65212 Chemistry 2
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65111 Chemistry 1 OR 60101 Chemistry and Materials Science
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 65022 Chemistry 2A AND 65201 Chemistry 2C AND 65213 Chemistry 2 (Advanced)
Description
The study of chemistry is central to an understanding of the physical world, and is fundamental to the study of biology, geology, and environmental science. This subject builds on and develops further the material introduced in 65111 Chemistry 1. The subject is divided into the broad areas of physical chemistry (equilibria, kinetics and thermochemistry) and organic chemistry (carbon compounds and their reactions, including biological molecules such as proteins, sugars and nucleic acids). The study of physical chemistry allows for the explanation and prediction of chemical reactivity and energetics, while organic chemistry provides the building blocks for understanding the complexity of the natural world.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain key principles in physical and organic chemistry and relate these to modern chemical research and professional practice. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Measure and make predictions about the yield, rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, and the energy changes involved in those reactions. |
| 3. | Apply the principles of chemical equilibrium to aqueous acids and bases, buffer solutions and sparingly soluble inorganic salts. |
| 4. | Understand the structure and reactivity of a range of organic compounds (including biological molecules) according to the functional groups they possess and their stereochemistry. |
| 5. | Apply practical skills to perform basic organic synthesis and solvent extraction, and to determine the presence of molecular functional groups through chemical tests and spectroscopy. |
| 6. | Collect and analyse physical chemical data in such a way that meaningful conclusions can be drawn. |
| 7. | Communicate chemical concepts to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary knowledge
This subject aims to develop students’ understanding of chemistry and its significance in other scientific disciplines. This subject will develop the student’s knowledge of chemistry through the lecture/tutorial sessions and online self-test quizzes, while practical skills and knowledge will be developed in the laboratory sessions. These concepts are assessed in the laboratory quizzes, mid-session and final exams.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Students will develop the ability to interpret chemical data and experimental observations, and apply these to real world questions and problems.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
In the practical sessions, students will gain understanding and proficiency in a number of skills critical to their development as professional scientists. These skills include problem solving, experimental procedures, teamwork and professional conduct in the laboratory. The assessment of these skills will be covered in all laboratory-based assessment tasks. Problem solving skills will be developed by the in-lab questions and assessed in the laboratory quizzes; experimental skills will be developed during practical sessions and assessed in the practical examination. Teamwork and professionalism in the laboratory will be developed and assessed through the professional practice points.
5. Communication
Communication skills are an essential part of the development of a professional scientist. Throughout the session students will be required to communicate their results in their lab manuals, which will be assessed during the laboratory session. As part of the assessment of the stereochemistry model-building practical, students will present and explain models of chiral compounds to their peers and demonstrators, and will be assessed on the clarity and accuracy by which they do this.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered through online lecture material, problem solving workshops, practical classes and independent learning activities.
The lecture material introduces and explains key principles in physical and organic chemistry and relates them to modern chemical research and professional practice.
Prior to the problem-solving workshops, students are expected to complete assigned readings and be prepared to discuss the content in the classroom. Workshops will provide opportunities for questioning and clarification of the subject material. Attendance is recommended at all workshops to develop a complete understanding of the content and how to approach related problems and calculations.
The laboratory classes are an essential part of the subject as they will consolidate a student’s understanding of theoretical concepts delivered in the lectures. Students will usually work in pairs to develop important practical skills that are highly sought after by future employers, including an understanding of laboratory safety and other important professional experience.
Numerous independent learning activities with structured feedback are employed in Chemistry 2, accessed through Canvas and Mastering Chemistry. These include post-lecture activities such as online self-quizzes designed to test the understanding of concepts encountered in class. The completion of pre-laboratory exercises delivered online will be compulsory for all students before entering the laboratory sessions. Students get three types of feedback in prac classes on a weekly basis: quiz mark (discipline content), professional practive points (professional conduct), experimental mark (based on results and effort).
Content (topics)
Physical Chemistry
- Acids, Bases & Equilibrium
- pka / pKb, Polyprotic acids, Titration theory, Buffers, Solubility product (Ksp)
- Thermochemistry
- Enthalpy, Entropy, Gibbs Free Energy
- Electrochemistry
- Galvanic cells, Standard electrode potential, Corrosion & Electrolysis.
- Kinetics
- Rate law determination, orders of reaction, activation energy and influences on reaction rate
Organic Chemistry
- Drawing structures and nomenclature, including isomerism
- Reactions of common “families” of compounds
- Substitution & elimination reactions
- Introduction to synthesis & multi step reactions
- Introduction to aromatic compounds
- Functional group identification
- Organic acids & bases
- Structure of Biomolecules
- Amino Acids, Carbohydrates, Lipids, DNA/RNA, Proteins
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | 30% Practical component
5% Professional practice points
|
Assessment task 2: Mastering Chemistry Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 3: Organic theory and practical competency test
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 4, 5 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Criteria: | Organic theory – 15% • evidence of understanding of key concepts • evidence of problem solving skills Practical – 10% • ability to determine and communicate organic structural information • key practical competencies (such as separation, filtration, extraction) • perform tests and interpret experimental observations (for functional groups) |
Minimum requirements
Practical classes in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science are an important and integral part of your learning in this subject. In addition to assisting students’ understanding of application of concepts, practical classes develop hands-on laboratory skills and experience, including safety skills and specialised techniques related to the assessment tasks. These also contribute to the development of essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled practical sessions.
If you cannot attend a scheduled practical class, please contact your subject coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
Students may not request a prac session change on more than two occasions during the session.
Recommended texts
Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward, Langford, Sagatys, George, Chemistry: The Central Science, Global 15th Ed., Pearson 2014. - Full access available through Mastering Chemistry links in Canvas
Aylward, Findlay, Blackman, Gahan, S.I. Chemical Data 7th ed, Wiley, Australia 2014.
These are recommended and are not required to purchase