This course will provide students with a well-rounded, integrated background in chemistry at the second year level covering key concepts in chemistry with a particular emphasis on the structure and function of molecules. The course is divided into two components: organic chemistry (~50%) and inorganic chemistry (~50%) with some physical chemistry included.
The organic chemistry component will focus on an in-depth analysis of several types of organic reactions from a mechanistic and stereochemical viewpoint with particular reference to natural products and the synthesis of compounds of biological and commercial importance. The inorganic chemistry component focuses con coordination complexes and their stability, bonding, properties and reactivity, as well as their importance in biological systems. The laboratory component focuses on key laboratory techniques in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry and their applications in separation, synthesis, and analysis of organic and coordination compounds.
Note: This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand two and three dimensional organic molecular structures, their origins and their physical, chemical and biological properties.
- Analyse the structures, stabilities and properties of coordination compounds in terms of factors related to the metal, ligand and metal–ligand bond.
- Provide mechanistic rationalisations for reactions of coordination complexes, including biological coordination complexes.
- Write concise scientific reports, critically analyse scientific data and elucidate structures of compounds using spectral analyses.
- Work to a professional level of skills in a chemical laboratory demonstrating effective laboratory safety and etiquette, especially in the areas of handling of chemicals and usage of lab-based glassware and equipment.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratories and reports (40) [LO 4,5]
- In-class week 4 test (10) [LO 1]
- In-class week 9 test (10) [LO 2]
- End of semester exam (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- This course has a hurdle requirement: Chemistry is an experimental discipline requiring the development of hands-on laboratory skills. It is expected that students will attend all laboratory sessions and submit all associated reports. Where there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from attending a lab, missed attendance has to be agreed with the course convener and appropriate supporting documentation submitted through the appropriate channels. There is a minimum lab attendance threshold of 80%. 100% of reports must be submitted and must demonstrate a reasonable attempt to satisfy the requirements of the assignment. (0) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to-face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures or workshops per week plus 7 x 4 hours of laboratory work.
- Approximately 62 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory work, workshops and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course.
Preliminary Reading
Atkins, P. W., Overton, T., Rourke, Jonathan, Weller, M. and Armstrong, F. A. (2010) Shriver & Atkins' inorganic chemistry. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Clayden, J., Greeves, N., Warren, S. & Wothers, P. (2001) Organic Chemistry, Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Assumed Knowledge
Students should have basic chemistry knowledge up to a 2nd year undergraduate level.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.