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Lismore Session 2 Session 2
Online Session 2 Session 2

Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Introductory

Former School/College

Former School of Environment, Science and Engineering

Unit aim

Provides an introduction to basic chemical concepts in inorganic and organic chemistry. It includes atomic and molecular theory, bonding, the periodic table, and chemical reactions important in understanding the nature of geological materials, chemical processes in biological systems, water chemistry, and pollution. Laboratory classes complement lecture content, and provide experience in basic practical techniques.

Unit content

  1. Atomic theory, structure, the periodic table, chemical formula
  2. Chemical bonding
  3. Chemical reactions and equation
  4. Mass, moles, molarity, stoichiometry
  5. Gases, liquids and solids and their intermolecular forces
  6. Solutions and concentrations
  7. Acids, bases, pH, oxidation and reduction
  8. Inorganic and organic chemistry
  9. Nuclear chemistry
  10. Chemistry of the earth

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 understand the basic concepts of chemistry including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, reactions and equations, solutions, and acids and bases
2 discuss basic environmental chemistry, especially the causes, effects, and methods of determining water pollution
3 be familiar with introductory concepts of organic chemistry and their relevance to environmental chemistry
4 use and care for basic laboratory equipment
5 accurately carry out the following basic techniques - titrations, gravimetric analysis and preparation of standard solutions
6 accurately carry out analytical techniques to determine some chemical characteristics of water.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. understand the basic concepts of chemistry including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, reactions and equations, solutions, and acids and bases
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  2. discuss basic environmental chemistry, especially the causes, effects, and methods of determining water pollution
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  3. be familiar with introductory concepts of organic chemistry and their relevance to environmental chemistry
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  4. use and care for basic laboratory equipment
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  5. accurately carry out the following basic techniques - titrations, gravimetric analysis and preparation of standard solutions
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  6. accurately carry out analytical techniques to determine some chemical characteristics of water.
    • GA1:
    • GA4:

Prescribed texts

  • Recommended but not essential: Hill, McCreary, Kolb, 2014, Chemistry for Changing Times - International edition, Pearson.
Prescribed texts may change in future teaching periods.