CHEM 3630 - Physical Chemistry III
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
-
General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code CHEM 3630 Course Physical Chemistry III Coordinating Unit Chemistry Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 9 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites CHEM 2550 & MATH 1011 or equivalent; high-achieving students without pre-requisites may be granted exemption on application to Head of Chemistry Incompatible CHEM 3111 Assessment Assignments, practical reports, final examination Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Associate Professor David Huang
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
-
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1 describe and explain fundamental concepts of physical chemistry, including those of statistical mechanics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy. 2 apply simple physical models to predict properties of chemical systems. 3 apply numerical or computational methods to calculate physical properties of chemical systems and assess the appropriateness of different computational techniques and numerical approximations for solving particular physical chemistry problems. 4 demonstrate proficiency in undertaking individual and/or team-based laboratory investigations using appropriate apparatus and safe laboratory practices, including the collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of results of an experiment. 5 design and plan an investigation by selecting and applying appropriate practical, theoretical, and/or computational techniques or tools. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1-5 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
2-5 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
4 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1-5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
4,5 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
4,5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
There is no prescribed text for this course. All required course material will be provided by the course instructor(s).Recommended Resources
Textbooks
- Engel and Reid, Physical Chemistry (Pearson)
- Atkins, Physical Chemistry (Oxford University Press)
Maths Resources
The Maths Learning Centre (MLC) helps all students learn and use the maths they need at uni. The MLC offers seminars, workshops, online, and print resources. It also run a drop-in room in Hub Central from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday during teaching weeks. For more information, visit http://www.adelaide.edu.au/mathslearning/
Online Learning
Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/). -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course consists of the components below:
- Lectures/Tutorials: 12 x 4 hours per week (timetabled as "Workshops")
- Practicals: 6 x 5.5-hour sessions with one session per week
- Workshop: 3 x 4-hour sessions run during a Practical timeslot
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).Learning Activities Summary
Coursework
Course material will cover the following topics:- Electronic and Nuclear Spectroscopy
- Statistical Mechanics and Kinetics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
The computational workshop will provide students with “hands on” experience of numerical and computational methods for calculating and predicting the physical properties of chemical systems. The computational exercises in the workshop will be closely aligned with the theoretical concepts covered in the lectures.
Practicals
Practical exercises will provide students with "hands on" experience of experimental techniques for physical analysis and spectroscopic characterisation of chemical samples and quantitative measurement of physicochemical transformations. Training and direction on communicating the results of these investigations in various formats will be provided.
Tutorials
Tutorial sessions will be held weekly and will provide the student with the opportunity to discuss material from the lecture course. Formative tutorial questions will be used to reinforce the concepts introduced in lectures through a combination of qualitative and quantitative problem solving.Specific Course Requirements
Attendance is compulsory at all scheduled chemistry practical sessions. The learning outcomes for this course are substantially dependent on laboratory experience and practice. Therefore, missing any practical class or failing to submit a reasonable attempt at any practical report in a semester will result in a grade of FAIL being recorded for the course. Students with medical or compassionate reasons for non-attendance will be given an opportunity to make up missed practical sessions. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Hurdle
yes/noLearning Outcome Due Summative Assignments Formative & Summative 10% No 1,2 Weeks 5.9.13 Workshop Assignment Formative & Summative 10% No 2.3.5 Week 12 Practical Reports Formative & Summative 30% No 1,2,4 Weeks 4-10
Examination Summative 50% Yes
(45%)1,2,3 Exam period Assessment Related Requirements
Assessment Item % needed to meet course requirement Additional Assessment Examination 45% Yes - RAA Exam;
a grade of at least 45% must obtainedPractical work is compulsory Satisfactory completion of all practicals, including attendance of ALL practical sessions and reasonable attempt at ALL practical reports Missed practicals can be made up Assessment Detail
Summative Assignments
Students will complete an assignment on each of the three lecture topics (worth 3.33% each). Each assignment will consist of multiple-choice and/or short-answer questions.
Workshop Assignment
Students will undertake the computational workshop during four weeks of normal laboratory sessions. During the workshop, they will complete an assignment worth 10% of the assessment in which they will present calculation results and answer short-answer questions addressing the application of computational methods to problems in physical chemistry.
Practical Reports
Students will complete 3 experiment reports and 3 in-lab assessments. Students will be provided with sample reports or rubrics assessment criteria, and guidelines on report structure and approximate length. Each major report is worth 8% of the assessment and each in-lab assessment is worth 2% of the assessment. Students will complete 3 experiments, with each experiment taking 2 lab sessions (1 experiment approximately every 3 weeks). The in-lab assessment will assess risk assessment, laboratory skills, and recording and analysis of experimental results. An experimental report will be submitted on completion of each experiment.
Examination
The final 3-hour examination will examine all components of the course. It may consist of any combination of multiple choice, short-answer and/or long-answer questions.Submission
Submission of Assigned Work
Coversheets must be completed and attached to all submitted work. Coversheets can be obtained from the School Office (room G33 Physics) or from MyUNI. Work should be submitted via the assignment drop box at the School Office or via MyUni as instructed.
Extensions for Assessment Tasks
Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Coordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time. The assessment extension application form can be obtained from: https://sciences.adelaide.edu.au/study/student-support/forms-and-policies#academic-forms
Late Submission of Assessments
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
-
Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
-
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
-
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
-
Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
