Outline

Overview

Chemistry transforms the way we live. It provides the basis for understanding biological, geological and atmospheric processes, how medicines work, the properties of materials and substances, how beer is brewed, and for obtaining forensic evidence. This unit of study builds upon your prior knowledge of chemistry to further develop your knowledge and skills in chemistry for broad application, including further study in chemistry. You will learn about organic chemistry reactions, structural determination, nitrogen chemistry, industrial processes, kinetics, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, phase behaviour, solubility equilibrium and chemistry of metals. You will further develop your ability to design, execute, and analyse chemical experiments that investigate the molecular principles of processes around you. You will ask questions like how do we effectively synthesise molecules to tackle disease, and through structured inquiry—formulating hypotheses, collecting data via observation and measurement, and interpreting data —you will gain deeper insights into the physical world and learn to apply those insights to tackle real-world challenges. Chemistry 1B (Advanced) is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of Chemistry 1A (Advanced). Compared to the mainstream Chemistry 1B, the theory component of this unit provides a higher level of academic rigour and makes broader connections between topics.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CHEM1911 or CHEM1991 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903 or (75 or above in CHEM1111 or CHEM1101) or (90 or above in HSC Chemistry or equivalent)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CHEM1012 or CHEM1112 or CHEM1992 or CHEM1002 or CHEM1102 or CHEM1902 or CHEM1904
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Meredith Jordan, meredith.jordan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Pierre Naeyaert, pierre.naeyaert@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Constance Bailey, constance.bailey@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Supervised Exam More information below the assessment table. This assessment is compulsory.	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Laboratory Log Book A record of observations	15%	Multiple weeks	1-2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Spectroscopy Problem Solving Assignment 1x untimed canvas quiz focusing on spectroscopy topic	5%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Sep 2026	1x canvas quiz, 3 weeks to complete	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Major laboratory competency assessment An in-person assessment of laboratory skills under observation.	10%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Oct 2026	Approximately 45 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial quizzes Canvas based quizzes based on the pre- and in- tutorial content	15%	Weekly	~20 min each, 1 attempt only in class	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Theory

Early Feedback Task - Spectroscopy Problem Solving Assignment: An online research task based on workshops in the tutorials involving structure determination of organic molecules from IR, UV and NMR spectroscopy. The quiz is untimed but you are only allowed one attempt.
Weekly Tutorial Quizzes: Weekly online quizzes starting in week 3 covering the topics in the course. These quizzes are designed to help you develop your understanding of key topics and to give you continuous feedback. Each quiz will only be available during the weekly tutorials with a 20-minute time limit. Out of the 11 quizzes, the top 10 will be used to calculate the final grade contribution.
Examination: The final examination covers the whole of the lecture course and is made up of a mixture of multiple-choice and short answer questions. No laboratory work is examinable.
- The exam is a hurdle task and a hurdle mark must be attained in order to pass this course. The hurdle mark will be set by the Chemistry Board of Examiners.
- Failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks, such as this exam, will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.
- Approved special consideration will be recheduled to a replacement examination period (RE1, RE2). No replacement examinations are avalaible beyond this period.

Laboratory

The laboratory classes are compulsory, and both the major laboratory competency assessment and the log books require overall pass marks, for all tasks combined.
Laboratory Log Book: The logbook is a record of observations, hypotheses, experimental results, and analysis.
Major Laboratory Competency Assessment: This is an in-person assessment of your laboratory skills. You will rotate through a series of stations and demonstrate your skills under observation. At each station, you will be scored on technical competency, accuracy and precision, reasoning, and safe laboraory practice.

Apply for speical consideration if you miss a lab class or assessment due to exceptional circumstances such as illness, injury or misadventure.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactoryachievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Early Feedback Task and Weekly Tutorial Quizzes cannot be submitted late and are not eligible for simple extensions. Submissions after the due date and time will result in a zero mark.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Laboratory weeks 3-12, Blended online and on-campus program, see the lab canvas page for details.	Practical (27 hr)
Week 01	Recap (Organic chemistry and thermochemistry/equilibria) + Mass Spectroscopy (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Recap (Organic chemistry and thermochemistry/equilibria) + Mass Spectroscopy (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Stereochemistry and spectroscopy (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Stereochemistry and spectroscopy (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Kinetics (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Kinetics (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Organic chemistry: Introduction, acid-base and substitution reactions (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Organic chemistry: Introduction, acid-base and substitution reactions (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Organic chemistry: Elimination and electrophilic addition reactions (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Organic chemistry: Elimination and electrophilic addition reactions (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Organic chemistry: Nucleophilic Addition, Oxidation/reduction and Acyl derivatives (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Organic chemistry: Nucleophilic Addition, Oxidation/reduction and Acyl derivatives (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Electrochemistry (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Electrochemistry (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Electrochemistry continued (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Electrochemistry continued (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Metals in solution (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Metals in solution (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Metals in solution continued (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Metals in solution continued (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	as Laws and Intermolecular Forces (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	as Laws and Intermolecular Forces (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Phase Diagrams and Colligative Properties (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Phase Diagrams and Colligative Properties (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Solid packing (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Solid packing (includes 2 hours of pre-work OR in-class lecture)	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Laboratory classes are compulsory, and laboratory assessment must be passed for the unit to be passed. Apply for special consideration if you miss a lab class due to exceptional circumstances such as illness, injury or misadventure.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe, explain, apply and connect the concepts, language and symbolism of organic and inorganic chemistry in a wide variety of contemporary chemistry contexts.
LO2. describe and explain organic and inorganic transformations, how they relate to structure and how they can be manipulated, applying this understanding to modern research contexts.
LO3. perform safe laboratory manipulations to collect experimental data.
LO4. critically analyse experimental data, evaluating its reliability and significance.
LO5. demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information appropriately both orally and through written work
LO6. demonstrate the ability to engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
LO7. demonstrate a sense of responsibility and independence as a learner and as a scientist
LO8. apply basic skills in computing, numeracy and data handling in undergraduate research contexts.
LO9. engage in open-ended undergraduate research experiences including advanced laboratory skills, instrument usage, and high-level data analysis and visualisation.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is delivered in a 'flipped' learning mode which has been shown to have better student learning outcomes. In the block delivery mode, all content is delivered through an online learning platform and class time is devoted to problem solving. In the normal delivery mode in either semester 1 or semester 2, students have the choice of using an online learning platform or attending a 2 hour face-to-face lecture for course content and the remaining class time is devoted to problem solving.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CHEM1912: Chemistry 1B (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links