Structure and Materials unit (KRA343)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit builds on a range of chemical concepts and techniques introduced in 200 level units that are widely used by modern scientists that are not restricted to the chemical sciences; including earth sciences, environmental studies, industrial chemistry, and physical, health and life sciences. It also introduces topics in materials chemistry as they apply to the development of a range of advanced components used in everyday and technological products. This unit represents the culmination of physical and structural chemistry study within the Chemistry major as part of the Bachelor of Science. The material presented concentrates on giving a sound foundation to the theory and application of modern characterisation techniques with an emphasis on the elucidation of chemical structure, with major topics including advanced emission and molecular spectroscopic techniques such as NMR spectroscopic applications (including variable temperature, solid state and 2D experiments), IR, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy and the stereochemistry of inorganic and organic compounds. In addition, both laboratory-source and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques are introduced, including diffraction and XAS methods. The laboratory program reinforces concepts introduced in lectures and gives students experience in good laboratory practice and hands-on usage of modern research level spectroscopic, physical chemistry and diffraction instrumentation.

Summary

Unit name	Structure and Materials
Unit code	KRA343
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Chemistry
Coordinator	Doctor Rebecca Fuller
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	23/02/2026	17/03/2026	20/04/2026	14/06/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Predict spectroscopic activity of molecules based on relevant selection rules and symmetry elements.
• Describe and explain methods of probing molecular structure to understand their properties.
• Resolve complex structure determination problems by analysing, interpreting and predicting spectral data.
• Perform safe laboratory practice by following correct reporting and physical processes.
• Communicate in scientific writing using discipline-specific terminology and molecular structure representation.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010500	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KRA241 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry OR KRA224 Chemistry 2A Organic and Bioinorganic OR KRA242 Physical and Analytical Chemistry

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KRA334 AND KRA332

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Approximately 140 total contact hours for the unit across the entire semester. These include specific face-to-face activities –  3 hours of lecture content and tutorial sessions per week,  and 10 x 4-hour laboratory sessions across the semester.
Assessment	Assignments (20%)|Mid-semester Test (20%)|End-of-semester Examination (30%)|Lab Assessment (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended	Physical Chemistry, 11th edition, Peter Atkins, Juilo de Paula and James Keeler, ISBN: 9780198769866, Oxford University Press

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.