CVB302 Applied Physical Chemistry
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CVB302 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CVB203 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,760 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB302 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CVB203 |
| Equivalent: | PQB502 |
| Coordinator: | Eric Waclawik | e.waclawik@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Physical chemistry is a discipline of chemistry in which the physical factors which govern chemical reactions and interactions are described, quantified and explored. This unit will explore the effects of the underlying principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to chemical and physical processes which commonly occur around us. The principles that govern the macroscopic behavior of solids, liquids and gases, the fundamental physical properties which determine the extent of reaction and the speed with which it occurs will be explained. These thermodynamic principles are extended to mixtures, the properties of solutions, polymeric systems and electrochemistry which all play a very important role in the world around us.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Application of physical and chemical principles of substances and materials to solve practical applications of chemistry in our technological society.
- Knowledge of how small molecule units can be combined to form macromolecules and how the properties and applications of such molecules depend on their structures.
- Solve complex problems in physical chemistry by applying fundamental chemical and physical principles.
- Advanced laboratory skills in handling sensitive instrumentation.
- Acquisition, evaluation and communication of laboratory data and results in a scientifically critical manner.
Content
Macromolecules: Macromolecular structure and concepts, organic and inorganic polymers, their properties and some applications, polymer recycling, as well as more fundamental topics such as types of polymerisation, polymer synthesis and solid state properties.
Phase Equilibria and Colloid Science: Physical transformations of pure substances. The application of equilibrium thermodynamics to chemistry: phase diagrams, phase boundaries, critical points, boiling points, melting points and triple points. use of chemical potential of substances to describe the physical properties of mixtures: colligative properties - solubility, boiling point elevation, freezing point depression. Concepts of phase equilibria, phase transitions and phase stability in one and two component systems, liquid-vapour equilibria and principles of colloid chemistry.
Surface Science and Material Properties: Surface science and its applications in modern society; intermolecular forces and surfaces of liquids, colloid stability, rheology, emulsions and foams, catalytic activity; applications of colloid and sol-gel technology.
Heterogeneous reaction processes: Physical chemistry's direct application to chemical reactions. Starting with adsorption and desorption processes, including physisorption and chemisorption, adsorption isotherms, dissociative adsorption, mixed adsorption and heterogeneous catalysis.
Applied Electrochemistry: The electrified interface, charge transfer across the interface, concentration polarisation and electrochemical processes, corrosion and its impact on society.
Learning Approaches
Lectorials (26 hours, 2 hours per week)
The lectorials (interactive lectures) will introduce some major classes of materials, their preparation, characterisation and applications.
Practical work (24 hours, 8 x 3 hour sessions)
Practical work will comprise a series of exercises that illustrate the concepts from the lectures. Universal scientific skills such as the collection of accurate data, critical appreciation of the quality of data, and deductive reasoning are key features in these inquiry based, collaborative activities which are conducted in group settings.
Workshops (8 hours, 4 x 2 hours)
These interactive peer learning sessions will allow a deeper exploration of selected topics from the lecture program and the principles illustrated in the practical exercises.
Participation in workshops and laboratory exercises is an important component of the unit and a key element of your learning as you get the opportunity to put theory into practice and develop your technical skills, collaborative skills and communication skills while working individually or as a member of a team. Laboratory reports are assessed and returned to you during semester. The feedback provided will help you to monitor your progress and to improve your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have opportunity during the laboratory and workshop program to interact with staff and peers and obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts in this unit. Feedback from practical reports will be provided by written comments and/or one-to-one contact with staff.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed by a combination of written reports on laboratory exercises, a report on computer based component of practical (with self assessment) and a final written examination
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory/Practical
You will write a series of reports on laboratory work.
Assessment: Report
Report with self-assessment
Write up the computer based component of your workshop including computer based modelling skills.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination (written)
A written examination
Questions will be designed to demonstrate knowledge, problem solving and analysis of physical chemistry.
“If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.”
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Atkins P & De Paula J (2006) Atkins' Physical Chemistry, 8th Edition, Oxford University Press.
Risk Assessment Statement
The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a School Health and Safety Manual in this unit (or a pre-requisite unit). Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiment are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.