STH412 Advanced Experimental Chemistry Techniques
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| Unit code: | STH412 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Admission to ST10 or (Admission to ST20 and completion of 288 credit points (CP)) |
| Equivalent(s): | STB412 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | STH412 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Admission to ST10 or (Admission to ST20 and completion of 288 credit points (CP)) |
| Equivalent: | STB412 |
Overview
This Honours-level unit provides advanced study into modern analytical and characterisation techniques used to identify and quantify chemical species in complex samples. In this unit you will learn about the fundamental processes underpinning these analytical methods, and the necessary methods to acquire accurate experimental data. This unit will provide key skills that you can apply to your independent Honours research project and will prepare you for your transition to the scientific workplace, where accurate analysis, quantification and reporting are routine tasks.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply modern analytical approaches to the identification, characterisation and quantification of a variety of chemical compounds.
- Develop general skills in problem solving, that will be applicable to various areas of pure and applied chemistry.
- Acquire a range of experimental and interpretive skills in advanced experimental techniques commonly used in cutting-edge research.
Content
The content will be delivered in three modules, with specific modules selected each year to suit the cohort of students and their project needs. Content will include advanced theory of experimental techniques applicable to chemical characterisation and analysis including details of instrumentation, experimental methods, data acquisition, data quality and reliability and interpretaion of experimental data.
Modules will cover techniques such as
NMR spectroscopy
Mass spectrometry
X-ray crystallography
Chemometrics
IR/Raman spectroscopy,
Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM)
Calorimetry
X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Chromatography
Electrochemistry
The content will be reinforced with authentic problem solving tasks that require mastery of the experimental method.
Learning Approaches
This unit will be given as a series of 12 one-hour lectures and 12 one-hour problem solving workshops on theory and application of experimental techniques. You will also be expected to devote considerable time to individual study. This includes working with textbooks, solving practise problems, completing workshop problems, and reading selected research papers from the field of chemistry. Strong emphasis will be placed on the experimental approach and interpretation of experimental results in the workshop sessions to acquire skills in at least three of the techniques presented at the lectures.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit by participating in weekly workshops. You will also receive written feedback on problem solving tasks.
Assessment
Overview
This unit has two key assessments.
Problem Solving Task: You will complete one small task per module which will be focused on the topic covered but will develop your research skills beneficial to your honours project and graduate skills.
Final Exam: will test your knowledge and problem-solving skills on the topics covered during the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
You will undertake several tasks aligned with the different advanced topic modules in this unit. As a chemistry researcher you will apply the advanced knowledge and practical skill obtained in these modules to solve authentic problems. The specific format will vary depending on the module.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Examination (Written)
Written exam covering all of the practical and theoretical knowledge and skills covered during semester.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no prescribed text for this unit. Students will be directed to resource material related to the specific modules covered in lectures and workshops.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST10 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge in one or more discipline area(s) and knowledge of research methods, principles and practices.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Examination (Written) - Solve complex problems by demonstrating and applying advanced knowledge and skills in scientific principles, concepts and techniques, with scientific rigour
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Examination (Written) - Effectively use a range of communication skills to produce a set of research outputs both individually and collaboratively.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task
ST20 Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)
- Articulate advanced and coherent knowledge and understanding of at least one scientific discipline
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Examination (Written) - Critically evaluate and apply advanced scientific principles to design experiments, and collect, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate scientific methodologies, and critical thinking, judgment and deduction to solve complex problems
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Examination (Written)