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 | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB302 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CVB203 |
| Coordinator: | Eric Waclawik | e.waclawik@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Physical Chemistry is a discipline that attempts to describe, quantify and explore how the underlying principles of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and also the quantum nature of atoms and molecules governs chemical reactions and interactions. In this unit the principles that govern the macroscopic behaviour of solids, liquids and gases, the fundamental physical properties which determine the extent of reaction and the speed with which reactions occur will be explained using significant practical contexts. These include dynamic electrochemistry, catalysis, and polymeric systems, which each play a very important role in the world around us. This unit expands on concepts and chemical principles introduced in CVB203 Physical Chemistry, applied to topics relevant to industry, technology and advanced manufacturing, as well as significant research advances.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain physical and chemical principles of substances and materials to solve practical applications of chemistry in our technological society.
- Apply physical chemistry approaches to solving practical problems of chemistry in our technological society.
- Conduct physical chemistry experiments, analyse data generated and draw conclusions.
- Report scientific results in written formats that use citations and adhere to disciplinary standards.
- Work autonomously and collaboratively with others, in an professional and inclusive environment.
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
As a third year unit, you are expected to be an independent, self-directed learner and to take responsibility for your own learning. As such, this unit makes use of problem-based learning approaches. Supporting this problem-based learning approach, is a variety of different types of classes, each of which is outlined below:
Interactive lectures will introduce the course material and provide opportunities to consolidate learning through developmental, in-class problem solving tasks.
Laboratory practical work that comprises a series of experimental tasks that each illustrate principles and concepts presented in the lecture series. These tasks will extend on universal scientific skills already developed, 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. During laboratory practicals you will use a variety of software packages to record, analyse and visualise data.
Workshops are designed as interactive peer learning sessions that will allow a deeper exploration of the selected topics from the lecture program and the principles illustrated in the practical exercises.
You can expect to spend between 10 - 15 hours per week on average involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorials, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning. 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.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have opportunity during the lecture, laboratory and the fortnightly intensive workshop program to interact with staff and peers and obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts in this unit. Feedback will be provided on practical reports via written comments and/or one-to-one contact with staff during lectures and workshops.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed by a combination of written reports on laboratory exercises, a theoretical 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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Theoretical Modelling Report
You will undertake a theoretical modelling investigation using real world data and generate a report based on your analysis.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination (written)
A written examination consisting of questions that will be designed to demonstrate knowledge, problem solving and analysis of physical chemistry.
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.
Requirements to Study
Costs
There are no out of ordinary costs associated with studying this unit.
Resources
All learning materials to support your learning in this unit will be made available in your Canvas unit site. The unit has a recommended textbook, the details of which are listed below.
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.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report, Examination (written)
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report, Examination (written)
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (written)
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
Relates to: Theoretical Modelling Report
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report, Examination (written)
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (written)
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (written)
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report, Examination (written) - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO2, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Laboratory/Practical
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report, Examination (written) - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO2, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Laboratory/Practical, Theoretical Modelling Report - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Laboratory/Practical