Go to Courses and units

Physical and Analytical Chemistry unit (KRA532)

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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).

AssessmentAssignments (x2) (20%)|Examination (40%)|Lab Reports (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

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

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