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 is the central science. This is a unit of fundamental importance as it covers the background and general principles that underpin understanding in many science and health related disciplines. In this unit you will be introduced to fundamental aspects of chemistry including the nature of matter, atoms, molecules and ions. From this basis you will develop an understanding of the electronic structure of atoms, chemical bonding and molecular structure as well as the fundamentals of organic chemistry (often described as the chemistry of life).

Aims

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.

To allow recognition of, and provide an understanding of, the nature of organic functional groups and their respective reactivity.

Objectives

1. To develop your knowledge of chemical bonding and molecular structure.

2. To apply principles of bonding to the field of inorganic and organic chemistry which form the basis of a nearly all chemical industries and are fundamental to the understanding of chemical processes in biological systems.

3. To develop a sound knowledge of the general principles of organic, bioinorganic and physical chemistry and problem-solving skills based on this knowledge.

4. To introduce practical techniques in organic chemistry by participation in laboratory sessions.

5. To consolidate manipulative skills in the laboratory environment and gain an appreciation of the need for care and accuracy in laboratory experiments.

Content

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 diagram; classification of elements - periodic table.

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

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; coordination compounds; phosphate esters.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

1 by 2 hour lectures per week. (development of content)
3 by 3 hour practical sessions (introduction to practical organic chemistry)
13 by 1 hour tutorial sessions (development of problem solving skills as applied to chemical systems).

The tutorial program employs (in part) the QUT CHELP tuition guide that is specially designed to assist you bridge the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving. The tutorial program comprises a set of tutorial exercises, selected examples of which will be discussed in detail at tutorial sessions.

Assessment

In this unit, you will be assessed by a combination of a problem-solving task, written reports on the laboratory exercises, two progress examinations and a final examination.By attendance and participation in the tutorial program, you will be able to assess your progress in understanding the lecture material. 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: A progress exam will be 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: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: In or around Week 7

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You will be required to undertake three 3-hour sessions of supervised practical work for which you will prepare written reports. The assessment of these reports will provide ongoing feedback so that you can monitor your progress.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4 and 5.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: The CHELP tutorial program 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 and 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: The end of semester theory exam will cover content from all components of the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of 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, A. et al. (2012) Chemistry, Wiley
2. SCB121 Laboratory Manual (2013) QUT
3. McMurtrie, Schultz, Waclawik, Byrne, Bottle, Fairfull-Smith (2012) 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