Physical and Analytical Chemistry unit (KRA532)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit builds on general Chemistry knowledge to consolidate the theoretical and practical framework required by students for the Mastery component of the Master of Chemistry and consists of topics in Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

The Physical Chemistry module focuses on chemical kinetics and surface chemistry. Chemical kinetics is covered in depth through the differentiation of experimental methods to determine reaction rates, numerical methods in chemical kinetics such as the steady-state approximation, and Arrhenius and non-Arrhenius reactions, as well as the reversibility of chemical processes. The physical chemistry of surfaces and interfaces is introduced through topics such as surface tension, self-assembly and adsorption.

The Analytical Chemistry module focuses on modern techniques as applied to the analysis and quantitation of a range of samples. Both wet chemical and instrumental methods of analysis such as titration, gravimetry, electrochemistry, atomic spectroscopy and chromatography are covered. The laboratory program reinforces theoretical concepts, provides practical experience in the analytical methods discussed, and gives students experience in good laboratory practice.

Student learning will be supported during the semester by two assignments, one each for Physical and Analytical Chemistry, and 40 hrs of laboratory work (10 weeks x 4 hrs), also covering Physical and Analytical Chemistry. The laboratory work consists of 6 experiments (4 experiments x 2 weeks, and 2 experiments x 1 week) with a laboratory report submitted for each experiment (2 experiments requiring full reports and 4 experiments requiring short reports).

Summary

Unit name	Physical and Analytical Chemistry
Unit code	KRA532
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Chemistry
Coordinator	Professor Brett Paull
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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

• Use experimental data to appraise a hypothesis
• Compare theory and concepts of surface chemistry in relation to material science.
• Evaluate data to compare analytical methods
• Apply physical and analytical chemistry laboratory techniques independently, safely, and at advanced level.
• Use scientific standards to present results and conclusions

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	$3,283.00

• 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

Mutual Exclusions

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

KRA242

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3 x 1-hr teaching sessions weekly, including lectures (recorded) and problem solving tutorial face to face sessions (13 wks), 4-hr lab face to face weekly (10 wks).
Assessment	Assignments (x2) (20%)|Examination (40%)|Lab Reports (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Atkins PW, Physical Chemistry, ISBN 0198792859 Skoog, D.A., West, D.M., and Holler, F.J., Crouch, S.R., Fundamental of Analytical Chemistry, 6th Ed, 2007, or 9th Ed, 2014. Harris, D.C., Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 8th Ed, 2010, or 7th Ed, 2006. KRA242/532 Lecture Notes KRA242/532 Laboratory Manual and Laboratory Record Book

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