Molecular materials — designed assemblies of molecules with tailored electronic, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties — underpin technologies from clean energy and electronics to sensors and pharmaceuticals. Understanding how molecular structure controls bulk behavior enables chemists to create sustainable materials, improve device performance, and address societal challenges such as energy storage, environmental remediation, and targeted drug delivery.
This course provides foundational principles and hands-on experience in synthesis, characterization, and structure–property relationships to prepare undergraduates for research and careers in materials innovation. Students will explore the design and synthesis of molecules for gas capture and storage, the use of molecules in materials and device fabrication via additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing), and the development of molecular systems for next-generation optical and magnetic materials.
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:
- Rationalise the behaviour and applications of various porous materials;
- Analyse the differences between physical properties of polymers and their molecular origins;
- Critically compare different 3D printing methodologies and select optimal conditions for a given task;
- Characterise different types of magnetic properties and their origins;
- Design molecular architectures to support binary magnetic information storage or quantum coherent spin control;
- Refine and master specialised skills in advanced experimental and theoretical techniques.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory / Workshop reports (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Mid-semester exam (35) [LO 4,5]
- Final exam (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- 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 components which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week plus 25 hours of laboratory throughout the semester.
- Approximately 69 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, laboratories 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.
Assumed Knowledge
Students should have chemistry knowledge up to a 2nd year level, including in synthesis, soft materials, and physical chemistry.
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.