Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Fundamental of electrochemical reactions, thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical reactions, mass transfer/diffusion in electrolytes, electrochemical method of analysis, applications (fuel cells, re-chargeable batteries, super-capacitors, and photo-electrochemical reactions), corrosion fundamentals, design against corrosion, corrosion protection principles and practice, corrosion in common environments, corrosion resistant alloys.
From powering your phone to purifying water and protecting bridges, electrochemistry is the invisible force behind some of the most critical technologies shaping our world today. MATE4302 dives into the fundamentals of electrochemistry and its wide-reaching applications — from corrosion control to energy solutions.
You'll explore real-world systems including fuel cells, batteries, electrolysers, photoelectrochemical cells, and supercapacitors — gaining the knowledge to tackle global challenges in sustainable energy and materials corrosion.
The course is led by a team of academics:
- A/Prof. Ruth Knibbe and Dr. Qingbing Xia bring hands-on experience in the development of next-generation electrochemical energy technologies.
- Dr. Jeffrey Venezuela, an expert in materials degradation, offers deep insight into corrosion in complex environments.
Whether you're interested in building the energy systems of the future or protecting critical infrastructure, this course offers the skills to make an impact.
Course requirements
Assumed background
You will be assumed to have an entry level understanding of chemistry, mathematics and basic principles of engineering.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE4302
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The course provides the opportunity to master the principles of electrochemistry, corrosion and corrosion protection.
Topics in Corrosion: definition, forms of corrosion; thermodynamics; kinetics; passivity; measurement of corrosion rate; galvanic corrosion; pitting corrosion; stainless steels; stress corrosion cracking; dezincification; flow assisted corrosion; corrosion in water, soils, concrete; atmospheric corrosion; cathodic protection; coatings; and design.
Topics in Electrochemistry:ﾠproperties of electrolytes; interfacial phenomena, electrode potentials, electrode processes, electrochemical cells; electrochemical energy production - fuel cells and photoelectrochemistry; electrochemical energy storage -ﾠelectrolysis; supercapacitors; batteries.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skill base - Define appropriate structure and content for a research paper; find relevant information from the UQ library and other credible sources, turn the information into useful knowledge, present the knowledge in an interesting and engaging manner.
LO2.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skill base - Demonstrate a familiarity with key concepts, experimental methods, equipment, procedures and applications in the area of electrochemistry and corrosion.
LO3.
Demonstrate application of in-depth knowledge - Critically analyse and explain the influence of corrosion processes on the design and maintenance of machinery, equipment and plant.
LO4.
Demonstrate application of in-depth knowledge - Design protection systems for machinery, equipment and plant subjected to corrosive environments.
LO5.
Demonstrate application of in-depth knowledge - Critically analyse and explain the application of electrochemistry to fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors, photoelectrochemical reactions and corrosion mechanisms.
LO6.
Demonstrate application of in-depth knowledge - Apply electrochemistry knowledge in understanding the design and operation of fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors, photoelectrochemical reactions and corrosion mechanisms.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Corrosion & Electrochemistry Practical
|
10% 5% for each practical |
Week 4 - Week 12
Submission is at the end of the practical. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Electrochemistry Assignment | 20% |
11/09/2025 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Corrosion Assignment | 20% |
23/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
Corrosion & Electrochemistry Practical
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 10% 5% for each practical
- Due date
Week 4 - Week 12
Submission is at the end of the practical.
- Learning outcomes
- L02
Task description
This assessment item consists of two laboratory experiments: corrosion and electrochemistry.
Prior to the laboratory session, you will be required to watch an associated video and complete an online quiz available on Blackboard.
Students may bring notes into the laboratory. No electronic devices other than a calculator are permitted.
Students must submit a laboratory report for each experiment at the end of the practical.
Grades will be uploaded to Blackboard and students can view report marking individually.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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
Reports are submitted at the end of the practical session.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Discretionary extensions are not available for this task.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are limited to 14 days to ensure students can receive feedback with sufficient time to incorporate into their final submission. Students who are unable to attend the practical at the scheduled date and time should apply for an extension, with evidence that supports this. As this is a timed-assessment, Student Access Plans (SAPs) are not suitable supporting documentation.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Prac reports are completed as part of a scheduled class.
Electrochemistry Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/09/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05, L06
Task description
The assignment will involve a proposed design for an electrochemical storage system.
This problem will be released in Week 7.
A professional technical report is to be submitted that is understandable by an intelligent non-expert, but with full technical details.
The report can be submitted individually or in pairs. The title page must include the names and student numbers of both students, if it is a group report.
The group members have to confirm that the report has been prepared collaboratively with equal contributions of the two group members.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
Individual feedback will be provided through Turnitin. General feedback will be provided through Blackboard and in class.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
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.
Corrosion Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
23/10/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
The assignment will involve a proposed design for a corrosion system.
This problem will be released in Week 2.
A professional technical report is to be submitted that is understandable by an intelligent non-expert, but with full technical details.
The report must be submitted individually. Individual feedback will be provided through Turnitin.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
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.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
In the exam you will be required to:
- short answer responses to several key terms
- answer analytical questions
- provide recommendations to a corrosion and an electrochemistry scenario - in line with the key learning objectives.
For the key terms, explain each of these terms so that it is easily understood and do not introduce irrelevant material, or material that is inappropriate or incorrect.
For the key learning objective responses, give a concise explanation, up to 2 pages, including 1-3 relevant diagram(s) as appropriate. Imagine you are a consulting engineer and you need to explain each key learning objective to your customer, who is the managing director of a large company, and a commerce or law graduate.
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
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through obtaining at least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.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 |
| 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 | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45.00-49.99% or less that 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. Overall grade 50.00-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65.00-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Overall grade 75.00-84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. Overall grade 85.00-100% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
Additional course grading information
Grading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These will be available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
Identity verified assessment
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through obtaining ﾠat least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Lecture slides and applied class questions are available for each week through Blackboard.
Solutions for the applied classes will be released after the applied class.
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 12 |
Applied Class |
Weekly Applied Classes Apply and extend concepts presented in the course, discuss and solve sample problems and independently study worked solutions. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series The weekly lecture periods will be used to: Learning outcomes: L02 |
Not Timetabled |
Course Mastery Independent study is an important aspect of this course. The learning pathway on Blackboard will direct students to lecture slides. Working through the sections identified in the texts and the additional learning notes will help you develop the understanding required to achieve the learning objectives of the course. In addition, solving tutorial and additional problems will form part of your independent study. Note that the expected workload for the course is 10 hours per week throughout the semester. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 7 |
Not Timetabled |
Electrochemistry Assignment Students will write a report to provide a recommendation on the most suitable electrochemical system to select in a chosen scenario. Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Corrosion Practical Students will conduct a corrosion experiment under supervision. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Practical |
Electrochemistry Practical Students will see a lithium ion battery constructed from basic materials then tested. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 12 |
Not Timetabled |
Corrosion Assignment Students will write a report on a real corrosion problem and provide a recommendation on best solution to implement. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
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
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.