Chemistry 1

Subject 610-101 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures, practicals, tutorials/workshops, independent learning tasks, computer-aided learning.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 one-hour lectures (three per week), 18 hours of practical activities (six 3-hour practicals), 12 one-hour tutorial/workshop sessions, 6 hours of computer aided learning, 8 hours of independent learning tasks.
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry and VCE Units 3/4 Mathematics (any).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Spencer Williams
Subject Overview: The subject provides an introduction to stoichiometry; gases; energy and thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acid-base chemistry; properties of solutions, aspects of main group chemistry: structure and bonding in elements and compounds of groups 14-18; solutions and pH equilibria; physical properties of solution. intermolecular forces and extended solid state structures; structure and bonding of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes; benzene and its derivatives; functional groups; and spectroscopy and determination of structure.
Objectives:

The aim of the subject is to provide students with an understanding of the place of chemistry in biology, technology and the physical environment; the nature of gases; basic energy concepts; the nature of chemical equilibria; the structure and bonding of inorganic molecules; the nature of the solid state; the structures of hydrocarbon and main group molecules; the important functional groups; the nature of techniques of measurement; and the evolution of current theories.

In the practical component, students should develop basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical techniques, report writing); oral communication skills; independent learning skills; and an appreciation of the health and safety issues associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals.
Assessment:

A 30-minute on-line mid-semester test (5%); ongoing assessment of practical work (20%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (75%). Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject. Independent learning tasks need to be completed in order to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts:

S S Zumdahl, Chemical Principles 6th edn, Houghton Mifflin, 2008.
J McMurry, Organic Chemistry 7th edn, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2008.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
This subject encompasses particular generic skills so that on completion of this subject students should have developed skills relating to:
  • the organization of work schedules which permit appropriate preparation time for tutorials, practical classes and examinations;
  • the use of electronic forms of communication;
  • the utilisation of computer-aided learning activities to enhance understanding;
  • the performance of basic manipulations with laboratory equipment;
  • the recording of observations, the analysis of information and the interpretation of data within a laboratory setting;
  • accessing information from the library employing both electronic and traditional means.
  • working collaboratively with other students;
  • the use of conceptual models;
  • problem solving; and
  • critical thinking.
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

A laboratory coat and safety glasses are required for laboratory activities.

It is recommended that students have access to a molecular model kit.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Optometry
Bachelor of Veterinary Science(PV)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: First year chemistry

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