Chemistry for BioSciences (CHEM10009)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2018 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2018 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

This subject focuses on the chemistry that is important to understanding the atomic and molecular foundations of the biological sciences.

 

It provides an introduction to molecular structure and bonding; structure of hydrocarbons; functional groups; energy and thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acid-base chemistry; redox reactions; transition metal chemistry; electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions; chemical kinetics; spectroscopy of organic compounds.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:


  • the place of chemistry in the biosciences;
  • the structure and bonding of organic and inorganic molecules;
  • important functional groups and bio-polymers;
  • basic energy concepts; the nature of chemical equilibria;
  • redox reactions; transition metals in biomolecules.


In the practical component, students should develop:


  • basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical techniques, report writing);
  • oral communication skills; independent learning skills; 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 students should have developed skills relating to:

  • the organization 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;
  • critical thinking.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

1. Chemistry

 

  • A study score of at least 35 in VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry, or equivalent

 

2. Mathematics

 

One of:

  • A study score of at least 32 in VCE Units 3/4 Mathematical Methods, or equivalent

A study score of at least 29 in VCE Units 3/4 Specialist Mathematics

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM10003 Chemistry 1
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEM10006 Chemistry for Biomedicine
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

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

  • 3 equally weighted 30 minute online tests held early-semester, mid-semester and late-semester (6%)
  • Ongoing assessment of practical work throughout the semester (20%)
  • One 3-hour written examination during the examination period (74%)

Hurdle requirement: students must pass the practical assessment work and online tests to pass the subject

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorSonia Horvat
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one-hour lectures per week, 1 x one-hour tutorial per week (11 weeks, starting from week 2), 6 x three-hour lab/workshop during the semester, 6 hours of computer-aided learning during the semester, 8 hours of independent learning tasks during the semester.
    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

    Dr Sonia Horvat

    shorvat@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

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

    Prescribed texts

    Blackman, S. Bottle, S. Schmid, M. Mocerino and U. Wille, Chemistry 3rd edition, Wiley, 2015.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • 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