CHM2121

Analytical chemistry, valency and spectroscopy

Professor Keith Murray

4 points - Two 1-hour lectures and the equivalent of one 2-hour laboratory per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: CHM1011 and CHM1022 or CHM1031 and CHM1042; six points of first-year mathematics which should include MAT1010 or MAT1050, (except for designated degree students) or permission of head of department - Prohibition: CHM2011

Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to review some of the techniques commonly used for analysis of environmental pollutants; describe atomic and molecular spectroscopic techniques and their application to analyses of sediments, waters, air and biota, and the use of high-performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography for separation and analysis of organic and inorganic pollutants; understand the basic concepts of valency; understand the way in which atomic and molecular orbitals are used to explain and predict atomic and molecular properties; comprehend the fundamental ideas of electronic and vibrational spectroscopy; know the relationships between orbital theory, spectroscopy and atomic and molecular properties.

Synopsis Two topics are discussed and special attention is given to environmental analytical chemistry, and the development of approaches to understanding bonding and the spectroscopic properties of molecules. A detailed subject outline will be available at enrolment.

Assessment Examinations (1x2.5 hours. May include a small number of problem-solving tests): 70% - Laboratory work: 30%

Prescribed texts

To be advised on enrolment

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook