Assumed knowledge for this unit is 100-level Introductory Chemistry A (specifically including the basic properties of electromagnetic radiation and the kinetic theory of gases). Some mathematics is inherent in this unit, but supporting material will be provided. A familiarity with high school level physics concepts would be an advantage but is not required.

Recommended Text Book: For those continuing to CBMS329, we recommend that you obtain Atkins & de Paula “Atkins’ Physical Chemistry” 8th ed, Oxford University Press (2006). The 7th edition is also acceptable. For those students not continuing to CBMS329, the smaller text, Atkins & de Paula “The Elements of Physical Chemistry”, 5th ed, Oxford University Press (2005) is suitable. The 4th edition is also suitable.

Alternative Text Book: Raymond Chang “Physical Chemistry for the Chemical and Biological Sciences”, 3rd ed, University Science Books (2000) is reasonable, and somewhat more readable than "Atkins’ Physical Chemistry".

Your first-year textbook may be referred to in the lectures on molecular spectroscopy and the second year textbook “Organic Chemistry” by J. McMurry may also be referred to when we deal with macromolecules and polymers. Lecturers may also hand out summaries of lecture material or lecture guides or directions to web-based material.

You can find a number of textbooks with “Physical Chemistry” in the title in the University library. All cover similar material, but often use different notation. You may find that some of these other books explain certain topics more clearly. Some students find “Physical Chemistry” by R.A. Alberty and R.J. Silbey provides readable introductions to some topics, but is less helpful when it comes to problem solving. Two older books that can provide an alternative introduction to aspects of molecular spectroscopy are “Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy” by C.N. Banwell and “Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy” by G. M. Barrow.

There also many web resources, but material placed on the web is not necessarily checked for accuracy, so be careful when using it.

There is an additional “study guide” that will be given to you for the Spectroscopy section of the unit.

Timetable:Please check http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/ for the official timetable of the unit.

Lectures: The material presented in the lectures is important and you should not assume that all examinable material is available in the textbook or in printed notes. On the other hand, do not assume that all examinable material is to be found in the lecture notes.

Tutorial: Attendance at the tutorial is compulsory. Tutorial problems, which may form part of the material submitted for assessment, will be distributed by the lecturer.

Laboratory Work: Laboratory sessions commence in Week 2. Other than for two workshops, they are held in E7B 354, the 2nd/3rd Year teaching Laboratories. You will complete a workshop dealing with the data analysis and error propagation and another workshop on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the locations of which will be announced in the lecture. A laboratory roster will be issued to indicate which experiments you will be undertaking. The total mark allocation for laboratory work is 20%. Before commencing a new experiment you are required to complete the laboratory preparation exercise. You must have the pre-lab exercises checked by a lecturer BEFORE the lab session starts. You will not be allowed to commence the experimental work until the preparation exercise is completed in a satisfactory manner. A delay in starting the experimental work due to poor pre-lab preparation may have a detrimental effect on your ability to perform the laboratory work satisfactorily. You should attempt the pre-lab exercises well in advance of each practical class. You are advised to read each experiment carefully.

Students unable to attend laboratory classes due to illness or misadventure (as defined in the Handbook of Undergraduate Studies) and who are unable to catch up in a reserve session must provide formal documentary evidence to the University as soon as possible after the absence. For one such justified absence students will receive the average mark from the sessions that they did attend. For any unjustified absences students will receive a zero mark and may be liable to compulsory withdrawal from the unit.

Some practical work will be undertaken before the corresponding material has been covered in lectures. The notes have been written with this in mind and some allowance will be made in the marking of reports. Any Tuesday or Friday afternoons in weeks when you have no assigned laboratory work should be devoted to report writing.

Reports must be submitted no later than 5 pm, 14 days after completion of each experiment. Penalties for late submission will accumulate at the rate of 10% per day overdue.