Physics chemistry

Physical and Biophysical Chemistry

Physical and Biophysical Chemistry underpin all other chemical disciplines.

About

Physical and Biophysical Chemistry underpin all other chemical disciplines. Physical chemistry seeks to explain the behaviour of matter at the atomic, molecular and macroscopic levels, and is characterized by the application of physics to describe phenomena. Important foci of physical chemistry include thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, colligative properties, electrochemistry, surface science, and spectroscopy. Biophysical chemistry uses the concepts of physical chemistry to probe biological systems of both molecular and supramolecular size. The RSC houses state-of-the-art instrumentation dedicated to characterization of chemical systems from atomic to macroscopic in scale.

Groups

Chilton Group

The Chilton group studies magnetic molecules for MRI contrast agents, quantum information and molecular data storage

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Magnetic Resonance Facility

Our group studies transition metal catalysts using both magneto-optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance techniques.

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Abstract background featuring a gradient of orange to blue colors overlaid with a network of white nodes and connecting lines.

The Huber group develops innovative tools to determine the 3D structure of biological macromolecules form sparse experimental data of different length scale.

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Humphrey

Our research uses synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and computational chemistry to generate new molecular materials with unusual optical properties.

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Molecule

Our research interests lie at the interface between biology, chemistry and physics where fundamental chemistry underlies biological function.

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We use NMR spectroscopy to assess the structural changes of proteins in response to other molecules in aqueous solution, i.e. under near-physiological condition

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Xu Background

In Xu group, our mission is to develop new electron crystallography methods for crystal structure characterisation, at the same time, improving the capability, robustness and availability of these methods. By doing so, we aim to equip chemists, biologists, and material scientists with innovative tools for ground breaking research.

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3D visualization of proteins and DNA interactions

The Zhang group uses chemical and synthetic biology to engineer proteins and create novel protein functionality, integrating protein chemistry, biophysics, molecular biology and cell biology.

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Projects

Most proteins and enzymes "live" in solution. Like mechanical machines, their function depends on conformational changes. Using NMR spectroscopy in solution, we develop new methods to determine the movements and conformational changes of proteins, such as the COVID-19 main protease.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

This project will contribute to a broader research endeavour in the Zhang lab which aims to establish a synthetic biology toolbox towards safe and sustainable control of fungal diseases in agriculture and in native ecosystems

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

People

At the ANU, we recently installed world-leading prototype equipment to perform experiments not possible previously with miniscule quantities of material (see picture of sample rotors in comparison with Australian five Cent coin below).

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

This project will involve use of fs- and ns-pulsed wavelength-tuneable lasers, in some cases interfaced to electrochemistry equipment, to investigate NLO properties of new molecules/materials, and can involve modelling properties using the ANU’s supercomputer.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

With the increasing threat of climate change, understanding how photosynthetic organisms adapt to extreme conditions is a key field of research. We have two projects that relate to C. thermalis.

Student intake

Open for Honours, PhD students

Members

Emeritus and Honorary

Emeritus Professor

Honorary Professor

Honorary Professor

Honorary Professor

Academic staff

Professor

Dr Lucy Gloag

Lecturer

ARC Laureate Fellow

A. Perriman

Professor of Bioengineering

Prof Alison Rodger

Director, Research School of Chemistry