Chemistry 1 (CHEM10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
Semester 2
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This subject provides an introduction to the basic concepts of General Chemistry, including the periodic table, elements, atoms, and states of matter; gases; elementary quantum mechanics, atomic spectra and atomic structure; structure and bonding in elements and compounds of groups 14-18; the chemistry of carbon-based compounds, including structure and bonding of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, chirality, nomenclature, benzene and its derivatives, functional groups; intermolecular forces; energy and thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acid-base chemistry including the strength of acids and bases; physical properties of solutions; solutions and pH equilibria.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Define the role of chemistry in biology, technology and the physical environment and describe the evolution of current theories;
  • Illustrate how the individual concepts taught throughout this subject connect with each other to form a fundamental basis of the chemical sciences;
  • Execute basic laboratory experiments; analyse and interpret experimental data and write laboratory reports;
  • Apply health and safety regulations associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals;
  • Categorise the nature of gases and other states of matter; basic energy concepts; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases and factors that determine their strengths; properties of solutions;
  • Describe atomic structure theories and their connection with elementary quantum mechanics, and how they are connected to the structure and bonding of hydrocarbons and main-group molecules;
  • Outline the unique characteristics of carbon-based compounds including chirality, classification of important functional groups, and naming carbon-based compound classes and molecules;
  • Identify the general scientific research process and how to critically analyse scientific data.

Generic skills

This subject encompasses particular generic skills so that on completion of this subject 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 of 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: 4 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:

Option 1

Selection of the Biomedical specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering

OR

Admission into the MC-BIOMENG Master of Biomedical Engineering

Option 2

Students are required to meet both Chemistry and Mathematics prerequisites below

Chemistry:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM10007 Fundamentals of Chemistry
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry, or equivalent

Mathematics:

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10014 Foundation Mathematics 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10015 Foundation Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10012 Introduction to Mathematics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

VCE Units 3/4 Mathematical Methods

OR

VCE Units 3/4 Further Mathematics

OR

Admission into the B-SCI Bachelor of Science

OR

Admission into the B-COM Bachelor of Commerce

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEM10009 Chemistry for BioSciences No longer available

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: 4 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Ten equally weighted on-line tests (the ten best out of eleven tests contribute)

  • 30 minutes (each)
Weekly starting in week 115%

Ongoing assessment of practical work (6 x 3 hour practicals)

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject.		Throughout the teaching period20%

A written examination

  • 3 hours
During the examination period65%

2 Independent Learning Tasks

  • 30 minutes
Hurdle requirement: Independent learning tasks need to be completed in order to pass the subject.		During the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorSonia Horvat
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week, 6 x three hours of practical activities during semester, 1 x one hour tutorial/workshop session per week, 6 hours of computer aided learning during semester, 8 hours of independent learning tasks during semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Sonia Horvat

    shorvat@unimelb.edu.au

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorSonia Horvat
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week, 6 x three hours of practical activities during semester, 1 x one hour tutorial/workshop session per week, 6 hours of computer aided learning during semester, 8 hours of independent learning tasks during semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023
    Census date31 August 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2023
    Assessment period ends17 November 2023

    Semester 2 contact information

    Dr Sonia Horvat

    shorvat@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 April 2025