Course coordinator
Associate Professor Evan Moore
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
This course is for those specifically interested in inorganic chemistry and the physical methods that underpin its application to bio-inorganic and materials science. It is founded on the fundamental electronic properties which distinguish the d- and f-block elements from all others in the periodic table; their electronic structure, electron transfer and magnetic properties.
This course focuses on topics in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. The student will be provided with a thorough foundation in the application of symmetry and group theory in understanding properties of inorganic molecules. Other topics that follow include the spectroscopic properties of inorganic complexes, transition metal coordination compounds, magneto-chemistry, lanthanides, electron transfer reactions / electrochemistry and organometallic chemistry. These topicsﾠillustrate many areas at the forefront ofﾠmodern inorganic chemistry, and also provide a link to the relevance ofﾠinorganic chemistryﾠin biology and materials science. The subject will contain both a laboratoryﾠandﾠproblem based-learning sessions. The aim of these sessions is to deepen the students' knowledge of the course material and provide a strong foundation to continue their studies and/or research.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
The presentation of the material assumes a sound knowledge of the Chemistry in CHEM2050, and regular revision of relevant level 1 material (CHEM1100 or CHEM1200).ﾠ Retention and use of your level 1 and 2 notes is strongly urged.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM2054 + (CHEM2050 or CHEM2901)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Evan Moore
Professor Jack Clegg
Professor Paul Bernhardt
Associate Professor Rowan Young
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check your timetable regularly at the start of each semester.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of advanced principles in inorganic chemistry. Specific topics that will be covered include:
- Group theory
- Bonding
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- Transition Metal coordination compounds
- Molecular magnetism
- Lanthanides
- Electron transfer and electrochemistry
- Organometallic chemistry
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the theoretical concepts which underpin the major forms of spectroscopy used in modern chemistry, specifically as applied to inorganic compounds.
LO2.
Apply the principles of symmetry to gain a deeper understanding of the electronic and geometry structure in inorganic chemistry.
LO3.
Have developed an understanding of coordination compounds and molecular magnetism.
LO4.
Understand the principles of electron transfer reactions and electrochemistry.
LO5.
Develop laboratory skills and the ability to apply theory in the interpretation of experiments.
LO6.
Solve problems and communicate complex scientific data, concepts and ideas.
LO7.
Globally appreciate and understand the roles of inorganic chemistry in science.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
|
30% |
Expt 1 due 31/03/2025 - 1/04/2025 Expt 2 due 28/04/2025 - 29/04/2025 Expt 3 due 26/05/2025 - 27/05/2025
Experiments are due in Week 6, 9 and 13 of the semester, either on the Monday or Tuesday on the same day as students assigned prac group. |
| Quiz |
Symmetry and Spectroscopy - Quiz 1
|
15% |
26/03/2025
Quiz 1 will be completed in the normal workshop time |
| Quiz |
Advanced Coordination Chemistry - Quiz 2
|
25% |
30/04/2025
Quiz 2 will be completed in the normal workshop time |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
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
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Expt 1 due 31/03/2025 - 1/04/2025
Expt 2 due 28/04/2025 - 29/04/2025
Expt 3 due 26/05/2025 - 27/05/2025
Experiments are due in Week 6, 9 and 13 of the semester, either on the Monday or Tuesday on the same day as students assigned prac group.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Each student will complete 3 experiments that will be carried out in the 4th floor chemistry labs. Timetables for the allocated laboratory classes will be posted in the laboratory and on Blackboard. Please note the dates and times of your allocated laboratory sessions. There is a compulsory laboratory induction in Week 2 before the first experiment. You must complete this induction before being allowed to start the practicals. The Laboratory Manual will be made available during the safety induction.
Note that protective glasses, appropriate footwear and a laboratory coat are required when in the laboratory.
Typically an experiment will require two 3-hour sessions, one for the synthesis and one for instrumentation / measurements / analysis. You may find that you require an extra session to fully complete the experiment. Each of the three experiments is carried out in blocks so they are aligned to the lecture content at that time. You are not required to attend a lab session every week. If you miss your scheduled session and have to reschedule outside your allotted time, you should email the Course Coordinator so a suitable time can be arranged. You may be required to provide appropriate documentary evidence (e.g. a medical certificate) as you can only reschedule outside your allotted time once without penalty (see Additional Information).
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.Submission guidelines
Submitted by Turnitin link made available on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for Extensions
Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide approved documentation to support your application by the due date and time, you must still submit your application by the deadline but with an attached Word document that outlines why you cannot provide the approved documentation by the deadline. You will then need to acquire and upload the approved documentation to your request within 24 hours. Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting by the requested due date and time.
Prolonged Absence
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g. a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
Symmetry and Spectroscopy - Quiz 1
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
26/03/2025
Quiz 1 will be completed in the normal workshop time
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06
Task description
The quiz will be completed during the scheduled workshop time and will need to be completed within 90 minutes. Only questions covering the content of Module 1 and the first two workshops will be examined in this quiz. This quiz contributes 15% of the total marks for the course.
Students are expected to complete the quiz independently.
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.Submission guidelines
Answers to quiz will be collected at the end of the allocated time
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Applications for Deferral on medical grounds and/or other exceptional circumstances must be submitted by lodging the appropriate application with all required supporting documentation.
Advanced Coordination Chemistry - Quiz 2
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
30/04/2025
Quiz 2 will be completed in the normal workshop time
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L06
Task description
The quiz will be completed during the scheduled workshop time and will need to be completed within 120 mins. Only questions relevant to Module 2 (transition metal coordination chemistry, lanthanide coordination chemistry, molecular magnetism) and the corresponding workshops will be examined in this quiz. This quiz contributes 25% of the final mark in the course.
Students are expected to complete the quiz independently.
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.Submission guidelines
Answers to quiz will be collected at the end of the allocated time
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Applications for Deferral on medical grounds and/or other exceptional circumstances must be submitted by lodging the appropriate application with all required supporting documentation.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L06
Task description
The end of semester exam will consist of short answer questions covering material from Modules 3 (Electron Transfer Reaction and Electrochemistry) and Module 4 (Organometallic Chemistry) which together gives 30% of the total marks for the course. Students are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of the course material presented in the lectures, workshops and laboratory practicals.
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 - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | A simple molecule model building kit or materials to make molecular models (eg toothpicks, plasticine) in an unmarked container 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 a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the examination/quiz components; and
- You must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items (lab reports); and
- You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course.
ﾠ
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
Laboratory Reschedules without documentation
Number of reschedules ﾠPenalty
First reschedule No penalty
Second rescheduleﾠ 30% loss of available marks
No third reschedule possibleﾠ
Failure to complete 100% experiments will result in failure of a hurdle and consequently failure of the course.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional material (including the Turnitin portal) may be found on the Blackboard site for CHEM3010 at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Laboratory Manual
A laboratory manual will be ﾠavailable on Blackboard and a printed version will be supplied during the first laboratory session in Week 2 of semester.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Workshop |
Workshop 6 (Assoc. Prof Young): Organometallic Chemistry Learning outcomes: L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Module 1 Lectures (A/Prof. Moore) Group Theory, Symmetry and Spectroscopy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L07 |
Lecture |
Module 2 Lectures (Prof. Clegg and A/Prof. Moore) Transition metal and lanthanoid coordination chemistry (magnetism and optical spectroscopy) Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Module 3 Lectures (Prof. Bernhardt) Electrochemistry and electron transfer reactions Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Module 4 Lectures (Dr Young) Organometallic Chemistry Learning outcomes: L05, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Workshop 1 (A/Prof. Moore): Symmetry/Group Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Workshop 2 (A/Prof. Moore): Spectroscopy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Workshop 3 (Prof. Clegg): Magnetism Learning outcomes: L03, L06, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Workshop 4 (A/Prof. Moore): Lanthanide Chemistry Learning outcomes: L03, L06, L07 |
|
Workshop |
Workshop 5 (Prof Bernhardt): Electron Transfer Learning outcomes: L04, L06, L07 |
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.