Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

As part of your early biomedical science training, you need to explore the chemical composition of the human body and have an understanding of chemical processes relevant to biology. This unit will form an essential foundation to further study in the areas of cell and molecular biology, physiology, disease processes, microbiology and biochemistry.

Aims

Specific aims are to provide you with an introduction to concepts of chemical bonding and molecular structures and how these factors affect the properties of organic and bioinorganic molecules; to introduce functional groups relevant to biological molecules and basic reactions they undergo in the body and to develop appropriate laboratory and workplace health and safety skills in the handling of chemicals.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1) Describe the general characteristics of atoms and molecules, and use this knowledge to explain the basis of chemical bonding, molecular structure and the basic principles of chemical reactions using chemical equations.
2) Apply a sound knowledge of the general principles of organic and biological chemistry to solve problems relevant to human biology.
3) Provide evidence of the appropriate skills to conduct laboratory experimentation and demonstrate scientific communication by recording, interpreting and reporting experimental results.
4) Demonstrate the safe handling of chemicals and knowledge of hazards related to chemical use.

Content

· Measurements in chemistry
· Atomic structure, the periodic table, radiation
· Chemical bonding
· Chemical reactions and stoichometry
· Reactions in aqueous solution
· Acids, bases, buffers and pH
· Thermodynamics and kinetics
· Introduction to organic chemistry, nomenclature
· Alcohols, amines, thiols, aromatic compounds
· Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids
· Carbohydrates, chirality
· Amino acids, peptides and proteins
· Lipids
· Nucleic acids
· Vitamins and minerals

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Topics will be explored through weekly lectures, laboratory practicals and workshops. Students will have the opportunity to have first-hand laboratory experiences in a chemistry laboratory. The Blackboard site provides you with opportunities to undertake self-directed exercises and evaluate your progress.
The workshop questions are specially designed to assist you bridge the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving.

Assessment

Terminology expertise is an important aspect of this foundation unit and each of the assessment items will test your knowledge and understanding in this regard. Participation at the laboratory sessions is compulsory and will be assessed in the form of regular laboratory reports.
The workshop exercises are designed for you to develop an appreciation of how the theory presented in lectures can be applied to scientific problem solving. To enable you to gauge your progress and the appropriateness of your learning strategies, the workshop problems provide a means of formative assessment.Feedback will be available via criteria marking sheets for the written report assessment and examination. The assessment of laboratory reports will provide ongoing feedback so that you can monitor your progress in the practical setting. You are welcome to contact any member of the teaching team for individual feedback on your learning progress.

Assessment name: Risk Assessment
Description: You will pose as a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland employee who is investigating an incident which has occurred in a chemical laboratory. Using material safety data sheets and information about chemical classes and correct chemical storage you will write a report about what may have led to the incident. You will also provide a risk assessment and standard operating procedure to ensure that the likelihood of such an incident occurring again is minimised.
Relates to objectives: 3 and 4.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Laboratory Reports
Description: You will be required to undertake supervised experimental work in practical classes for which you will prepare written laboratory reports.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Multiple-choice and short answer questions will cover content from all components of the unit (lectures and practicals).
Relates to objectives: 1-3.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Texts:
1. Blackman, et al (2008) Chemistry, Wiley
2. PQB105 Laboratory Manual (2012) QUT Publishing
Recommended text for students requiring help with maths:
1. Monk (2006) Maths for Chemistry, Oxford

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. All students are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site: http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012