Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit provides a foundation in the sub-disciplines of general, analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Emphasis is placed on:
- The development of underlying concepts in chemistry, so that generalisations regarding the physical and chemical properties of substances can be made.
- The development of chemical problem solving ability.
- Training in skills necessary to carry out chemistry experiments safely and efficiently in the laboratory.

The knowledge and skills you will learn in this unit complemented by Chemical Structure and Reactivity provide the broad foundation upon which more specialised, higher level units in the chemistry major are developed.

Aims

The unit¿s aim is to provide you with knowledge of chemical principles that spans the sub-disciplines of general, analytical and inorganic and physical chemistry, so as to develop accurate mental models of the dynamic, invisible world of atoms and molecules.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will provide evidence of:
1. Description of the general characteristics of atoms and molecules through problem solving, and visual representation of concepts essential to chemical bonding.
2. Discussion and explanation of basic principles of chemical reactions, and how to use equations to describe chemical change.
3. Articulation of the benefits 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.
4. Safely apply basic laboratory procedures in a chemical investigation.

Content

The content and technical knowledge covered provides a broad foundation upon which a more specialised understanding of analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry will be developed. Direct experience in observation of chemical reactions and development of skills in common, chemical experimental techniques will be acquired in the laboratory.

General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Foundations
- Matter: Substances, mixtures, states of matter (solids, liquids and gases).
- Atoms, molecules, ions.
- Elements, compounds, introduction to nomenclature.
- Classes of chemical bonds, covalent vs. ionic bonding.
- Chemical reaction equations.
- Stoichiometry: atomic mass, molecular mass, the mole, molar mass, quantitative analysis of reactions, solution concentrations and dilution.

Physical Chemistry
- Gases: properties of gases, ideal gas equation, Dalton's Law of partial pressure.
- Chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier'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.

The disciplinary knowledge you will gain in this unit will provide a framework for quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemical reactions, including the ability to solve commonly encountered chemistry problems. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials and self-directed activities designed to develop your ability to evaluate scientific information, you will learn quantitative skills needed to understand and handle chemical systems. The laboratory exercises will develop your technical proficiency with standard chemical practices in the laboratory. The representation of chemical systems by equations, including a numerical treatment, will be integrated through these activities and so enable you to convey chemical concepts through a combination of written and visual forms specific to the discipline.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectorial: 3 hrs/week (collaborative learning spaces)
Laboratory practicals: Five 3hr laboratory practicals throughout semester
Workshops: Six 1hr workshops throughout semester (collaborative learning spaces)

Lectorials
Interactive `mini lectures¿ using appropriate real world examples to demonstrate theory and concepts followed by collaborative problem solving in small groups with feedback and discussion with the larger class. Lectorials will use a mix of collaborative learning spaces.

Laboratory Practicals
The set of laboratory experiments are designed to introduce practical analytical chemistry and demonstrate different chemical reaction types. The practical laboratory tasks are designed to develop problem solving skills in a chemical laboratory context, where principles introduced in lectorials will be demonstrated through hands on scientific tasks in a laboratory setting. Individual reports summarising and discussing the results will enhance student learning, with a focus on the handling of numeric data and scientific communication skills commonly used by chemists.

Workshops
Chemistry theoretical concepts are learnt by solving problems and through the development of problem solving skills as applied to chemical systems. A full understanding of chemical processes will be demonstrated by applying theory to the solving of chemical problems at level appropriate for a foundation unit. The tutorial program employs 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 that will be discussed in detail at tutorial sessions.

Assessment

In this unit, you will be assessed by a portfolio of laboratory reports, problem-solving tasks, and miniassignments. A progress examination will further assess your chemistry problem solving and also you ability to represent atoms and molecules visually. An end of semester examination will cover all unit content.Formative assessment by rolling quizzes will give you practice and ongoing feedback on your knowledge and understanding of concepts throughout semester with oral peer and teacher feedback in lectorials and collaborative workshops. You will obtain written feedback on your laboratory reports, which will be annotated and returned to you. There will be class discussion and feedback on results from the progress exam. This, along with feedback from assignments and formative quizzes will prepare you well to improve your learning for the final theory exam.

Assessment name: Progress Examination
Description: A progress exam will be held in (or around Week 7) on theory and practical components covered up to that point with an emphasis on problem solving and visual representation of atoms and molecules. This assessment provides important feedback about the extent and depth of understanding that you have developed in the first part of the unit and will form the basis for collaborative learning activities.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: In or around Week 7

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: The portfolio will include:
1. Individual written reports from each laboratory practical providing ongoing feedback so that you can monitor your progress. Wks 5-13
2. Written assignments covering the theory behind the practical sessions (supplemented by the CHELP tutorial program) Wks 6 and 13
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Final Examination (Theory)
Description: The end of semester theory exam consisting of multi-choice type questions will cover content from all components of the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
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, et al., 2nd Ed. (2012) Chemistry, Wiley.
2. CVB101 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 professional practice of Chemistry requires 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 a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual in this unit. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. 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: 20-Sep-2012