Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course provides an overview of the core concepts of chemistry. Students will understand foundational topics in chemistry, examine its central role in agricultural/environmental contexts, and describe chemical phenomena in both qualitative and quantitative ways. Experience will be gained in laboratory safety and chemistry procedures. Students will also develop their skills in collecting, analysing, and presenting data/information, and work independently and in small groups.
Commencing 2024, the requirement to undertake CHEM1004 Chemistry is conditional on whether you have completed Queensland Year 12 Chemistry (or equivalent):
- If you have not passed Queensland Year 12 Chemistry (Units 3 & 4) (or equivalent) in secondary school, CHEM1004 is compulsory.
- If you achieved a grade of C in Queensland Year 12 Chemistry (Units 3 & 4) (or equivalent), it is recommended to complete CHEM1004.
- If you achieved a grade of B or higher in Queensland Year 12 Chemistry (Units 3 & 4) (or equivalent), CHEM1004 is not required, and you may select an additional 2 units of electives from your program course list.
Student having undertaken CHEM1004 prior to 2024 are not impacted. Please contact AGFS Student Admin via email (agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au ) if you would like to discuss your enrolment options.
Some of the most important advances in agriculture and environmental contexts have occurred within the area of chemistry. Furthermore, chemistry-based solutions are needed to address major issues of global significance in the fields of agriculture and environmental science (e.g., food security and changing climate).
Chemistry is included in the UQ Gatton programs because it provides the necessary theoretical and practical foundation to enable further study in the agricultural and environmental sciences. Chemistry is an important aspect of understanding agro-ecosystems that overlaps with other scientific disciplines. Furthermore, an understanding of chemical concepts/principles, and laboratory skills/techniques, are the basis of major applied disciplines in agricultural and environmental contexts (e.g., animal science, plant nutrition, soil science, and wildlife science).
The course will cover the following core concepts of chemistry:
- Particulate nature of matter, elemental composition, and the mole.
- Physical and chemical changes, and atomic structure.
- Electron configuration and chemical bonds.
- Lewis structures, molecule shape, and molecule polarity.
- Intermolecular forces and gas laws.
- Solutions and solubility.
- Acids and bases.
- Reaction stoichiometry and yield, and limiting reagents.
- Nomenclature and organic compounds.
- Biochemistry.
- Chemical reactions and reaction rates.
- Chemical equilibrium and redox reactions.
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and againstﾠUQ Policy,ﾠand will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course does not presume a knowledge of high-school senior chemistry (Year 11/12).
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tim McLaren
Dr Suresh Krishnasamy
Guest lecturer
Dr Leslie Huang
Laboratory manager
Mrs Melissa Hall
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
If you have any concerns regarding your official timetable or course allocations, or there are no suitable class times available, contact Faculty of Science Timetable science.mytimetable@uq.edu.au for advice.
If you have any questions about missing class activities, please contact your course coordinator.
Aims and outcomes
This course provides learning in the core concepts of chemistry using examples relevant to agricultural and environmental contexts. The course enables students to recognise and describe phenomena in agricultural/environmental contexts using chemical concepts/principles. Furthermore, students will gain experience with chemistry techniques and safety in the laboratory, interpret chemical data, and communicate key concepts of chemistry. The course also provides students with the relevant knowledge, skills, and experience that are needed for further study in the areas of agricultural and environmental science.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Recognise the core concepts of chemistry and apply chemical principles in solving problems.
LO2.
Examine the relevance of chemistry in agricultural/environmental contexts.
LO3.
Critically evaluate chemical data using quantitative skills and demonstrate an understanding of chemical concepts.
LO4.
Demonstrate core practical skills and safely carry out key laboratory techniques in chemistry.
LO5.
Communicate chemical principles/data and show scientific reasoning skills.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Tutorials - Quizzes 1 to 6
|
24% (4 % per quiz) |
Quiz 1 7/08/2025 - 8/08/2025 Quiz 2 21/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 Quiz 3 4/09/2025 - 5/09/2025 Quiz 4 18/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 Quiz 5 9/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 Quiz 6 23/10/2025 - 24/10/2025
Based on your designated tutorial session. |
| Presentation, Product/ Design |
Chemistry of Agriculture/Environment VLOG
|
16% |
7/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
End of Semester - Practical Exam
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester - Theory Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Tutorials - Quizzes 1 to 6
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 24% (4 % per quiz)
- Due date
Quiz 1 7/08/2025 - 8/08/2025
Quiz 2 21/08/2025 - 22/08/2025
Quiz 3 4/09/2025 - 5/09/2025
Quiz 4 18/09/2025 - 19/09/2025
Quiz 5 9/10/2025 - 10/10/2025
Quiz 6 23/10/2025 - 24/10/2025
Based on your designated tutorial session.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
There are many important concepts/calculations in chemistry. It is essential that students practice these and improve understanding. Tutorial classes are designed to support students in their learning and understanding of chemistry. Students will be able to access and work through an exercise sheet, which will be made available on Blackboard before their scheduled tutorial. The tutorial class will be structured into two main parts. The first part will be an opportunity for students to check their responses to questions with tutors, interact with peers, and improve their understanding of chemistry. The second part will be an in-class quiz assessment, which will be done individually under 'exam-like' conditions. The assessable content of the in-class quiz will be based on chemistry topics taught in previous lectures (see Blackboard for more information).
The in-class quiz assessment is a 'closed book' examination with no written materials permitted. Students are required to bring their own UQ approved calculator. Electronic aids (e.g., laptop or phone) are not permitted. A question/answer sheet, a data sheet, and a periodic table of elements will be provided.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Quizzes are paper-based assessment carried out in class during your designated tutorial session.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
As this is an invigilated set of quizzes, each quiz will have one deferred session available to students with an approved deferred request. You must be available for the deferred session as you cannot defer an already deferred assessment item.
Chemistry of Agriculture/Environment VLOG
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Product/ Design
- Weight
- 16%
- Due date
7/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05
Task description
Students will complete a video blog (vlog). This task requires communication of the relationship between the structure and the chemical/physical properties of a molecule/compound, and highlighting its role and importance in agricultural or environmental contexts. Students must choose one chemical molecule/compound from the approved list, which are relevant to agricultural or environmental contexts. Further information and criteria will be provided via Blackboard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be acknowledged appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
Students must upload their work via Blackboard. Students are expected to use their own devices to complete this assessment. The assessment should be completed individually and submitted by the due date/time. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
End of Semester - Practical Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
Practical classes are designed to provide further learning on the material covered in lectures, provide students with experience on laboratory safety, receive training on key chemistry techniques/procedures, and give insight on the scientific method. Students will be guided through the basis, design, and analysis of a series of experiments. There are five 'standard' practicals (Practicals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) during the semester.
The 'End of Semester - Practical Exam' assessment will be based on a previous practical, and/or components of previous practicals, during the semester. Therefore, it is essential that students attend the practicals to help prepare for the 'End of Semester - Practical Exam'. It is mandatory that students attend at least one practical session within the first six weeks of semester in order to complete the laboratory induction, which is necessary for sitting the 'End of Semester - Practical Exam'.
The 'End of Semester - Practical Exam' assessment provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills/knowledge in laboratory safety and to carry out various chemistry techniques/procedures. This assessment cannot be completed unless a student has completed a laboratory induction, which will be offered to students during the first two practical sessions.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students must attend the exam in-person. Students are required to bring their own UQ approved calculator. Electronic aids (e.g., laptop or phone) are not permitted. In the event of disruption during the exam period that prevents the scheduled assessment occurring as planned, the assessment may be changed slightly which will be communicated by the invigilators. The timing of the assessment may also be changed.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Course Grading and Assessment Hurdles in Additional course grading information.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester - Theory Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
The 'End of Semester - Theory Exam' can cover any content/concepts taught during the course, including that communicated in lectures, tutorials, practicals and the prescribed textbook (Chemistry: Core Concepts).
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students must attend the exam in-person. Students are required to bring their own UQ approved calculator. Electronic aids (e.g., laptop or phone) are not permitted.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Course Grading and Assessment Hurdles in Additional course grading information.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% OR failure to meet the identified assessment hurdle(s) below. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
COURSE GRADING AND ASSESSMENT HURDLES
Hurdle 1: Students must obtain a passing grade of 40 % in the 'End of Semester - Theory Exam' to pass this course.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of all assessment items and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing mark for the 'End of Semester - Theory Exam', they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
AND
Hurdle 2: Students must obtain a passing grade of 40 % in the 'End of Semester - Practical Exam' to pass this course.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of all assessment items and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing mark for the 'End of Semester - Practical Exam', they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
The Practical Exam will not be recorded as is normally required based on Part F in the Assessment Procedure. This is because an approved exemption has been obtained based on clause (96)c of the Assessment Procedure.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Turnitin Assignments
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site.ﾠ If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.ﾠ
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, where possible, all attempts will be made to release results for progressive assessment tasks within three weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last two weeks of the semester and unless otherwise indicated by the Course Administrator, all attempts will be made to release the results before the end of the semester examination period. Results and feedback will be available through Turnitin and release date will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
- You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback
- Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid
- Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.
Information for students can be found at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM1004 Course Blackboard Site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
| CHEM1004 Course Profile | Provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weighting and due dates. | |
| Laboratory coat | Clean laboratory coat is required for all practicals. | own item needed |
| Safety glasses | Appropriate safety glasses are required for all practicals. | own item needed |
| Enclosed non-permeable shoes | Enclosed non-permeable shoes that will protect from liquid spills are required for all practicals. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Exercises: Lecture materials, tutorials, workshops, textbooks, and practical manuals may contain exercises/questions/practice problems that students can consider, and help their understanding of chemistry.
Video/audio: Lecture materials and practical manuals may contain short video or audio presentations from various internal/external providers that students can consider, and may help their understanding of chemistry.
Textbook: The below textbooks could be important resources for understanding core concepts of chemistry using a different format/style to that above.
- Brown TL, LeMay HE, Bursten BE, Murphy CJ, Woodward PM, Stoltzfus MW (2014) Chemistry: The central science, 13th Edition, Pearson Education Ltd, Harlow ESS (Call number: QD31.3.C446)
- Dahm DJ, Nelson EA (2017) Calculations in chemistry: An introduction, 2nd Edition, WW Norton, New York NY (Call number: QD39.3.M3 D34 2017)
- Zumdahl SS, DeCoste DJ (2018) Introductory chemistry, 9th Edition, Cengage Learning, Boston MA (QD33 .Z86 2019)
- Bettelheim FA, Brown WH, Campbell MK, Farrell SO, Torres OJ, Madsen S (2019) Introduction to general, organic, and biochemistry, 12th Edition, Cenage Learning, Boston MA (Call number: QD31.2)
eLearning: The eLearning website may help students better understand various resources or learning environments used in the course.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Lectures One two-hour lecture per week where the core concepts of chemistry will be given at a foundational level. During these lectures, there will be (i) opportunities to learn and revise the course content, (ii) work through chemistry concepts and calculations, and (iii) receive feedback. Dr Tim McLaren and Dr Suresh Krishnasamy will deliver all lectures except week 7, which will be delivered by Dr Leslie Huang. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials There is one 90-minute tutorial session in Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. During these tutorials, there will be opportunities to (i) to learn and revise course content, (ii) work through chemistry problem sets, and (iii) receive feedback. There will also be a 20-minute in-person quiz assessment scheduled during the 90-minute tutorial session. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
|
Practical |
Practicals There is one 150-minute practical session in Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. During these practicals, there will be (i) opportunities to work in small groups, (ii) gain experience in laboratory safety and chemistry procedures, and (iii) receive feedback. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Workshop |
Workshops There is one one-hour workshop per week (hybrid). During the workshops, there will be opportunities to (i) briefly cover aspects of the upcoming practical, (ii) revise content presented in preceding lectures, (iii) work through chemistry calculations, and (iv) receive feedback. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: