This course introduces different properties of advanced materials, which aim to address the key current challenges in science and technology.
Such materials have applications in the diverse fields of: energy production and storage, the environment (both in terms of its monitoring and remediation), electronic technology and high-speed communication, big data and quantum, health and medicine.
The course will examine structure-property correlations, device fabrication and real-world applications of next generation materials. Topics covered in the course may include:
- Energy conversion (photo/mechanical/electrical-driven energy conversion and chemical fuels production)
- Energy storage (battery, supercapacitors, hydrogen fuel, and redox flow cells),
- Global warming mitigation (CO2 reduction to value-added resources),
- Radiochemistry and environmental protection (gas/chemical sensing, pollutant decontamination)
- Electronic and electrical applications: various intelligent devices for sensing, Al and high-speed communication etc.)
- Semiconductor materials, photovoltaics and Optoelectronics (LEDs/lasers, photodetectors, solar cells and quantum devices).
- Water treatment and medical applications: i.e. water filtration, diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically analyse and explain the properties and working mechanisms of functional materials and devices in various applications in energy, environmental, medical and information fields.
- Develop advanced, integrated understanding of relationships between materials science, functionality and application strategies.
- Obtain professional skills in laboratory safety and etiquette and implement in the knowledge acquired in lectures and laboratories.
- Demonstrate specialised skills in advanced experimental techniques and expert knowledge in materials science.
Other Information
A pass in the laboratory work is required in order to gain a pass in CHEM8032. To pass the laboratory, you must complete all laboratory sessions and submit reasonable attempts of all laboratory reports.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory / Workshop reports (50) [LO 3,4]
- Mid-semester exam (25) [LO 1,2]
- Final exam (25) [LO 1,2]
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 components which may consist of 3 x 1-hour lectures and 1 x 3-hour laboratory/workshop sessions per week throughout the semester.
- Approximately 58 hours of independent learning which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory/workshop reports and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
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 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3108 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |