Chemistry: Reactions and Synthesis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

One of

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It is recommended that students who plan to major in Chemistry also enrol in two semesters of first year mathematics, for example MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 and MAST10007 Linear Algebra.

Students who have completed one of the following subjects may not also gain credit for this subject:

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

This subject covers key concepts associated with the synthesis and design of organic and inorganic molecules, molecular architecture and the energy transformations associated with chemical and physical processes. Topics covered include synthesis of simple polyfunctional organic compounds, thermodynamically controlled reactions of s-, p- and d- block elements and thermodynamics. In the last three weeks of the subject students will be able to choose between lecture modules with a focus on theory of advanced materials or biological chemistry. These topics have applications in drug discovery, chemical industry, nanotechnology, and energy harnessing through conventional and alternative energy sources.

Upon completion of this subject students should:

• have developed an understanding of molecular properties and energetics and be able to apply these concepts to the synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds;
• know approaches to the synthesis and some reactions of simple polyfunctional organic compounds;
• be able to distinguish between kinetically and thermodynamically controlled reactions and to apply these concepts to rationalise synthetic transformations;
• understand basic thermodynamic concepts and the application of these approaches to real solutions, mixtures and phase equilibria;
• have a knowledge of the main factors controlling the substitution and redox reactions of main group and transition metal elements.

5 short tests each of duration less than 90 minutes conducted on-line using the learning management system (LMS) for a total of 20%; the tests will run at the end of weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 and the mark for this component of the assessment will be based on the average of the four highest marks with each tests contributing equally to this component of the assessment. A three hour examination at the end of the semester will contribute 80% to the final grade.

• J McMurry, Organic Chemistry, 8th Ed. Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2012.
• P Atkins and J De Paula, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 9th Ed. Oxford University Press, 2010.
• P. Atkins, T. Overton, J. Rourke, M. Weller and F. Armstrong, Shriver and Atkins’ Inorganic Chemistry 5th Ed, Oxford University Press, 2010

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• 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.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.