Chemistry 1
Overview
To provide a diverse range of students an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry enabling them to undertake further study in the chemistry, environmental science, biochemistry, and biotechnology majors.
Requisites
Assumed Knowledge
VCE 3 and 4 Chemistry or equivalent
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical comprehension of key chemical theories and concepts
- 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
- Describe and employ laboratory occupational health and safety best practices
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 | 10 weeks | 20 |
| On-campus Lab |
2.00 | 9 weeks | 18 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning |
5.00 | 12 weeks | 60 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
2.33 | 12 weeks | 28 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 40 - 50% | 1,2 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2 |
| Test | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and (ii) At least 40% in the final exam, and (iii) Completion of 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 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Matter, atoms and bonding to make compounds
- The mole concept, chemical equations and stoichiometry
- Gas laws
- Colligative properties
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Chemical equilibria
- Acids and bases
- An introduction to quantitative spectroscopy
- Kinetics
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.