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Unit of study_
CHEM2534: Concepts in Chemical Physics
2025 unit information
Chemical physics is the study of how the laws of physics gives rise to the complexity of molecular behavior and the extraordinary variety of materials and properties - from liquid crystals to tungsten carbide - that result when large numbers of atoms or molecules interact with each other. To trace the connection between fundamental physical laws and their diverse material outcomes you will apply computational techniques and gain experience in the modelling tools used in material design and technological development. You will address the fundamentals of structure in materials including symmetry and crystal stability, defects, porous structures and emergent properties such as magnetism. You will explore the statistical origins of thermodynamic stability and chemical kinetics, concepts fundamental to battery, fuel cell, sensor, and capacitor technologies. Modern experimental methods for structural determination (e. g. neutron diffraction) and dynamics (e. g. pulsed laser spectroscopy) will be covered. By doing this unit you will develop a deep insight into the physical basis of complex chemical systems and a firm foundation for future studies in physical and computational chemistry, materials science, and device design. Concepts in Chemical Physics covers the same lecture material as CHEM2524/2924 but does not involve laboratory classes. Instead, students will undertake a series of workshop exercises aimed at exploring the broader impact of chemical innovation on technology and society. This unit does not represent a prerequisite for any of the 3000-level lab-based Chemistry units.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Chemistry Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
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CHEM1111 or CHEM1911 or CHEM1991 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903 or CHEM1011 or CHEM1001 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
?
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CHEM2924 or CHEM2524 or CHEM2402 or CHEM2912 or CHEM2532 or CHEM2533 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Understand and apply knowledge of chemical physics
- LO2. Communicate scientific information effectively using a range of modes (written, oral, visual, etc) for a variety of audiences
- LO3. Recognize the relevance of chemical physics to applications beyond the discipline of chemistry and articulate the social value of the subject
- LO4. Evaluate and interpret chemical data to resolve chemical questions and advance chemical inquiry in chemical physics
- LO5. Work collaboratively and responsibly in data collection, analysis and communication
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 2 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
