Course overview
Physical chemistry underpins many of the greatest challenges facing society today, from climate change to energy security to accessible clean water. This course provides the student with an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of physical chemistry, including statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, chemical kinetics and spectroscopy, which govern the energy-conversion processes, light-matter interactions, and physicochemical transformations that are central to tackling these challenges. The course also introduces the student to state-of-the-art numerical methods to solve physical chemistry problems, furnishing transferable computational skills in the "big data" era. Hands-on practical experience of experimental techniques for physical analysis and spectroscopic characterisation is provided through extensive laboratories activities.
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Statistical Mechanics & Kinetics
- Electronic & Nuclear Spectroscopy
- Practicals
- Computational Workshops
- Assignments
Course learning outcomes
- Describe and explain fundamental concepts of physical chemistry, including those of statistical mechanics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy.
- apply simple physical models to predict properties of chemical systems.
- apply numerical or computational methods to calculate physical properties of chemical systems and assess the appropriateness of different computational techniques and numerical approximations for solving particular physical chemistry problems.
- demonstrate proficiency in undertaking individual and/or team-based laboratory investigations using appropriate apparatus and safe laboratory practices, including the collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of results of an experiment.
- design and plan an investigation by selecting and applying appropriate practical, theoretical, and/or computational techniques or tools.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 23699
Section PR01
Size 13
Available 13
Class number 23698
Section PR02
Size 13
Available 13
Class number 23700
Section WS01
Size 26
Available 26
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.