Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to understand the biological roles of inorganic compounds and ions, particularly, in enzymes; discuss the importance of new inorganic solids in `material chemistry' and explore the relationships among structures of prototypical solids, lattice enthalpies and both ionic and covalent bonding models; gain further knowledge of the principles of organic synthesis with particular emphases on the disconnection approach to target molecule design; utilise spectroscopy and reagent effects in an integrated manner for the education of organic structures in synthetic sequences; understand the Transition State Theory of reaction kinetics and appreciate its applications in the explanations of the reaction rates; introduce the fundamental theory of heterogeneous catalysis and provide the industrially important examples of heterogeneously catalysed reactions; achieve an understanding of the colloidal state including several methods of preparation and purification of such material; investigate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, several important kinetic and optical properties of colloidal materials and their applications in the determination of average molecular masses; achieve a detailed understanding of the origin and nature of the charged surfaces which occur in colloids and also with respect to electrokinetic phenomena; investigate factors which affect the stability of both lyophobic and lyophilic sols; recognise the different hazards associated with chemicals and their use; achieve a basic understanding of the legislation regulating the handling, storage, use and transport of chemicals; recognise and understand some of the methods used to dispose of hazardous chemical wastes; develop high level writing skills for experimental and research reports.
Synopsis This subject is designed for students to extend the studies of subjects GAS2251, GAS2252 and GAS3251 in the areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Some advanced topics related to these areas have been introduced in this subject. This subject contains selected topics from organic, inorganic and physical chemistry such as organic synthesis, heterogeneous catalysis, colloid chemistry, transition-state theory of reaction rates, structures and properties of solids, bioinorganic chemistry, safety management and hazardous materials etc. The subject is taught by lectures, and laboratory work conducted by a team of lecturers. The main emphasis of the laboratory course at this level is on development of a high level of competence in skills and techniques relevant to the professional industrial chemist.
Assessment Progressive assessment: 80% + Laboratory work: 20%