Reactivity and Mechanism

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Or

One of

• 610-210 Light, Matter & Chemical Change A (prior to 2009)
• 610-211 Light, Matter & Chemical Change B (prior to 2009)

Plus one of

• 610-220 Organic Chemistry (prior to 2009)
• 610-221 Organic & Bio-organic Chemistry (prior to 2009)

Plus one of

• 610-240 Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry A (prior to 2009)
• 610-241 Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry B (prior to 2009)

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. (Include this or an alternative subject-specific statement if appropriate).

Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

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. Characterisation of metal complexes using electronic spectroscopy. 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.

The subject builds on the skills base established in 610-285 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.

Four to six short tests each of duration less than 1 hour 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%)

• P Atkins and J De Paula, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 8th Ed. Oxford University Press, 2006.
• J McMurry, Organic Chemistry, 6th Ed. Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2004.
• C E Housecroft and A G Sharpe, 3rd Ed. Inorganic Chemistry, Pearson Prentice-Hall, 2008.

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

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

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.