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Foundation Studies in Chemistry (CHEM10008)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Dookie)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This unit is designed for students with little or no background in chemistry who wish to gain an understanding of basic chemistry. Topics covered include 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 of inorganic molecules. In introducing the nature of matter and the chemical elements, an elementary discussion of atomic structure and the bonding of elements to form compounds is given. Further development requires a discussion of the mole concept. This leads to a study of chemical reactions, with discussions on oxidation and reduction, acids and bases, energy changes in reactions, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium, and an introduction to organic chemistry.

Intended learning outcomes

This aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of:




  • Nature of matter: elements, atoms, ion and molecules
  • Electronic structure of atoms and ions
  • Bond formation including covalent, ionic metallic, hydrogen bonding, van der Waal’s
  • Solubility and solution state; ions and hydration
  • The behaviour of gases
  • The mole concept, concentrations and 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
  • Biologically significant macromolecules

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 of data within a laboratory setting
  • Accessing information from the library via both electronic and traditional means
  • Working collaboratively with other students
  • Problem solving and critical thinking

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • 6 practical reports each up to 500 words due throughout the semester (20%)
  • 3 45-minute feedback tests taken throughout the semester (30%)
  • 3-hour end-of-semester examination (50%)

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: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorRos Gall
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Dookie)
    Contact hours36 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorials, 18 hours of practicals, 18 hours of computer-aided learning/online discussion
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018
    Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018
    Census date31 March 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018
    Assessment period ends22 June 2018

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: rosgall@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    S.J. Zumdahl Chemical Principles 8th edition, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning 2017

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseDiploma in General Studies
  • 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.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

Last updated: 3 November 2022