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

Chemistry affects society as well as the individual. It is the language and principal tool of the physical sciences, the biological sciences, the health sciences and the agricultural and earth sciences. A basic knowledge of chemistry is essential to all students in these areas. Knowledge of chemistry allows a better understanding of the human body and of the environment in which we live. This is a foundation unit for studies in medical science, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacy.

Aims

1. To introduce you to the basic concepts of general, analytical, physical and organic chemistry.
2. To generate an understanding of the importance of chemical bonding and molecular structure and how these factors effect the properties of organic and bioinorganic molecules.
3. To allow recognition of, and provide an understanding of, the nature of organic functional groups.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Explain the general characteristics of atoms and molecules and explain the basis of chemical bonding, molecular structure and the basic principles of chemical reactions as well as how chemists use equations to describe chemical change.

2. Articulate the benefit of chemistry in the context of applications in everyday life and the many benefits which accrue from the application of chemistry and the use of chemicals. You should also be able to make reasoned judgments on societal issues that are founded on the process and fruits of science, and chemistry in particular.

3. Apply a sound knowledge of the general principles of organic, bioinorganic and physical chemistry relevant to science based disciplines.

4. Explain the fundamental concepts in analytical and synthetic chemistry by participation in laboratory sessions and be able to safely apply manipulative skills in the laboratory environment and gain an appreciation of the need for care and accuracy in laboratory experiments.

5. Solve issues in chemistry by the application of scientific problem solving skills.

Content

Fundamental principles in the following areas are developed.
Matter: Substances, mixtures, states of matter (solids, liquids and gases).
Atoms, molecules, ions.
Elements, compounds, introduction to nomenclature.
Chemical reaction equations.

Atomic Theory: Classical and current views; energy levels and orbitals; energy absorption/emission; quantum numbers: electron configuration, box diagrams, Lewis diagrams; classification of elements - periodic table.

Bonding and Molecular Structure: Chemical bond formation, bonding types. Valence bond theory, electron configuration of molecules. Lewis representation, delocalisation and resonance. Molecular geometry and VSEPR.

Stoichiometry: atomic mass, molecular mass, the mole, molar mass, quantitative analysis of reactions, solution concentrations and dilution.

Chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, LeChatelier's Principle, solubility equilibria.

Acids and bases, neutralisation/titration pH, pKa, pKb, equilibria and buffers (Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and applications)

Thermodynamics: 1st Law, Hess's Law, enthalpy of formation, bond energy. 2nd Law, entropy, free energy, spontaneity of chemical reactions.

Kinetics: Reaction rates, rate laws, effects of temperature, catalysis.

Oxidation/Reduction: Redox reactions, oxidation numbers, galvanic cells, electrode potentials, Nernst equation.

Organic Functional Group Chemistry: Hydrocarbons including benzene and the concept of aromaticity and heteroaromatic compounds. Hydroxy compounds, thiols, amines and ethers, the carbonyl group, the acyl group; carboxylic acids, acid halides, amides and anhydrides. Aldoses and ketoses, disaccharides, polysaccharides and their importance in biological systems. The amide group and polyamide formation. Peptides and proteins, and examples from metabolic processes. Lipids: fats, oils and glycolipids.

Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds: Geometric and optical isomerism and some of their consequences in biological systems).

Biologically Important Inorganic Compounds: Salts; trace elements; phosphate esters.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

2 by 2 hour lectures per week. (development of content)
6 by 3 hour practical sessions (introduction to practical analytical and organic chemistry)
QUT CHELP Tutorial program.

The QUT CHELP tuition guide is specially designed to assist you bridge the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving. The tutorial program comprises a weekly set of tutorial exercises that are designed to enhance study of the content of the unit.

Assessment

In this unit, you will be assessed by a combination of problem-solving tasks, written reports on the laboratory exercises, a progress examination and a final examination.You will obtain feedback on your laboratory reports, which will be annotated and returned to you. The results that you obtain in the assignments will provide ongoing feedback about progress, in particular about your preparation for the final theory exam. Problems from the Progress Examination will be discussed in subsequent lectures.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: The end of semester theory exam will cover content from all components of the unit.
Relates to objectives: All.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Progress exam held in (or around Week 7) on theory and practical components covered up to that point, the results of which will provide important feedback about the extent and depth of understanding that you have developed in the first part of the unit.
Relates to objectives: All.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You will be required to undertake six 3-hour sessions of supervised practical work for which you will prepare written reports.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: The CHELP tutorial guide is supplemented with 2 assignments involving exercises designed to develop an appreciation of how theory presented in lectures can be applied to scientific problem solving.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 5.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid and End Semester

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. SCB113 Laboratory Manual (2011) QUT

3. McMurtrie, Schultz, Waclawik (2010) CHELP: An Essential Guide to 1st Year Chemistry at QUT, QUT

Recommended text for students requiring help with Maths:

1. Monk (2006) Maths for Chemistry, Oxford

Risk assessment statement

The practical aspects of Chemistry require the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with generic Health and Safety information relevant to the first year laboratories and will be required to complete a quiz on this topic in this unit (or a pre-requisite unit). Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiment are clearly explained in the Practical Manual and are reinforced in the pre-laboratory presentations, attendance at which is compulsory. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.

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: 24-Oct-2012