Introduction to Chemistry
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 60 hours face to face + blended
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
2023 teaching periods
| Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 2 |
||
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Aims and objectives
To provide a diverse range of beginner chemistry students an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry necessary to achieve the breadth of scientific knowledge required for a science degree, and to undertake further study in the chemistry, environmental science, biochemistry, and biotechnology majors.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Demonstrate theoretical comprehension of the structure of atoms and molecules, Lewis structures, simple reaction writing, stoichiometry and the mole concept, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, spectroscopy and the gas laws.
2. Apply problem-solving skills to tasks involving the above theoretical skills.
3. Conduct accurate and precise laboratory analyses using a range of laboratory techniques.
4. Articulate understandings of the theory through the medium of laboratory report writing.
5. Describe and employ laboratory occupational health and safety best practices.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Demonstrate theoretical comprehension of the structure of atoms and molecules, Lewis structures, simple reaction writing, stoichiometry and the mole concept, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, spectroscopy and the gas laws.
2. Apply problem-solving skills to tasks involving the above theoretical skills.
3. Conduct accurate and precise laboratory analyses using a range of laboratory techniques.
4. Articulate understandings of the theory through the medium of laboratory report writing.
5. Describe and employ laboratory occupational health and safety best practices.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
On Campus Lecture | 2 | 12 | 24 |
| On Campus Class (Tutorial) | 2 | 10 | 20 |
| On Campus Science Lab | 4 | 4 | 16 |
Online Learning Activities | 3 | 12 | 36 |
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 4.5 | 12 | 54 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
| Types | Individual/Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Final Examination | Individual | 40-50% | 1,2 |
| Tutorial Tests | Individual | 10-20% | 1,2 |
| Laboratory Reports | Individual/Group | 10-20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Practical Exam | Individual | 10-20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Weekly Quizzes | Individual | 5-15% | 1,2 |
Minimum requirements to pass this unit
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and
(iii) Must complete a specific fraction of non-reportable laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and
(iii) Must complete a specific fraction of non-reportable laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
Content
• The composition of matter
• Structure of the atom
• Ionic and covalent bonding
• Mathematical skills for chemists
• The mole concept
• Chemical equations and stoichiometry
• Chemical equilibria
• Acids and bases
• An introduction to quantitative spectroscopy
• Gas laws
• Structure of the atom
• Ionic and covalent bonding
• Mathematical skills for chemists
• The mole concept
• Chemical equations and stoichiometry
• Chemical equilibria
• Acids and bases
• An introduction to quantitative spectroscopy
• Gas laws
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.