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Course profile

Nanomaterials & Self-Assembled Systems (CHEM3030)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Chemistry & Molec Biosciences

Introduction to advanced materials & nanotechnology. This course explores the forces that control self-assembly in 2D and 3D nanomaterials and how these lead to the unique properties of nanomaterials, covering both inorganic and organic materials including surfactants, colloids, polymers and biologically-inspired systems. The assembly, state-of-art characterisation, chemistry, structure-property relationships & novel applications are covered in this course.

This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the chemistry of materials, self assembled systems, polymer science and colloid and surface science, as well as how these relate to nanoscience. The goals of this course is to give students skills that will enable them to critically appraise cutting edge characterisation techniques used in nanoscience; to plan, implement and report on collaborative experimental activities; to develop knowledge of practical aspects of materials chemistry and nanoscience; to develop written and oral communication skills.

Course requirements

Assumed background

It will be assumed that students have a knowledge of at least the fundamental aspects of the first and second level chemistry subjects including CHEM2060/2902, and of the manipulation of data and report writing skills learned by successful completion of practical work associated with CHEM2054.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

(CHEM2060 or CHEM2902) or CHEM2056 or (PHYS2020 + PHYS2041)

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

CHEM2054 or CHEM2058 or SCIE2020

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

CHEM3013, CHEE4301, MATE6301

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Guest lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Check your online timetable regularly.

Aims and outcomes

This course deals with a range of concepts which can be used to explain phenomena in materials chemistry and nanoscience. Students will gain an understanding of the core content covering self assembly, interfacial phenomena,ᅠmacromolecules and colloidal chemistry. In addition, students will become familiar with problem solving, experimental design, collaborative work, tools used in nanoscience, and will develop written and oral communication skills. This will provide students with skills applicable to advanced study, research and industry placements.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts of materials chemistry, nanoscience, colloid and surface science, and self assembly

LO2.

identify the applicability of chemical concepts in interdisciplinary contexts

LO3.

critically appraise the application of advanced characterisation techniques in nanoscience

LO4.

acquire and demonstrate individual practical skills in quantitative materials chemistry and nanoscience

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Tutorial/ Problem Set Written assignment during each contact
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
20%

5/08/2024 5:00 pm

12/08/2024 5:00 pm

19/08/2024 5:00 pm

26/08/2024 5:00 pm

Practical/ Demonstration Brief experimental reports
  • Hurdle
15%

The report will be due at 2.00 pm on the day before your next experiment is scheduled, and more detail on submission deadlines will be posted on Blackboard.

Practical/ Demonstration Experimental report
  • Hurdle
10%

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Examination End of semester exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
55%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

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

Written assignment during each contact

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
20%
Due date

5/08/2024 5:00 pm

12/08/2024 5:00 pm

19/08/2024 5:00 pm

26/08/2024 5:00 pm

Task description

Analysis of provided data using the analytical method that is the subject of each contact, described in the lecture in the morning of the day on which the contact is held. The assignment worksheet, which will be handed out at the start of each of the four contacts, is to be handed in at the conclusion of the session. Each worksheet is worth 5% of the final grade.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI 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

To be handed in at the conclusion of each of four contacts.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Brief experimental reports

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
15%
Due date

The report will be due at 2.00 pm on the day before your next experiment is scheduled, and more detail on submission deadlines will be posted on Blackboard.

Task description

3 short reports to be submitted following experimental work (Pracs 1-3) for a total of 15% of assessment.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI 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

This assignment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission point found on the course Blackboard site. It is your responsibility to check that your submitted document is correct and that you have received a Turnitin receipt. Submit your assessment item through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1

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.

Experimental report

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
10%
Due date

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Task description

One detailed experimental report for Experiment 4 in the style of a short journal article to be submitted. The due date and time are 2.00 pm on 25 October.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI 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

This assignment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission point found on the course Blackboard site. It is your responsibility to check that your submitted document is correct and that you have received a Turnitin receipt. Submit your assessment item through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard. Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1

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.

End of semester exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
55%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Task description

End of semester exam based on lecture material.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI 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 or UQ approved , labelled calculator only

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, double 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):

1.ᅠᅠYou must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and

2.ᅠᅠYou must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam; and

3.ᅠᅠYou must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items and learning tasks ᅠ(Laboratory Report plus Full Experimental Report plus Contact assignments).

The maximum grade you will receive will be a 2 if you:

1.ᅠ Obtain aᅠweighted average mark of 30% or less across the non-examination course assessment items and learning tasks ᅠ(Laboratory Report plus Full Experimental Report plus Contact assignments); and/or

2.ᅠ Obtain an overall mark of 30% or less on the end of semester exam.

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.

Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.

Turnitin

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Assessment/Attendance

Please 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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP) for your course also 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

Any student who enrols in a course must not be given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment. Instead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolment (PPL Assessment - Procedures Section: Assessment integrity).

If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SCMB recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.

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 are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 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
You are advised to regularly consult the CHEM3030 Blackboard site, which is accessed from learn.uq.edu.au by clicking on the "CHEM3030" link.

Downloadable material will be available from the "Class Resources" section of the site. Book chapters for selected topics will be supplied.

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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 4

Lecture

Concepts of self assembly (Lawrie)

Week 3
Lecture

SPM technique lecture (Lawrie)

This is to support the workshop on SPM

Problem-based learning

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) contact

Multiple weeks

From Week 4 To Week 8

Lecture

Nanoscience concepts (Gentle)

Week 4
Lecture

XPS technique lecture

This is to support the workshop on XPS.

Problem-based learning

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) contact

Week 5
Lecture

Scattering methods technique lecture

This is to support the workshop on X-ray & neutron scattering.

Problem-based learning

Scattering methods contact

Week 6
Problem-based learning

Electron microscopy contact

Lecture

SEM/TEM technique lecture (Luo)

This is to support the workshop on electron microscopy

Multiple weeks

From Week 7 To Week 11

Practical

Laboratory practicals

Each practical is conducted in a 3-hour session in the Level 5 (Building 68) laboratory. The first 3 weeks are single week experiments with brief experimental reports to be submitted. The fourth experiment is conducted over 2 weeks with a more detailed experimental report submission.

Multiple weeks

From Week 8 To Week 12

Lecture

Macromolecular chemistry (Monteiro/Whittaker)

Additional learning activity information

More details including information about due dates, marking criteria and report templates can be found in Blackboard.

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

  • Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety