are introduced. Upon completion, students will have obtained the chemical knowledge that enables them to successfully specialize in all different areas of chemical sciences.

Assessment:

Three equally weighted short tests each of duration less than 90 minutes conducted on-line during the semester using the learning management system (LMS) for a total of 20% and a three-hour end of semester exam (80%)

Prescribed Texts:

P Atkins and J De Paula, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 10th Ed, Oxford University Press, 2014

M. Weller, T. Overton, J. Rourke and F. Armstrong, Inorganic Chemistry, 6th Ed, Oxford University Press, 2014

J. Clayden, N. Greeves and S. Warren, Organic Chemistry, 2nd Ed, Oxford University Press, 2012

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

At the completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • the ability to comprehend complex concepts and effectively communicate this understanding to the scientific community and in a manner accessible to the wider community;
  • the ability to analyse and solve abstract technical problems;
  • the ability to connect and apply the learnt concepts to a broad range of scientific problems beyond the scope of this subject;
  • an awareness of advanced technologies;
  • the ability to think and reason logically;
  • the ability to think critically and independently.
Notes:

It is recommended that students who plan to major in Chemistry to also have completed the following:

  • Mathematics and Statistics - two semesters of first year mathematics, for example MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 and/or MAST10007 Linear Algebra.
  • Physics - VCE Units 3/4 12 Physics or equivalent, for example PHYC10005 Physics 1: Fundamentals
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Chemical Biotechnology (specialisation of Biotechnology major)
Chemical Physics (specialisation of Physics major)
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry (specialisation of Chemistry major)
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry (specialisation of Chemistry major)
Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
Selective subjects for B-BMED

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