Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
Chemistry provides the experimental and theoretical basis for understanding the structure and function of all forms of matter. This course introduces students to the basic principles, processes and skills of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. It has been designed to help students understand how chemical principles and concepts are developed and to assist with their entry into further studies in chemistry or other courses of study with a significant chemistry content. On completion of this program, students should be able to; describe and explain chemistry concepts, theories, models, systems, and their limitations; apply understanding of chemistry concepts, theories, models and systems within their limitations; analyse evidence; interpret evidence; investigate phenomena and demonstrate proficiency and safety in the use of laboratory equipment; evaluate processes, claims and conclusions. Students commencing in Term 1 enrol in Chemistry for 3 consecutive terms.
Chemistry is the basic science, which provides understanding of structure and function of all forms of matter. This course introduces basic principles of Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.
Course requirements
Assumed background
While there are no restrictions to your study in this course, prior knowledge or experience in Chemistry to a Year 11 equivalence is recommended.
Course contact
Course staff
Course convenor
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beᅠavailableᅠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theᅠQLD government website for Public holiday information
Aims and outcomes
This course includes in-depth study of the following topics:
- Safety in the Laboratory
- Measurement applicable to Chemistry
- Chemistry Fundamentals – structure, properties and reactions
- Molecular interactions and reactions
- Equilibrium, acids and redox reactions
- Structure synthesis and design - including organic materials
The aim of the course is to help students understand the development of above-mentioned chemical concepts and assist students with their entry into further studies in courses with significant Chemistry content.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply understanding of Chemistry concepts, theories, models, and systems within their limitations.
LO2.
Describe and explain Chemistry concepts, theories, models, systems, and their limitations.
LO3.
Analyse and interpret evidence presented within Chemistry questions, obtained from experiments, and research questions.
LO4.
Investigate relevant chemical phenomena presented in Chemistry questions, associated with experiments, and research questions.
LO5.
Evaluate processes, claims and conclusions presented in Chemistry questions, experiments, and research questions.
LO6.
Communicate understandings, findings, arguments, and conclusions associated with Chemistry questions, experiments, and research questions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Quiz |
Term 1 Quizzes
|
10% |
Quiz 1 11/11/2024 - 15/11/2024 Quiz 2 16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024 |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Design an Experiment | 20% |
7/02/2025 10:00 pm |
Practical/ Demonstration | Laboratory Reports | 15% |
Experiment 1 14/02/2025 10:00 pm Experiment 2 21/02/2025 10:00 pm Experiment 3 2/05/2025 10:00 pm
These dates may change based on Lab Prac Scheduling. Check course blackboard site for any updates on due dates. |
Examination |
Term 2 Exam
|
20% |
Term 2 Exam Block |
Presentation |
Video Presentation
|
15% |
9/05/2025 10:00 pm |
Examination |
Term 3 Exam
|
20% |
Term 3 Exam Block |
Assessment details
Term 1 Quizzes
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Quiz 1 11/11/2024 - 15/11/2024
Quiz 2 16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Week 5 Quiz (5%)
Blackboard quiz covering the first 2 topics from Term 1
Week 10 Quiz (5%)
Blackboard quiz covering the next 2 topics in Term 1
Submission guidelines
Completed during scheduled class time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Design an Experiment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
7/02/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Design an experiment to investigate a chemical phenomenon using science inquiry skills.
Submission guidelines
Via Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Laboratory Reports
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Experiment 1 14/02/2025 10:00 pm
Experiment 2 21/02/2025 10:00 pm
Experiment 3 2/05/2025 10:00 pm
These dates may change based on Lab Prac Scheduling. Check course blackboard site for any updates on due dates.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students are to submit completed practical workbooks and excel files.
Each report must include the Safety Considerations, Results, Analysis, and Discussion & Conclusion sections.
Students carry out 5 experiments throughout the course - subject to lab availability in School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB)
Final three workbooks are summative.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Term 2 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Term 2 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Term 2 content is assessed
Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Video Presentation
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
9/05/2025 10:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Research Assignment on a chosen topic.
Details provided in the Assessment folder on Blackboard
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Term 3 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Term 3 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
Term 3 content is assessed.
Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | 0 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate 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.
Feedback on Assessmentᅠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ᅠ
Appropriate conditions for group work and collaborationᅠ
Teachers usually aim for groups of 3-4 and provide preparation for group work activities (examples can include discussions, role-playing, and identifying strengths and weaknesses) to maximise students’ learning and performance.ᅠ
Assignment submissionᅠ
Unless advised otherwise,ᅠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ᅠᅠ
Calculator policyᅠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesᅠcalculator, orᅠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theᅠmy.UQᅠwebsiteᅠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ᅠ
Referencing styleᅠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theᅠAPA 7th referencing style.ᅠ
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.
Additional learning resources information
Additional resources are also available via theᅠBlackboard course websiteᅠᅠ
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 |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Fundamentals Scientific method; Measurement and uncertainty; Graphical analysis Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Workshop |
Atoms History of the Atom; Atomic structure; Relative atomic mass; Electron configuration; Periodic table trends; Naming compounds Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (04 Nov - 10 Nov) |
Workshop |
Materials Matter Elements, Compounds and Mixtures; Bonding and compound properties Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 7 |
Workshop |
Chemical Reactions Mole concept; Empirical and molecular formula; Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations; Types of chemical reactions; Stoichiometry Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (02 Dec - 08 Dec) |
Workshop |
Thermochemistry Chemical reactions and heat energy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 9 (09 Dec - 15 Dec) |
Workshop |
Intermolecular Forces Covalent Bonding VSEPR Theory, Hybridization, Polarity, Van der Waal s Forces. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (16 Dec - 22 Dec) |
Workshop |
Revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (06 Jan - 12 Jan) |
Workshop |
Gas Behaviour Kinetic molecular theory; Gas laws Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 12 (13 Jan - 19 Jan) |
Workshop |
Water Properties of water Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 13 To Week 14 |
Workshop |
Aqueous Solutions Dissociation and solvation; Solubility; Molarity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 15 (03 Feb - 09 Feb) |
Workshop |
Acids Introduction to pH; Arrhenius theory; Reactions of acids Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 16 (10 Feb - 16 Feb) |
Workshop |
Reaction rates Rates of chemical reactions Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 17 (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Workshop |
Chemical equilibrium Reversible reactions and equilibrium; LeChaterlier's Principle; Factors that effect equilibrium Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 18 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Acids and Bases Bronsted-Lowry model; pH and pOH calculations; Weak acids and bases Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 19 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Volumetric Analysis Acid-base titrations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 20 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Revision Review of all material covered in Term 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 21 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Redox reactions Oxidation and reduction; Redox reactions Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 22 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Electrochemical cells Galvanic cells; Standard cell potential Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 23 (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Workshop |
Electrolysis Electrolytic cell Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 24 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Hydrocarbons Alkanes, alkenes and alkynes; Structural isomers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 25 To Week 26 |
Lecture |
Functional Groups Alcohols; Halocarbons; Aldehydes and ketones; Carboxylic acids and esters; Amines and amides Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 27 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Organic Reactions Addition and substitution reactions; Oxidation and reduction; Esterification Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 28 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Poymerisation Polymerisation; Chemical synthesis and Green chemistry Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 29 (02 Jun - 08 Jun) |
Workshop |
Biochemistry Macromolecules: polymers, proteins, and carbohydrates Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 30 (09 Jun - 15 Jun) |
Workshop |
Revision Review of all material covered in Term 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
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.