Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

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• Unit Title

  Chemistry: Structure and Reactions

• Unit Code

  SCC1201

• Year

  2022

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  3

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Magdalena WAJRAK

Description

This unit is focused on fundamental concepts within the fields of inorganic and physical chemistry. Topics include electrochemistry, conductivity, kinetics, thermochemistry and thermodynamics, crystallography, main group and transition metal chemistry, and coordination chemistry via crystal field theory. Laboratory work includes a range of inorganic preparative, physical measurement and analytical techniques.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass SCC1111

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a variety of laboratory skills and techniques including safe handling and disposal of chemical reagents with respect to personal safety and sustainable practice.
2. Demonstrate problem solving skills in the analysis and identification of compounds by various methods and in the use of physical processes in chemical analysis.
3. Demonstrate skill in writing scientific information such as results and data analyses.
4. Demonstrate team skills such as interpersonal communication and negotiation of team roles within a laboratory environment to complete collaborative work goals.
5. Explain and apply principles, concepts and theories relating to inorganic and physical chemistry.
6. Identify and describe some important environmental applications of inorganic and physical chemistry in global chemical industries.

Unit Content

1. Conductivity - conductivity of solutions, ionic and molar conductivity, conductivity of strong and weak electrolytes, Kohlrausch's law, Grotthus mechanism, conductometric titrations.
2. Electrochemistry - standard reduction potentials of half-cells and cells, various types of electrochemical cells, electrolytic cells, quantitative aspects of electrolysis, applications of electrolysis, corrosion theory and applications.
3. Main Group Elements - physical properties, chemical reactions, oxidation states, industrial processes and metallurgy.
4. Reaction Kinetics - reaction rates and rate laws, reaction order, calculation of rate constants for first order reactions, half life, activation energy, transition state, temperature dependence of reaction rate, Arrhenius Equation, collision theory, catalysts.
5. Structure - structures of crystals, structures of metals and packing arrangements, crystal defects.
6. Thermodynamics - laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, entropy changes in chemical reactions, and spontaneity (Gibbs' free energy).
7. Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry - physical properties, chemical reactions, metal complexes, coordination geometry, ligand types, IUPAC nomenclature, crystal field theory.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, laboratory work and oral presentation. Lectures, pre-laboratory activities and briefings, and laboratory work. Lectures provide students with the theoretical background in chemistry. Laboratory work gives students opportunity to put into practice lecture material, learn chemical laboratory skills and recording of observations. The pre-laboratory activities require students to identify risk and hence appropriate handling of chemicals. The pre-lab briefings discuss appropriate handling and disposal of chemicals in terms of personal safety and environmentally sustainable practice. Oral poster presentation provides students with skills in literature search, oral and written presentation of scientific findings.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit information may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.