Units
Experimental Chemistry
Unit code: SCB131
Contact hours:
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Chemistry is the central science. A detailed study of chemistry and related disciplines requires the development of practical laboratory skills for synthesis and chemical analysis. This unit is designed specifically to develop these aspects of chemistry. This unit is a laboratory-based unit which is designed for students who intend to continue with experimental science units. The lectures complement the weekly practical sessions and teach the theory required to interpret experimental results. The aim of this unit is to develop a broad knowledge of, and the practical skills required for, scientific experiments in chemistry. The skills acquired in this unit are transferable to other practical sciences including medical science, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacy.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Chemistry is the central science. A detailed study of chemistry and related disciplines requires the development of practical laboratory skills for synthesis and chemical analysis. This unit is designed specifically to develop these aspects of chemistry. This unit is a laboratory-based unit which is designed for students who intend to continue with experimental science units. The lectures complement the weekly practical sessions and teach the theory required to interpret experimental results.
Aims
To develop a broad knowledge of, and the practical skills required for, scientific experiments in chemistry. The skills acquired in this unit are transferable to other practical sciences including medical science, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacy.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Perform simple chemistry experiments competently.
2. Apply aspects of chemistry theory to experimental chemistry.
3. Explain the relevant health and safety context of laboratory work in both university and commercial laboratories, and abide by OH&S regulations.
4. Apply analytical skills to solve scientific problems by laboratory experiment.
5. Apply modern instrumental techniques for product determination and characterisation.
6. Master the laboratory skills required for advanced experimental science units.
Content
The lecture content applies directly to the laboratory component of the unit. All theory developed in lectures is explicitly relevant to the laboratory experiments.
Methods of purification (separation science):
Methods of product characterisation:
Synthetic methods for preparation of organic and coordination compounds:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
13 by 1 hour lectures
10 by 3 hour practical laboratory sessions
13 by 1 hour workshops
The lectures complement the practical laboratory work and are designed to provide the required theory for thorough understanding of the experimental procedures and outcomes. The workshops discuss, investigate and apply the scientific problem solving skills and analytical processes.
Assessment name:
Theory Examination
Description:
(Summative) - The end of semester theory exam will cover content from all components of the unit. Questions will be posed from a context of experimental data (using scenarios not dissimilar to those encountered in laboratory experiments included in the unit) requiring theory from the lecture component to produce answers.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3 and 5.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Assessment name:
Progress Examination
Description:
(Formative and summative) - A progress exam will be held in (or around) Week 8 on the theory and practical components covered up to that point. The results of this 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:
2 and 5.
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid-Semester
Assessment name:
Reports
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Each of the ten 3-hour sessions of supervised practical work will be assessed by a short quiz and a written report. The assessment of these reports will provide ongoing feedback so that you can monitor your progress.
Relates to objectives:
All.
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Ongoing
Assessment name:
Assignment
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Two assignments, due in (or around) Weeks 6 and 10, related to experimental analysis will provide feedback on your progress to this point.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3 and 5.
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Approx Weeks 6 & 10
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. SCB131 Laboratory Manual (2011) QUT
3. Schultz (ed) (2011) CHELP: An Essential Guide to 1st Year Chemistry at QUT, v. 4.0 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: 07-Jun-2012
