Course coordinator
Dr Jos Kistemaker
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
Acid/Base chemistry. Chemical kinetics, including heterogeneous catalysis, chain reactions and polymerisation kinetics . Phase transitions, vapour pressure, solutions, interfaces, surface tension, wetting, absorption, surfactants, Gibbs adsorption isotherm, micelles, adsorption at gas/solid interface, insoluble monolayers.
Course Introduction
Dear Students,
Welcome to CHEM2056! This course provides an excellent introduction into advanced topics in chemistry for any student, however, it has been shaped with the needs of a chemical engineer in mind. You will undoubtedly come across multiple facets of chemistry that are directly applicable to many engineering problems, making this course highly useful to any engineer. If you are unsure whether you should enrol in CHEM2056 please arrange a chemistry academic advising appointment at the Faculty of Science office. Learning activities will include lectures (2x per week), workshops (1x per week), and laboratory practicals (fortnightly sessions). Each year we make some changes to CHEM2056 to make the course better, and we welcome your feedback during and after the semester.
Always feel free to contact us regarding the course and to ask us questions during semester.
Regards, CHEM2056 Teaching Team.
Course requirements
Assumed background
CHEM1100ﾠor equivalent
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM1100
Restrictions
Restricted to students in BE(Hons), BE(Hons)/ME and BE(Hons) dual programs
Course contact
Course staff
Course coordinator
Professor Lisbeth Grondahl
Lecturer
Dr Jos Kistemaker
Professor Lisbeth Grondahl
Professor Gwendolyn Lawrie
Professor Debra Bernhardt
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to support students in mastering core concepts of physical chemistry and introductory organic chemistry. Through a combination of lectures, workshop sessions and practical sessions, students are provided with multiple opportunities to acquire and demonstrate problem solving skills. On completion of the course, they should have the basis for understanding and predicting the properties of systems containing interfaces and/or more than one phase, and for chemical reactions of organic compounds and the rates at which chemicals react.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate recognition and understanding of the concepts of acid/base chemistry, chemical reactions, physical chemistry, interfacial science and chemical kinetics
LO2.
demonstrate acquisition of, and proficiency in, laboratory skills and techniques related to the concepts of physical chemistry and interfacial science
LO3.
solve problems through recognition and application of principles in physical chemistry and apply quantitative skills developed through workshops
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory
|
20% |
Week 1 - Week 11
Reports (result sheets and excel sheets) are due at the end of each laboratory session. |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Workshop style activity (Contact)
|
20% |
Week 2 - Week 13
Workshop answer sheets are due at the end of each workshop session. |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Laboratory
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 11
Reports (result sheets and excel sheets) are due at the end of each laboratory session.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Experiments (4 in total, each of 3 hours duration) will be completed in the 2nd Floor Chemistry Laboratory. The date of commencement of laboratory classes as well as a timetable for the laboratory classes will be posted on the CHEM2056 Blackboard site. Please note dates, times and experiments carefully. Each student will be issued with a Laboratory Manual. Please note that you should read the laboratory notes, complete a pre-lab quiz, a flow chart and a ChemWatch table prior to coming to the laboratory. If you do not complete these items prior to coming to the laboratory, you will not be able to complete the laboratory session and a rescheduling penalty (see below) will apply. Protective glasses must be worn in the laboratory. Appropriate footwear is also essential, as is a laboratory coat. Attendance at the laboratory is COMPULSORY. If you have a valid reason for absence (e.g. illness) you must provide appropriate documentary evidence (a medical certificate). In this case the practical will be rescheduled without penalty. If a student does not arrive on time at an allocated practical session (that is within 15 min of the allocated time) and does not provide appropriate documentation, the rescheduling of the practical session will result in a loss of 4 marks for that report (the total number of marks for this component of the course is 80 marks equivalent to 20% of the course marks). If a student does not wear appropriate footwear they cannot gain entry to the lab and a rescheduling penalty will be applied.
The laboratory component in CHEM2056 has several objectives. Primarily, it aims to provide instruction in the instruments, techniques and procedures of experimental physical and surface chemistry. These techniques involve not only the use of instruments, but also the planning of experiments, the interpretation of results and the communication of experimental outcomes through writing of reports. Experiments are designed to complement concepts encountered in lectures.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission of pre-labs as well as excel sheets will be via Blackboard. Results sheets are handed in at the end of the laboratory session.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Completion of the laboratory component is COMPULSORY. If you have a valid reason for absence (see list below) you must provide appropriate documentary evidence (a medical certificate). In this case the practical will be rescheduled without penalty. If a student does not arrive on time at an allocated practical session (that is within 15 min of the allocated time) and does not provide appropriate documentation, the rescheduling of the practical session will result in a loss of 4 marks for that report (the total number of marks for this component of the course is 80 marks equivalent to 20% of the course marks). If a student does not wear appropriate footwear they cannot gain entry to the lab and a rescheduling penalty will be applied.
What should I do if I cannot attend my timetabled laboratory practical?
It is a requirement that you complete your laboratory sessions on the day you have been scheduled.
If you are unable to complete your timetabled practical session because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must email CHEM2056@uq.edu.au immediately and provide the following information:
Email Subject Line: CHEM2056 Practical Absence
Name:
Student ID Number:
Timetabled Practical Date & Time:
Statement outlining why you are unable to attend your timetabled practical
Attached supporting documentation (if appropriate)
Your request must be made prior to or on the day of the missed practical. Reschedules will require valid documentationﾠto be submitted as proof to gain a reschedule.
If a student does not arrive on time at an allocated practical session and/or does not complete the pre-lab quiz or flow chart prior to the allocated practical session and/or does not wear appropriate footwear,ﾠand if that studentﾠdoes not provide appropriate documentation, the rescheduling of the practical session will result in a loss of 4 marks for the practical component.
Acceptable reasons with examples of supporting documentation for absence.
ACCIDENT
Accident, not involving medical injury
Police report;ﾠreport or document from an automotive road service (e.g. RACQ) or from an authorised vehicle mechanic.
ATHLETE
Registered Elite Athlete Sporting Event
Letter from sporting body confirming selection and setting out dates of sporting commitments; itinerary.
DEATH
Death / bereavement
Death notice, funeral notice, and evidence of relationship. Where appropriate, confirmation of relationship is required (e.g. statutory declaration, birth certificate).ﾠPlease note a medical certificate is not appropriate if you are applying because you are bereaved.
FAMILY
Serious illness of a family member or close relative
Statement from medical practitioner confirming medical status of patient, relationship to student, and relevant dates.
MEDICAL
Medical grounds
Medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, registered pharmacist or registered nurse.
PERSONAL
Significant personal problems
Statement from counsellor / psychiatrist / psychologist detailing impact on patient;ﾠpolice report or a statement from a relevant authority.
TRANSPORT
Major transport or traffic delay
Evidence from websites (e.g.Translink, Queensland Police, news websites) that outlines the nature of the event, including the date and time of the event.
Please note:ﾠ Personal statements will not be accepted as supporting documentation.
Late submission
A failure to hand in result sheets and submit excel sheets at the end of the laboratory session will be treated as an unattended session. This will then require rescheduling of a new session with a loss of 4 marks for that report (identical to absence without valid reason).
Workshop style activity (Contact)
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 2 - Week 13
Workshop answer sheets are due at the end of each workshop session.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Workshop sessions are held weekly and are based on the material taught during the lectures. These sessions are open book so students may use lecture notes, textbooks and other course material/resources as they wish. Collaboration with other students during the session is encouraged.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
For summative Workshop sessions (in weeks 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) activities are to be completed during the designated session times and worksheets must be handed in before the student leaves. Attendance at the workshops is not compulsory, but highly recommended due to the associated hurdle (3, see ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION).
Workshop sessions in weeks 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 are formative sessions and not included in course mark.
Your final mark for the workshop style activity (contact) worksheets is an average of your 6 summative problem sheets.
What should I do if I cannot attend a workshop session?
See the EXTENSION OR DEFERRAL AVAILABILITY NOTES below.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
The workshop sheet (hard copy) is submitted to tutor/staff during session.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you are unable to attend your workshop session for a valid reason (see detailed list of acceptable reasons with examples of supporting documentation for absence under the laboratory assessment) because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must email your course coordinator j.kistemaker@uq.edu.au immediately and provide the following information:
Email Subject Line: CHEM2056 Workshop Absence
Name:
Student ID Number:
Timetabled Workshop Session Date:
Statement outlining why you are unable to attend your timetabled session
Attached supporting documentation (if appropriate)
If you have a valid reason to miss more than two (2) workshops you need to email your course coordinator j.kistemaker@uq.edu.au as these are considered exceptional circumstances which warrants supplementary assessment.
If you do not provide a valid reasoning for an absence you will receive a zero (0) for that session.
Late submission
A failure to hand in workshop sheets at the end of the workshop session will be treated as an unattended session.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
This will be an on-campus, in-person, invigilated exam which will sample all material covered in the lectures.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred/supplementary examinations have taken place and have been marked, at a time when all of the relevant examiners are available.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Inability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Acceptable application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effective application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Extensive application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
- You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam; and
- You must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items; and
- You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PPE | Enclosed Shoes, Safety Glasses, and a Labcoat are mandatory in your laboratory sessions. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Laboratory Manual
Laboratory manual will be supplied.
Blackboard (BB)
Additional material may be found on the Blackboard site for CHEM2056 at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Contact Overview Week 1: General chemistry FORMATIVE Week 2: General chemistry FORMATIVE+SUMMATIVE Week 3: Thermochemistry FORMATIVE Week 4: Thermochemistry FORMATIVE Week 5: General chemistry & Thermochemistry SUMMATIVE Week 6: Interfacial science FORMATIVE Week 7: Interfacial science SUMMATIVE Week 8: Interfacial science FORMATIVE BREAK Week 9: Interfacial science SUMMATIVE Week 10: Chemical kinetics FORMATIVE Week 11: Chemical kinetics SUMMATIVE Week 12: Chemical kinetics FORMATIVE Week 13: Chemical kinetics FORMATIVE+SUMMATIVE Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Lecture |
Lectures Overview Weeks 1 - 2 General chemistry: Jos Kistemaker Weeks 3 - 5 Thermochemistry: Debra Bernhardt Weeks 5 - 9 Interfacial science: Gwendolyn Lawrie Weeks 10 - 13 Chemical kinetics: Lisbeth Grondahl Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Practical 4 Experiments These Experiments will be in person in weeks 3-11. An introduction session is run in week 1. Full detail on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.