CHM3911: Advanced Physical Chemistry

This subject can form part of a chemistry major. If you wish to do Honours in chemistry, you need at least one unit from either Physical or Analytical Chemistry, and at least one unit from either Organic or Inorganic Chemistry.

This unit is divided into six major topics, and each lecturer goes through two of them:

Computational Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics: Katya Pas
Molecular Symmetry and Molecular Spectroscopy: Don McNaughton
Surface Chemistry and Colloid Chemistry: Alison Funston

Yes, a couple posted on Moodle. The past exams database has some exams, but it appears this unit has undergone changes in the past, so not all of the material may be relevant. The ones on Moodle are relevant to the current course - the only thing to keep in mind is which parts of the course are being assessed on the final exam (more on this later).

(consists of 9 Lab Reports)

4.2 out of 5

Yes, with screen capture. From personal experience, on rare occasions, the video is somehow missing (you still get the audio). Most lectures will be captured accurately though.

As the course is reasonably diverse in terms of its content, there is no real "prescribed" textbook. Some of the more commonly mentioned suggested textbooks include "Physical chemistry" by Atkins (9th or slightly earlier editions), and "Modern spectroscopy" by Hollas (4th or slightly earlier editions). Personally, I found neither to be a compulsory buy, as the lecture notes do a reasonably good job at covering the content. However, if you enjoy learning from textbooks, or like to go more in-depth and have more explanations, then by all means consider using some of the recommended reading.

such as:
Three Molecular Symmetry assignments (total of 8%, later assignments worth more than earlier ones)
One-hour (midsem-ish) test on Molecular Symmetry (10%)
Introductory assignment on Computational Chemistry (3%)
Online test on Computational Chemistry (3%)Molecular Spectroscopy assignment (6%)

3 x 1 hour lectures per week
1 x 4 hour labs per week (this goes for pretty much all weeks besides Weeks 1 and 12, at least in the semester I did it)1 x 1 hour tutorial per week (

Semester 1, 2014

Unknown at this point.

refer to above

Lab reports can be a bitch. Spend time on it. Assignments ARE bitches. Definitely spend time on it. Many people skipped assignments/lab reports, because the commitment this subject demands can at times be unrealistic. (Even I skipped certain lab reports, it's just not worth it). Definitely plan your schedule around this subject.

Most people don't enjoy this subject, because they innately hate physics, and the workload makes it that much worse. Anyone who isn't fascinated by the physical and mathematical interpretation of chemistry, you'd do well to avoid this subject. If you are interested, however, the learning experience will be very rewarding. Despite the horrendous workload and poor administration, it is still my favourite subject.

Course is poorly organised, many parts are poorly taught. You'll need to do your own research on most of the stuff (lectures, labs, assignments. The fact that they don't relate to each other is not surprising at all.) Learn to use scientific databases, they are important.

Many. Who can keep count?

You're joking right? (No, maybe 1 including irrelevant coursework)

3 Out of 5

Yes, but why bother? (Most phys. chemists are dicks)

Print all lecture notes. Definitely get a book on molecular symmetry. If you can spare the cash, also get a copy of Atkins.

HEAPS.
Weekly labs + lab reports. Some are computational labs (requiring a lot of computer work, graphing, long reports, answering theory questions). The chemistry involved are quite 'physics-esque' and can be heavy on the maths side.
Many assignments. You will almost always be spending time every week on some assignment or other, ALONGSIDE your lab reports.
Mid-semester test. (20%)
Final exam. (Mid-sem materials not examinable)

2011 S1