Fundamentals of Chemistry

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Some knowledge of basic science will be assumed.

Students will not be permitted to enrol in this subject if they have previously completed any of

A study score of 29 or above in VCE Chemistry or equivalent

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

On completion, the student should have an understanding of the nature of matter, solutions and gases, the chemical change related to equilibrium, energy and kinetics, and the nature of redox processes; and structures and functional groups in organic molecules.

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

The subject provides an introduction to the nature of matter: elements, atoms, ions and molecules; the electronic structure of atoms and ions; bond formation, including covalent, ionic, metallic, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals; solubility and the solution state; ions and hydration; the behaviour of gases; the mole concept; concentrations; stoichiometry; acids, bases, neutralisation reactions and salt formation; acid/base strength and the pH scale; energy and chemical systems; rates of reaction and reaction order; catalysis and enzymes; chemical equilibrium; the equilibrium constant, Ka, Kb, stability constants and solubility products; redox reactions and redox potentials; organic molecules: structure, nomenclature and functional groups; hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity; and biologically significant macromolecules.

This subject will provide the student with the opportunity to establish and develop the following generic skills: the ability to use conceptual models and gather and rationalise data, problem-solving and critical thinking.

The aim of the subject is to provide students with an understanding of the nature of matter, solutions and gases, the chemical change related to equilibrium, energy and kinetics, and the nature of redox processes; and structures and functional groups in organic molecules.

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

• three equally weighted 45-minute on-line tests conducted throughout the semester (9%);
• ongoing assessment of practical work throughout the semester (20%);
• a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (71%).

Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject. Independent learning tasks need to be completed in order to pass the subject.

A. Blackman, A. Bridgeman, G. Lawrie, D. Southam, C. Thompson, N. Williamson, Chemistry: Core Concepts 1st Edition

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

This subject encompasses particular generic skills so that on completion of the subject students should have developed skills relating to:

• the organisation of work schedules that 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 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.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Students intending to undertake CHEM10004 Chemistry 2 in order to meet prerequisites for later year chemistry or biochemistry subjects must achieve at a high level in the examination component of this subject. The chemistry sequence of CHEM10003 Chemistry 1 and CHEM10004 Chemistry 2 is available for students who have completed VCE Chemistry.

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