Outline

Overview

This unit of study looks beyond covalent bonds to explore intermolecular forces and how they can be used to create supramolecular structures. Such structures are widespread in biology and technology, combining components such as polymers with diverse architectures, lipid and synthetic membranes, molecular and nanoparticle assemblies, and molecular machines. All are held together by a combination of intermolecular interactions ranging from van der Waals forces to hydrogen bonds, as well as more subtle effects including polymer chain entropy, molecular shape, and the hydrophobic effect. The use of molecules rather than atoms as building blocks means that there are an enormous number of possibilities for creating kinetically or thermodynamically stable aggregates, and to engineer both properties and functions at a molecular level. In this unit you will learn the design rules for using intermolecular forces to combine multiple components into molecular and colloidal assemblies in order to create various forms of soft, functional, and biomimetic materials. You will also learn how to select, apply, and interpret a range of experimental techniques to characterise the structure and properties of self-assembled materials.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[(CHEM2401 or CHEM2911 or CHEM2915) and (CHEM2402 or CHEM2524 or CHEM2912 or CHEM2916 or CHEM2924)] or (CHEM2521 or CHEM2921 or CHEM2991)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CHEM3116 or CHEM3916 or CHEM3922
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Brendan Kennedy, brendan.kennedy@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Asaph Widmer-Cooper, asaph.widmer-cooper@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Asaph Widmer-Cooper, asaph.widmer-cooper@sydney.edu.au
	Chiara Neto, chiara.neto@sydney.edu.au
	Shelley Wickham, shelley.wickham@sydney.edu.au
	Gregory Warr, gregory.warr@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam This assessment item is compulsory.	38%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Laboratory Presentation Presentation of results and discussion followed by questions.	9.5%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes plus discussion
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Laboratory Report Investigative report	14.2%	Multiple weeks	Up to 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	In-Laboratory Assessment Working safely and cleanly, use of ELN and sample submission, intro manual.	16.3%	Ongoing	Continuous throughout laboratory session
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-semester test Canvas online test	10%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2024 at 23:59	25 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written assignment Written assignment. See canvas for details	12%	Week 10 Due date: 13 Oct 2024 at 23:59	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Theory: The theory component represents 60% of the unit mark. The theory component of the course must be passed for the unit for the unit to be passed. This component comprises of an in-semester test, a written assignment, advanced assignments and a final examination. The final examination covers the whole of the lecture course and is made up of short answer questions. Questions from past exam papers will be available on the Canvas site for this unit.
Laboratory: The laboratory course represents 40% of the unit mark. It is assessed through lab reports and presentation. The laboratory course must be passed for the unit to be passed.
Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
Compulsory Assessment: Failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks or to attend classes to the required level will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Intermolecular forces	Lecture (2 hr)
	Small molecule assemblies (e.g. micelles), phase transitions, formulating with surfactants	Lecture (5 hr)
	Spectroscopic and optical techniques (e.g., X-ray and neutron scattering v light scattering) determining aggregate structure	Lecture (1 hr)
	Molecular recognition, hydrophobic effect, introduction to topology	Lecture (3 hr)
	Light operated switches, extended structure from small molecules, liquid crystals	Lecture (2 hr)
	Polymers: types, conformations, solubility and miscibility, chain entanglement, copolymer assembly, cross linked gels, rheology	Lecture (7 hr)
	Nanoparticles, colloids, and interfaces	Lecture (3 hr)
	SPM techniques, imaging, mechanical characterisation of thin films, surfaces and interfaces	Lecture (3 hr)
Weekly	13 x 4 hr laboratory classes	Science laboratory (52 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See canvas for details

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain various forms of inter-molecular forces and their use in creation of soft, functional and biomimetic materials.
LO2. Apply knowledge gained on a range of spectroscopic and optical techniques to characterise structure and properties of self assembled materials.
LO3. Analyse structure and bonding, energetics, equilibrium and the processes occurring in solution.
LO4. Develop design rules for using intermolecular forces to combine multiple molecular building blocks into kinetically or thermodynamically stable molecular assemblies.
LO5. Carry out experimental work safely and competently in a chemical laboratory.
LO6. Develop skills to work collaboratively in responsible data collection, analysis and communication and advance chemical enquiry.
LO7. Evaluate and interpret scientific information and experimental data and judge their reliability and significance.
LO8. Communicate scientific information and laboratory findings appropriately both orally and through written work.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

CHEM3122: Molecular Self Assembly

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect