Course coordinator
Associate Professor Rowan Young
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course is specifically designed for students enrolled in the BAdvSc(Hons) with an interest in Chemistry. The fundamentals of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry as well as Chemical Kinetics taught in CHEM2050 will be built upon and explored in depth. The additional advanced content will enhance understanding of the fundamental concepts but also provide a more coherent foundation for third year chemistry courses and for research in the fields of organic, biological, inorganic and materials chemistry. The course will contain no wet practicals but will have problem based-learning workshops with advanced problem solving e.g. strategies for multi-step synthesis. This will clearly be integral to producing students with theoretical problem solving skills and the ability to communicate.
Intermediate Chemistry 1 covers all of the theory for both inorganic and organic chemistry as well as chemical kinetics that a student will need to advance to third level chemistry. Topics covered include: Bonding and Molecular Orbital Theory; Chemical Kinetics; Transition Metal Chemistry; Catalysis; Molecular Modelling; Synthesis & mechanism in organic chemistry; Stereochemistry; Strategies for complex syntheses. It provides a coherent foundation of chemical principles and gives students advancing to third level a solid knowledge of these sub-disciplines. This ensures, along with the appropriate third level subjects, that students will graduate with a thorough knowledge of their discipline. The subject contains no wet practicals but has weekly PBLs (workshop style sessions) that consolidate the content in each module. Students must complete at least 80% of these PBLs to pass the course (see hurdles in Assessment information). PBLs will include computer based activities, molecular modelling, and advanced problem solving e.g. strategies for multi-step synthesis. There will also be a small piece of assessment in most workshops. Students are required to bring their own laptops to these sessions. These PBL activities are crucial in developing the skills to apply the knowledge the students are taught in lectures.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The presentation of the material assumes a sound knowledge of the Chemistry in CHEM1100 and CHEM1200, and regular revision of relevant level 1 material is highly recommended. Retention and use of your level 1 notes is strongly urged. The recommended texts fully cover the level 1 material.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM1100 and CHEM1200
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEM2050 (co-taught)
Restrictions
BAdvSc(Hons) or by approval of the course coordinator
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Rowan Young
Professor Joanne Blanchfield
Professor Lisbeth Grondahl
Professor Vito Ferro
Workshop facilitator
Dr Alexander Martyn
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students are advised that PBLs (workshop style sessions)ﾠare compulsory in this course and there will be assessment in PBLs. PBLs and lectures are face to face only and there will be no live Zoom option for these sessions.ﾠ Lectures will be recorded via the usual lecture capture system but PBLs WILL NOT be recorded. Students are required to bring their own laptop to the PBL sessions. There is a PBL in the first week, as well as the three usual lectures at the times listed in the timetable.
Timetables are available at the link above. Please check your timetable regularly at the start of each semester as rooms and times may change.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the reactivity of organic and inorganic molecules as well as how chemical kinetics can give insight into reaction mechanisms. We aim to provide an appreciation of how functional groups on the same molecule can interact, affecting their reactivity. Specific topics that will be covered include:
- Molecular theory
- Quantum mechanics
- Molecular Mechanics
- Structure and bonding in transition metal coordination and organometallic compounds
- Reactivity of transition metal complexes
- Electron transfer and ligand exchange
- Kinetics of complex reactions
- Kinetics of reversible reactions
- Catalysis
- Stereochemistry
- Synthesis and mechanism in organic chemistry
- Introduction to Computational approaches in organic chemistry
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the principles that govern the reactivity of organic molecules with multiple functional groups.
LO2.
Apply the principles of organic functional group reactivity to the development of synthetic strategies for complex molecules. This involves predicting the reactions required and the order in which they need to be performed.
LO3.
Apply the principles of organic reactivity to biological molecules to gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry which underpins biological processes. With this understanding you should be able to better predict how to manipulate and affect these processes and so have an understanding of the chemistry of drug design.
LO4.
Predict and appreciate the three dimensional structure of molecules and understand the different aspects of stereochemistry and their importance in the structure and function of molecules.
LO5.
Understand the structure and bonding of transition metal complexes.
LO6.
Understand the electronic structure and spectra of transition metal complexes
LO7.
Appreciate the application of transition metal complexes in catalysis and synthesis.
LO8.
Understand the chemical kinetics of a reaction system and apply kinetic analyses and calculations to investigate mechanisms and catalysis of reactions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
PBL assessment items
|
20% |
10/03/2026 12:00 pm 14/04/2026 12:00 pm 28/04/2026 12:00 pm 19/05/2026 12:00 pm
These quiz assessments will be held on the day of the scheduled workshop and must be submitted during the workshop |
| Examination |
In-semester Exam
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 27/03/2026 - 3/05/2026 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Non-core content workshops
|
10% |
3/03/2026 12:00 pm 17/03/2026 12:00 pm 12/05/2026 12:00 pm
Submissions of assessment made during dry lab workshops |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
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
PBL assessment items
- In-person
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
10/03/2026 12:00 pm
14/04/2026 12:00 pm
28/04/2026 12:00 pm
19/05/2026 12:00 pm
These quiz assessments will be held on the day of the scheduled workshop and must be submitted during the workshop
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
During four of the scheduled PBLs, a short assessment item will be completed. This is progressive assessment to help students stay engaged and up to date with the course material and to reduce the quantity of core material to be assessed in exams.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
These will be submitted to the lecturer at the end of each PBL or submitted through Blackboard depending on the specific type of quiz held. If a student is unable to attend the compulsory assessement, they need to contact the course coordinator within 24 hours of the assessment due time with some evidence of why they cannot attend. If a student misses an assessable PBL for valid reasons they will need to consult the Course Coordinator regarding possible alternative assessment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Submission will only be possible during the time of the scheduled workshops. If a student misses assessment for valid reasons they will need to consult the Course Coordinator (and provide supporting documentation for their absence) within 24 hours of the assessment due time regarding possible alternative assessment.
Late submission
Submission will only be possible during the time of the scheduled workshops. No late submission will be possible.
In-semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
27/03/2026 - 3/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Module 1 by A/Prof Young and Module 2 by Prof. Grondahl will be assessed in a centrally run in-semester exam held on a Saturday. This exam will be closed book with only specified materials allowed.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT 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.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 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 or typed 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.
Non-core content workshops
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
3/03/2026 12:00 pm
17/03/2026 12:00 pm
12/05/2026 12:00 pm
Submissions of assessment made during dry lab workshops
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06, L08
Task description
Three 'dry-lab' sessions will be run in various workshop sessions to extend learning in non-core content areas. These dry-labs are assessable, with the best two marks out of three counting towards the final dry lab mark.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment will be submitted to the lecturer at the end of each dry lab or submitted through Blackboard depending on the specific type of assessment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Submission will only be possible during the time of the scheduled workshops. These dry-labs are assessable, with the best two marks out of three counting towards the final dry lab mark.
Late submission
Submission will only be possible during the time of the scheduled workshops. Late submission is not possible
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This will be a short question-answer or problem based exam. It will explicitly assess the material delivered in the lectures and PBLs in modules 3 and 4 ONLY. The material examined in the in-semester exam will NOT be reassessed in this exam.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT 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.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 or typed 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 ﾠThe 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 a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components.
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 requirements of the course. Generally, students must contact the course coordinator within 24 hours to be considered for alternative assessment. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop computer | The weekly PBL sessions will require each student to have their own laptop computer that can connect to the UQ WiFi. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
PBL assessment quizzes will provide an indication of how students are tracking in their understanding.ﾠ Problems selected from those in your text books can be useful revision. All texts on Organic and Inorganic chemistry contain many problems suitable for working and your recommended textbooks incorporate a wide variety of useful problems.ﾠ Past final exam papers for this course are available through UQ Library.
Blackboard
Additional supplementary material may be posted on the Blackboard site for CHEM2050 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 |
Problem-based learning |
Problem Based Learning A single two-hour session each week will be dedicated to tutorial/problem based learning work where material covered in lectures will be revised and applied to problems, including examination style questions. A short assessment item will be conducted at the end of each session (excluding week 1) that will contribute to the final grade for the course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Lecture |
Core content Three one-hour lectures will be delivered each week where the fundamental principles of each topic will be presented and explained. A brief lecture list will be available on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.