Fundamentals of Chemistry (CHEM10007)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
On completion, the student should have an understanding of the nature of matter, solutions and gases, the chemical change related to equilibrium, energy and kinetics, and the nature of redox processes; and structures and functional groups in organic molecules.
In the practical component, students should develop basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical techniques, report writing) and an appreciation of the health and safety issues associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals.
The subject provides an introduction to the nature of matter: elements, atoms, ions and molecules; the electronic structure of atoms and ions; bond formation, including covalent, ionic, metallic, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals; solubility and the solution state; ions and hydration; the behaviour of gases; the mole concept; concentrations; stoichiometry; acids, bases, neutralisation reactions and salt formation; acid/base strength and the pH scale; energy and chemical systems; rates of reaction and reaction order; catalysis and enzymes; chemical equilibrium; the equilibrium constant, Ka, Kb, stability constants and solubility products; redox reactions and redox potentials; organic molecules: structure, nomenclature and functional groups; hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity; and biologically significant macromolecules.
This subject will provide the student with the opportunity to establish and develop the following generic skills: the ability to use conceptual models and gather and rationalise data, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Intended learning outcomes
The aim of the subject is to provide students with an understanding of the nature of matter, solutions and gases, the chemical change related to equilibrium, energy and kinetics, and the nature of redox processes; and structures and functional groups in organic molecules.
In the practical component, students should develop basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical techniques, report writing) and an appreciation of the health and safety issues associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals.
Generic skills
This subject encompasses particular generic skills so that on completion of the subject students should have developed skills relating to:
- the organisation of work schedules that permit appropriate preparation time for tutorials, practical classes and examinations;
- the use of electronic forms of communication;
- the utilisation of computer-aided learning activities to enhance understanding;
- the performance of basic manipulations with laboratory equipment;
- the recording of observations, the analysis of information and the interpretation data within a laboratory setting;
- accessing information from the library employing both electronic and traditional means;
- working collaboratively with other students;
- the use of conceptual models;
- problem solving; and
- critical thinking.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students will not be permitted to enrol in this subject if they have previously completed any of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM10003 | Chemistry 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
A study score of 29 or above in VCE Chemistry or equivalent
Recommended background knowledge
Some knowledge of basic science will be assumed.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- three equally weighted 45-minute on-line tests conducted throughout the semester (9%);
- ongoing assessment of practical work throughout the semester (20%);
- a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (71%).
Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject. Independent learning tasks need to be completed in order to pass the subject.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Mark Rizzacasa Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 6 x three hours of practical activities during semester, 1 x one hour tutorial/workshop sessions per week, 6 hours of computer aided learning during semester, 8 hours of independent learning tasks during semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Students intending to undertake CHEM10004 Chemistry 2 in order to meet prerequisites for later year chemistry or biochemistry subjects must achieve at a high level in the examination component of this subject. The chemistry sequence of CHEM10003 Chemistry 1 and CHEM10004 Chemistry 2 is available for students who have completed VCE Chemistry.
A laboratory coat and safety glasses are required for laboratory activities. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Environments Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Production Animal Health Major Sustainable Production - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 20 March 2025