Outline

Overview

Chemical physics is the study of how the laws of physics gives rise to the complexity of molecular behavior and the extraordinary variety of materials and properties - from liquid crystals to tungsten carbide - that result when large numbers of atoms or molecules interact with each other. To trace the connection between fundamental physical laws and their diverse material outcomes you will apply computational techniques and gain experience in the modelling tools used in material design and technological development. You will address the fundamentals of structure in materials including symmetry and crystal stability, defects, porous structures and emergent properties such as magnetism. You will explore the statistical origins of thermodynamic stability and chemical kinetics, concepts fundamental to battery, fuel cell, sensor, and capacitor technologies. Modern experimental methods for structural determination (e. g. neutron diffraction) and dynamics (e. g. pulsed laser spectroscopy) will be covered. By doing this unit you will develop a deep insight into the physical basis of complex chemical systems and a firm foundation for future studies in physical and computational chemistry, materials science, and device design. These same lectures are also covered in CHEM2534 Concepts in Chemical Physics but with the laboratory program replaced by a series of classroom workshops and assignments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(CHEM1111 or CHEM1911 or CHEM1991 or CHEM1011 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903 or CHEM1001) and (CHEM1112 or CHEM1912 or CHEM1992 or CHEM1012 or CHEM1102 or CHEM1902 or CHEM1904 or CHEM1002)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CHEM2924 or CHEM2534 or CHEM2402 or CHEM2912 or CHEM2916
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anthony Masters, anthony.masters@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Toby Hudson, toby.hudson@sydney.edu.au
	Cameron Kepert, cameron.kepert@sydney.edu.au
	Asaph Widmer-Cooper, asaph.widmer-cooper@sydney.edu.au
	Wesley Dose, wesley.dose@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Meredith Jordan, meredith.jordan@sydney.edu.au
	Maxim Avdeev, maxim.avdeev@sydney.edu.au
	Peter Gill, p.gill@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam This assessment item is compulsory; the combined theory components must be passed to pass the unit.	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Experiment 1 Oral Presentation Part 2 Questions following presentation of results and discussion	2%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Pre-lab quizzes Multiple choice quiz on Canvas to be completed before the relevant experiment.	1%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Experiment 2 Short report Communication of methodology and key results in a short report format	2%	Multiple weeks	Up to 4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Experiment 3 Long report Full report: background, methods, results, discussion and implications.	5%	Multiple weeks	Up to 8 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Experiment 1 Oral Presentation Part 1 Brief background, key results and discussion presented visually	5%	Multiple weeks	Poster and 5 minutes presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	In-Laboratory Assessment Working safely and cleanly, prelab quizzes, sample and results submission.	10%	Ongoing	Continuous throughout laboratory program	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Multiple choice quiz on Canvas based on the lecture and tutorial content. #earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online Test 1 Multiple choice quiz on Canvas based on the lecture and tutorial content. This is a time-limited single attempt open-book test.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59	60 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online Test 2 Multiple choice quiz on Canvas based on the lecture and tutorial content. This is a time-limited single attempt open-book test.	5%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59	60 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly Quizzes Multiple choice quizzes on Canvas based on the lecture and tutorial content. Lowest scoring quiz will be dropped.	9%	Weekly	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = 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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Laboratory: The laboratory course represents 25% of the unit mark. The laboratory classes are compulsory, and the combined laboratory assessment must be passed for the unit to be passed. Apply for special consideration if you miss a class due to illness, injury or misadventure.

Final exam:

Failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks, such as this exam, will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.
If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
There will be no third replacement exam offering.

Assessment criteria

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 satisfactory achievement 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 Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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 exercise	Practical (24 hr)
Week 01	1. The Role of Models 2. Interparticle Interactions 3. Molecular Symmetry Elements	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Material from Weeks 1 & 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	4. Periodic Translation - Unit Cells, Lattices 5. Space Groups 6. Diffraction	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	7. Solid state Materials. 8. Electronic Structure of Materials. 9. Electronic Properties of Materials.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Material from Weeks 3 & 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	10. Dielectric Properties of Materials. 11. Magnetic Properties of Materials. 12. Microstates.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	13. Temperature Partition Functions 14. Energy First Law of Thermodynamics 15. Entropy Second Law of Thermodynamics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Material from Weeks 5 & 6	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	16. Open Systems, Free Energy, Spontaneity 17. Ideal Gases and Simple Solids. 18. Defects in solids.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	19. Phase transitions. 20. Computer Simulations, Ising Model of Magnetism. 21. Mean-field Theory, Real Gases and Liquids	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Material from Weeks 7 & 8	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	22. Thermodynamics of Phase transitions. 23. Heat Capacity and Calorimetry. 24. Kinetics of Phase Transitions	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	25. Glasses and Metastable States. 26 Soft Matter, Intro., Overview, Liquid Crystals. 27 Soft Matter, Onsager Theory of Nematics.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Material from Weeks 9 & 10	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	28. Soft Matter, Nematics, Properties, Applications. 29. Liquids, Diffusion and Randomness. 30. Liquids, Chemical Kinetics.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	31. Kinetics. Elementary Processes, Reaction Mechanisms. 32. Surface Tension 33. Surface Wetting	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Material from Weeks 11 & 12	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	34. Adhesion & Friction. 35. Adsorption onto Solids. 36. Gibbs Adsorption Isotherm.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	37. Metal-organic Frameworks. (MOFs). 38. MOFs, Surfaces, Host-guest Chemistry. 39. MOFs III, Magnetic, Electronic, Ion Transport, Spin Switching.	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Faculty of Science Resolutions, 8(1):

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

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.

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

LO1. Understand and apply knowledge of chemical physics
LO2. Work safely and competently in a chemical laboratory
LO3. Communicate scientific information and laboratory findings effectively using a range of modes (written, oral, visual, etc) for a variety of audiences
LO4. Recognize the relevance of chemical physics to applications beyond the discipline of chemistry and articulate the social value of the subject
LO5. Evaluate and interpret chemical data to resolve chemical questions and advance chemical inquiry in chemical physics
LO6. Work collaboratively and responsibly in data collection, analysis and communication

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Science Threshold Standards - 2. Scientific knowledge - exhibit the depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by: 2.1. Demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry.
	Science Threshold Standards - 1.1. Recognising the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge, and the testable and contestable nature of the principles of chemistry
	Science Threshold Standards - 1.3. Understanding and being able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of chemistry in the local and global community.
	Science Threshold Standards - 1.2. Recognising that chemistry plays an essential role in society and underpins many industrial, technological and medical advances 1.3. Understanding and being able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of chemistry in the local and global community. 2.2. Recognising that chemistry is a broad discipline that impacts on, and is influenced by, other scientific fields
	Science Threshold Standards - 1.1. Recognising the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge, and the testable and contestable nature of the principles of chemistry
	Science Threshold Standards - 5.3. Recognising the relevant and required ethical conduct and behaviour within which chemistry is practised

Responding to student feedback

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

Updates made to assessments to accommodate the use of generative AI.

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

Students should refer to the School Safety Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) for all WHS requirements specific to the School of Chemistry: https://aumynotebook.labarchives.com/share/SAFETY%2520NOTES/MTEuNzAwMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAxfDU2MTAxLzktMTUvVHJlZU5vZGUvMzU3ODcxMDgyMXwyOS4 In particular, (4) general safety addresses all personal protective equipment requirements. Note also:

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat, approved safety glasses 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

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CHEM2524: Chemical Physics

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links