Dr Philip Sharpe
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
This course introduces the core concepts and principles in chemistry at a foundation level that enables students who have not previously studied chemistry to progress further in tertiary chemistry. Concepts encountered include: atomic and electronic structure; bonding and molecular structure; intermolecular associations; states of matter; gas laws; solutions; equilibrium; acids and bases; thermochemistry; kinetics; redox processes; stoichiometry; and an introduction to organic chemistry. These are all considered in contexts that develop quantitative chemistry skills.
Key ideas in chemistry are presented at an introductory level to enable students to develop an understanding of core chemical principles and to distinguish between chemical and physical processes. No prior chemical knowledge is assumed. Atomic and electronic structure and bondingﾠare introduced to enable discussion of the forces acting between molecules which explains the behavior of molecules in the gas, liquid and solid phases.ﾠConcepts in gas laws, solubility, equilibrium, acidsﾠ& bases, thermochemistry, kinetics, oxidation & reduction, quantitative relationshipsﾠand an introduction to organic chemistry (hydrocarbons and selected functional groups) are also covered. Thisﾠprovides students who have not studied chemistryﾠpreviously withﾠsufficient knowledge,ﾠunderstanding and skillsﾠtoﾠenable their subsequent enrolment into one of the first level chemistry courses in a later semester (CHEM1100 or CHEM1221). CHEM1090 is not designed to be taken as a companion to CHEM1100 and students are strongly advised against attempting to study both courses in the same semester.
In addition to lectures, there are two-hour workshops (scheduled throughout semester, roughly every two weeks) and a single three-hour lab session (scheduled in week 13 of semester).
Assessment in the course includes an in-semester examination, workshop and laboratory assessment, at home quizzes and an end of semester examination.
Arts students:ﾠﾠ The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)ﾠ requires that a student in the Bachelor of Arts must complete their first 8 units from the BA course list.ﾠﾠ
https://my.uq.edu.au/programs-courses/requirements/program/2000/2022
The HASS faculty will cancel a BA student's enrolment in CHEM1090 if this criterion has not been met.
Note that CHEM1090 alone does not provide sufficient background for the assumed Chemistry knowledge for the GAMSAT test for entry to a graduate medical program.ﾠStudents are recommended to also completeﾠCHEM1100 + CHEM1200 to gain this background.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students who have completed senior chemistry (with grade of B or A / HA or VHA) more than 3 years ago are eligible to enrol in CHEM1090. Students who have received an SA/ grade of C in senior chemistry in the last three years are able to enrol in CHEM1090. Students who have a passing grade in CHEM1100, CHEM1200 and/or CHEM1221 cannot enrol in CHEM1090. A pass in CHEM1090 is recognised within the University of Queensland as a substitute for Senior Chemistry when this is a prerequisite for Program entry.ﾠ
A basic ability to do mathematics and algebra is required. Students should be able to rearrange simple algebraic expressions and convert between different units (e.g. mL and L). They should understand ratios and proportional reasoning. Students should be familiar with the use of a scientific calculator.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
A grade of B or higher in Queensland year 12 Chemistry (Units 3 & 4) (or equivalent) within the last three years; or a passing grade in CHEM1100 or CHEM1200 or CHEM1221 or CHEM1222.
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There are 3 x 1-hour lectures per week and students should attend all lectures.:
Lectures are recorded and available on the CHEM1090 Blackboard site for occasions when you are unable to make the physical lecture. BUT you should aim to attend all lectures possible, as you will get more benefit from attending in person.
(Lecture times and venues are subject to change and students are advised to check times on the UQ Public Timetable.)
Workshop sessions: There are 5 x 2-hour TBLs during the semester. Each workshop is repeated once.
Laboratory Session: There is aﾠ single laboratory session in Week 13 which is a 3-hour practical experience in which students encounter chemical processes and phenomena that underpin the concepts that have been taught during lectures and TBLs.ﾠ
Studentsﾠ must sign up to a specific laboratory groupﾠand only attend on their designated date. Prior permission from laboratory staff is required to change sessions and will depend on availability.
Aims and outcomes
This course serves to provide students who have not studied chemistry previously with a fundamental understandingﾠof key ideas inﾠchemistry. Students will encounter the different ways chemists represent chemical compounds and reactions. The chemistry concepts taught will enable students to understand chemical phenomena in both qualitative and quantitative ways andﾠto predict the outcomes of basic chemical processes.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Interpret and use the several ways that chemists represent and name elements, ionic compounds, molecules and reactions and be able to use these to understand more complex systems such as biological examples.
LO2.
Recognise, apply and communicate core concepts in Chemistry including: particulate nature of matter, atomic structure, electronic structure, bonding, phase transitions, intermolecular forces, organic structures, equilibrium, energetics, solutions, acids and bases, and redox processes.
LO3.
Critically apply an understanding of fundamental chemical principles and quantitative skills to problem solving.
LO4.
Recognise the role and relevance of chemistry in modern society and demonstrate scientific reasoning skills. This includes understanding and being able to explain the relationship between chemical structures and physical properties.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz | Non-exam assessment - workshop quizzes, at-home quizzes and laboratory. | 35% In-workshop quizzes - 20%. Out of class quizzes - 10% Laboratory Week 13 - 5% |
Assessment will be completed within each workshop and laboratory class and submitted before leaving class. At-home quizzes will be open for a period of roughly two weeks and are completed online. At-home quiz 1: Opens Wednesday Week 3, 10th March. Closes Friday Week 5, 28th March. (UPDATED 11.3.2025 due to teaching interruptions from ex-cyclone Alfred) At-home Quiz 2: Opens Monday Week 5, 24th March. Closes Friday Week 6, 4th April. At-home Quiz 3: Opens Monday Week 8, 14th April. Closes Friday Week 9, 2nd May. At-home Quiz 4: Opens Monday, Week 10, 5th May. Closes Friday Week 11, 16th May. At-home Quiz 5: Opens Monday, Week 12, 19th May. Closes Friday Week 13, 30th May. |
| Examination |
In-semester examination
|
20% | |
| Examination |
End of Semester examination
|
45% |
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
Non-exam assessment - workshop quizzes, at-home quizzes and laboratory.
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz
- Weight
- 35% In-workshop quizzes - 20%. Out of class quizzes - 10% Laboratory Week 13 - 5%
- Due date
Assessment will be completed within each workshop and laboratory class and submitted before leaving class.
At-home quizzes will be open for a period of roughly two weeks and are completed online.
At-home quiz 1: Opens Wednesday Week 3, 10th March. Closes Friday Week 5, 28th March. (UPDATED 11.3.2025 due to teaching interruptions from ex-cyclone Alfred)
At-home Quiz 2: Opens Monday Week 5, 24th March. Closes Friday Week 6, 4th April.
At-home Quiz 3: Opens Monday Week 8, 14th April. Closes Friday Week 9, 2nd May.
At-home Quiz 4: Opens Monday, Week 10, 5th May. Closes Friday Week 11, 16th May.
At-home Quiz 5: Opens Monday, Week 12, 19th May. Closes Friday Week 13, 30th May.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will be required to participate collaboratively in 5 in-person workshop sessions and 1 laboratory practical during the semester. In workshops, as well as the laboratory practical, there will be an individual in-class assessment piece to be answered and submitted before leaving. The first workshop quiz is formative (does not count towards your grade in the course). All remaining four in-class workshop assessments are equally weighted, worth 20% of the assessment in total in the course (each quiz being worth 5%).
There are five at-home quizzes, each open for a 2-week period, starting in Week 3. Each quiz is open for roughly a 2-week period. Each at-home quiz is weighted equally, and the 5 together are worth 10% of the assessment in total in the course (being worth 2% each).
There is one laboratory session in Week 13, with the in-class assessment worth 5% of the assessment in total in the course.
Attendance at all workshops and the laboratory session in Week 13 is highly recommended and concepts that are encountered in the workshops and laboratory class are examinable in the examinations in the course.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) in workshop and laboratory assessment
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) in at-home quiz assessment
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.
Submission guidelines
The assessed questions will be physically submitted during the workshop and laboratory classes. It will then be scanned for marking, so answers must be written in dark blue or black pen.
At-home quizzes will be completed online.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
In-semester examination
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This is a one hour closed-book examination, with 10 minutes of planning time allowed. A single-sided A4 page of handwritten notes is allowed. Questions will be a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A weighted average of the two exams (in-semester and end of semester) of 40% or higher is required to achieve a passing grade in the course. Note: This does not mean that you must score above 40% for both examinations, only that the average of the two examination, weighted according to their contribution to your overall grade, must be 40% or higher.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is 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 examination
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Exam questions aim to assess understanding and application of chemical principles, rather than rote learned recall of facts.
The exam will be in-person, closed book exam.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Previous end of semester examinations can be viewed on the University of Queensland library website.
Hurdle requirements
A weighted average mark for the two examinations (in-semester and end of semester) of 40% or higher is required to receive a passing grade in the course. Note that this does not mean that 40% or higher must be achieved for both examinations, but that the average of the two exams, weighted according to the contribution to the overall grade must be 40% or higher.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, double sided, is 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: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Deficiencies in understanding the fundamental concepts of the field of study Inability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequate knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study Acceptable application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study Effective application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Substantial knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study Extensive application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mastery of content Extensive application of knowledge and skills to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts with detailed, logical reasoning. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
- You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components; and
- You must obtain a minimum weighted average mark of 40% across all other non-examination course assessment items.
ﾠ
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
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory coat | This can be purchased on campus from School Locker or the Student Union Bookshop. This is needed for the lab class in Week 13. | own item needed |
| Laboratory safety glasses | This can be purchased on campus from School Locker or the Student Union Bookshop. This is needed for the lab class in Week 13. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Past examinations:ﾠThese are available through the UQ Library website. Answers to one sample examination will be made available on the course Blackboard site prior to the end of semester examination period.
Other Chemistry textbooks: The UQ library offers access to various introductory chemistry textbooks, if you wish to find extra problems, beyond those provided in problem sheets on Blackboard, workshop problems and end of chapter problems in "Chemistry: Core Concepts", the recommended textbook for this course.
Help with mathematical concepts:ﾠA useful resource for those who find mathematical concepts difficult is the book "Calculations in Chemistry: An Introduction", 2nd ed., Donald J. Dahm and Eric A. Nelson, available in the Central Library, QD39.3.M3 D34 2017 This book is available electronically through the UQ Library catalogue.
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 |
Weekly Lectures There are three 1-hour lectures per week, where new content is introduced and practiced in an active learning environment. You need to check the Public Timetable for time and venue, as there can be timetabling changes in the first couple of weeks of the semester with very little notice. The lectures cover all the core material required for the course and are also used to provide administrative information for the course. During the lectures you are given the opportunity to practice problems in-class and gain immediate feedback on your learning. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Workshop |
Workshops There are 5 collaborative active-learning sessions during the semester. The complete timetable for the sessions will be available on the Public Timetable. During these sessions you will have the opportunity to work in groups, explore chemistry concepts discussed in lectures, practice exam-like problems, and receive feedback on your learning. These sessions include assessment in the course. Sessions are repeated - you only need to attend once in each cycle. Workshops start in Week 2 of semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Practical |
Laboratory Practical This is an opportunity to bring together all that you have learnt in CHEM1090. Learning outcomes: L02, 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 - 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: