Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to examine the basic thermodynamic principles which govern chemical reactions and changes of state; understand the nature of chemical bonding in different types of chemical substances; distinguish chemical features which determine fundamental organic reaction mechanisms including radical reactions, nucleophilic substitutions, elimination and the behaviour of aromatic compounds; examine the nature of phase equilibria in two component systems and interpret graphical descriptions of phase relationships under different conditions of temperature, pressure and material composition; determine the kinetic behaviour of simple reactions from experimental and theoretical principles; study the properties of selected non-transition elements and their compounds.
Synopsis The subject is presented by a principles approach in the following areas: thermodynamics; reaction mechanisms and kinetics; structure and chemical bonding; phase equilibria; reactive intermediates and carbon chemistry; aromatic compound chemistry; comparative chemistry. The subject is taught by lectures and laboratory classes. The laboratory component is conducted over a five-day `vacation school' in years when the distance education mode occurs. Detailed study guides are provided.
Assessment Progressive assessment: 70% + Laboratory: 30% + Progressive assessment involves topic tests, assignments and examinations. Laboratory assessment includes reports, a formal oral, and laboratory notebook keeping. Students are required to pass both the theory and laboratory components in order to gain credit for the subject.