Availabilities:
Unit Summary
Unit type
UG Coursework Unit
Credit points
12
AQF level
Level of learning
Introductory
Former School/College
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
- Introduction to chemistry for the non-scientist
- Atomic theory, structure, the periodic table, chemical formula
- Chemical bonding
- Chemical reactions and equation
- Mass, moles, molarity, stoichiometry
- Gases, liquids and solids and their intermolecular forces
- Solutions and concentrations
- Acids, bases, pH, oxidation and reduction
- Inorganic and organic chemistry
- Nuclear chemistry
- 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.
| 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:
-
understand the basic concepts of chemistry including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, reactions and equations, solutions, and acids and bases
- GA1:
- GA4:
- GA5:
-
discuss basic environmental chemistry, especially the causes, effects, and methods of determining water pollution
- GA1:
- GA4:
- GA5:
-
be familiar with introductory concepts of organic chemistry and their relevance to environmental chemistry
- GA1:
- GA4:
- GA5:
-
use and care for basic laboratory equipment
- GA1:
- GA4:
-
accurately carry out the following basic techniques - titrations, gravimetric analysis and preparation of standard solutions
- GA1:
- GA4:
-
accurately carry out analytical techniques to determine some chemical characteristics of water.
- GA1:
- GA4:
Prescribed texts
- An electronic only textbook has been prescribed to reduce cost to students. Access instructions provided two weeks before Session 2: OpenStax, 2018, Foundations of chemistry, 1st edn, Top Hat, Top Hat.