James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

CH1012:03

Molecular Chemistry

Cairns

HECS Band 2

37 hours lectures, 11 hours tutorials, 33 hours practicals. Semester 2.

Staff: Dr M Liddell.

Inorganic Chemistry. The chemistry of representative elements from Groups 1A-4A: ionic and covalent molecular compounds. Organometallic and coordination chemistry of the transition elements: spectra, structure and reactivity of metal complexes.

Organic Chemistry. Purification, characterisation and structural determination of organic compounds using chromatography, spectroscopy and microanalysis. Mechanisms and applications of major reaction types: radical substitution, nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic addition, electrophilic aromatic substitution. Conjugation, resonance and aromaticity. The chemistry or terpenes and carbohydrates.

Physical Chemistry. Phase equilibria. Colligative properties. Colloids: preparation and general properties.

Learning Objectives:

  1. gain a sound understanding of the major principles and reactions involved in molecular organic and inorganic chemistry;
  2. be aware of the applicability of such chemical principles and reactions in the wider scientific context;
  3. be familiar with, and competent in the application of, a range of common laboratory techniques in chemistry.

Assessment by laboratory work and reports (20%); tutorials (5%); tests (15%); three-hour examination (60%).