Units

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Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013

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

Rationale

The language and basic concepts of chemistry together with the associated skills of chemical analysis and experimentation are relevant to future studies in many fields, particularly engineering, applied sciences and health sciences.

Aims

The aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of fundamental concepts of chemistry and to develop problem solving skills in a scientific context.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of chemical principles and theories. (FGC2)
   
   
2. Apply chemical principles and theories to predict and explain the chemical and physical properties of substances, their structure and the interactions that take place between them. (FGC3)
   
   
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the central role of chemistry in other branches of natural science and to recognise the central role that chemistry has in understanding the natural world. (FGC4, 6)
   
   
4. Demonstrate problem solving skills from experimental and theoretical approaches. (FGC4)
   
   Key: Foundation Graduate Capabilities
   FGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
   FGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
   FGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
   FGC 4: Critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
   FGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
   FGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility

   Content

   The subject covers the Behaviour of Gases, Thermochemistry, Aqueous Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Neutralisation Reactions, Oxidation-Reduction Reactions, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry. Chemistry problem-solving and laboratory skills will be developed.

   Approaches to Teaching and Learning

   The unit has four hours of class contact per week. Students are expected to attend all classes.
   
   The unit will involve teaching sessions interspersed with student activities designed to give students the opportunities to solve problems and gain individual assistance. Students are expected to prepare for classes by reading through the resource material provided and complete all exercises at home.
   
   The unit also involves laboratory sessions designed to give students a grounding in chemistry laboratory techniques. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in chemical laboratory work.
   
   In addition, the unit includes computer laboratory sessions in which students will be involved in computer-based and online activities, as well as completing simulated experiments. These sessions will also allow for the development of data collection and analysis skills.
   
   Software
   Model Chemlab (chemistry laboratory simulation).
   
   Late Penalty on Assignments and Practicals
   
   There will be penalties for the late submission of assignments and practicals. Refer to the Foundation Course Guide for details.
   
   Review of Grades or Academic Rulings
   
   For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the Foundation Course Guide.
   
   Consultation
   
   The teacher will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed at Reception.
   
   Exam Timetable
   
   The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 by Week 11.

   Assessment

   Types of assessment
   In this unit students will be assessed through formative and summative assessment. Summative assessment is any assessment item which is included in the calculation of their grade. Formative assessment is used to provide feedback to assist with students progress and does not count towards final marks.
   
   This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
   Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.

   Assessment name: Revision
   Description: BlackBoard weekly revision questions
   Relates to objectives: 1,2 and 4
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Week 2, 5, 8, 11, 13
   

   Assessment name: Mid Semester Exam
   Description: Summative
   Relates to objectives: 1,2,3 and 4
   Weight: 20%
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Week 6
   

   Assessment name: Practical Laboratory Reports
   Description: Summative
   Relates to objectives: 1,2,3 and 4
   Weight: 40%
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Weeks 5,7,10,12
   

   Assessment name: Final Exam
   Description: Summative
   Relates to objectives: 1,2,3 and 4
   Weight: 40%
   Internal or external: Internal
   Group or individual: Individual
   Due date: Week 14
   

   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

   Texts

   1. Blackman, A. et al (2011). Chemistry (2nd edition). Milton, QLD: John Wiley & Sons.
      
      References
      1. Zumdahl, S. and Zumdahl, S.A. (2010). Chemistry. 8th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
         
         
      2. Kotz, J.C., P. Treichel and Patrick, H. (2003). Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity. (5th ed). Melbourne, Vic.: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
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         Risk assessment statement

      3. The professional practice of chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so students will be required to handle such substances. The Laboratory Safety Rules and Procedures will be handed out and explained at the first laboratory session.
         
         
      4. Students must, at all times, observe safety regulations and read what is required before performing experiments.
         
         
      5. It is a Workplace Health and Safety requirement that long hair must be tied up, safety glasses, closed shoes and laboratory coats must be worn by all students when they are participating in the science laboratories.

         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: 14-Mar-2013