Overview

This unit provides an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry necessary for biochemical and biotechnology studies; and the various reactions elements and compounds undergo and their interaction with each other. It introduces the basic concepts of chemistry, provides an understanding of the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions; introduces basic practical skills for the safe handling and analysis of chemicals; and ensures students have a sound understanding of OHS procedures and practices within the chemical laboratory and other hazardous environments.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Pathways Teaching 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
24-February-2025
30-May-2025
Last self-enrolment date
09-March-2025
Census date
21-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-May-2025
Results released date
10-June-2025
Pathways Teaching 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
23-June-2025
26-September-2025
Last self-enrolment date
06-July-2025
Census date
18-July-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
15-August-2025
Results released date
07-October-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • 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
  • Apply problem solving skills to tasks involving the above theoretical skills
  • Conduct accurate and precise laboratory analyses using a range of laboratory techniques
  • Articulate understandings of the theory through the medium of laboratory report writing
  • Demonstrate adherence to OHS practices in the laboratory and in the handling of hazardous materials

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Lecture		2.00 12 weeks 24
On-campus
Class		2.00 12 weeks 24
On-campus
Lab		2.00 9 weeks 18
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		7.00 12 weeks 84
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Final-Semester TestIndividual 20% 1,2,4 
Laboratory PracticalsIndividual/Group 30% 1,2,3,4,5 
Mid-Semester TestIndividual 20% 1,2,4 
Test 1Individual 20% 1,2,5 
Test 2Individual 10% 1,2,3,4,5 

Content

  • The composition of matter
  • OHS in the chemical laboratory
  • 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
  • Lab Report Preparation

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.