General, Organic & Biological Chemistry (CHEM1221)

Course overview

This course builds on concepts that have been introduced in CHEM1090 (Introductory Chemistry) and Senior Chemistry. Students who have completed CHEM1100 (Chemistry 1) will be able to apply a number of concepts they have encountered in new contexts. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding across organic and physical chemistry necessary for advancement to second level biochemistry courses. Core topics include: Structure, reactivity and mechanisms of reaction for organic molecules that form the building blocks of biomolecules (including amino acids and saccharides), acid/base chemistry and intermolecular forces in a biological context. This course is recommended for students in the following programs: B Health Sciences, B Exercise & Nutrition Science, B Applied Science (nutrition & food technology majors); B Science (for majors other than chemistry, chemical sciences, biochemistry & molecular biosciences, biomedical science and physics). It does not provide sufficient background for all areas of CHEM2052.

The course is structured around three modules. Module 1 will introduce students briefly to some of the key concepts underlying organic chemistry, such as bonding, bond enthalpies, resonance, Gibbs free energies and kinetics as well as the principles underlying the reactivity of alkenes and aromatic molecules. Module 1 also develops the concept of acids and bases familiar to students from their previous chemistry study and extends these in terms of inductive effects,ﾠresonance and nucleophilicity and electrophilicity. Module 2 then applies these concepts in studying substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides and alcohols, before considering the characteristic reactions of carbonyl groups (aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters and amides).ﾠModule 3 develops the chemical ideas from earlier in the course and applies them in the context of understanding the principles underlying the structure and reactivity of classes of biologically relevant molecules, such as peptides and proteins, sugars and carbohydrates, lipids and steroids. Of particular importance will be a deep understanding of the role intermolecular forces play in biological processes.

All three modules will enable students to gain greater facility with the symbols and nomenclature of chemistry, which will lay a useful foundation for studies in the many fields for which a basic level of chemical knowledge is essential.

Completion of the practical component of the course will enable students to gain manipulative skills as well as ability in collecting, presenting and analysing data.

Please note that CHEM1221 does not provide sufficient background for BIOC2052 and students planning to enrol in BIOC2052 should instead enrol in CHEM1200. In particular, CHEM1221 does not provide sufficient knowledge of coordination chemistry for successful completion of BIOC2052.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students enrolling in this course must have successfully completed Senior Chemistry (Grades 11 and 12), CHEM1090 or an equivalent course. This course relies on students having a firm understanding of basic chemistry. Students lacking that foundation should not enrol in this course, as your chances of failing are extremely high.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Senior Chemistry or CHEM1090

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

CHEM1200, CHEM1222, CHEM1010, CHEM1020, CHEM1021, CHEM1022

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Check your online timetable regularly.

ﾠ

Aims and outcomes

This course develops the learning of students in Chemistry as the central science with a focus on critical reasoning.

The aim of the course is to help students develop a deeper understanding of the major principles of structure and reactivity of organic molecules and the acquisition of manipulative, practical and data handling skills in the laboratory. Students are expected to gain proficiency in applying basic chemical principles and reasoning to biological molecules. The concepts covered will provide the foundations of understanding a variety of biological processes at a molecular level.

ﾠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

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

Laboratory Class - 4 practicals

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Practical/ Demonstration

Weight

20% 4 practicals, 5% each

Due date

22/07/2024 - 2/08/2024

5/08/2024 - 16/08/2024

2/09/2024 - 13/09/2024

16/09/2024 - 4/10/2024

8/10/2024 - 18/10/2024

Laboratory results sheets are handed in before leaving your allocated laboratory class.

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Pre-lab quizzes are submitted through Blackboard at least 30 minutes prior to coming to class. Laboratory results sheets for each experiment must be handed in for marking at the end of that laboratory session.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for information on how to apply for a practical reschedule.

In-class Team-Based Learning (TBL) assessment

• Hurdle
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

15% Each workshop assessment is weighted equally.

Due date

10am 29/07/2024

10am 12/08/2024

10am 26/08/2024

10am 9/09/2024

10am 30/09/2024

10am 14/10/2024

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Submission will be done at the end of each TBL.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Applications for Extensions

Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

If you are unable to provide approved documentation to support your application by the due date and time, you must still submit your application by the deadline but with an attached Word document that outlines why you cannot provide the approved documentation by the deadline. You will then need to acquire and upload the approved documentation to your request within 24 hours. Please note: When an extension request has been submitted and is pending, students are expected to continue to work on the assessment item, with the aim of submitting by the requested due date and time.

Prolonged Absence

If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester.

Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)

For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g. a medical certificate.

In-Semester examination

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

20%

Due date

In-semester Saturday

31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024

Advice about the date/time/venue will be provided around four weeks before the exam is scheduled.

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

End of Semester Examination

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

45%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

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.

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):

1. You must achieve an overall course mark of 50% or more; and

2. You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across the two examination components; and

3. You must obtain a weighted average mark of 40% or more across all other non-examination course assessment items and learning tasks; and

4. You must attend 100% of the laboratory component of the course and complete and submit ALL laboratory assessment.

The maximum grade you will receive will be a 2 if you:

1. Obtain a weighted average mark of 30% or less across the two examination components; and/or

2. Obtain a weighted average mark of 30% or less across the non-examination course assessment items and learning tasks.

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

Laboratory Practical Sessions

In order to pass this course you must attend 100% of the laboratory practical sessions including the induction session. You must attend these sessions on the dates you have been assigned to.

What should I do if I cannot attend my timetabled laboratory practical?

If you are unable to attend your timetabled practical session because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must email chem1prac.scmb@enquire.uq.edu.au immediately to request a reschedule. It is your responsibility to organise a reschedule, do not wait for an email.ﾠDo not delay rescheduling your practical session as soon as you become aware that you cannot attend your timetabled laboratory practical.ﾠﾠ

Reschedules with documentation

Reschedules will only occur in very exceptional circumstances and valid documentation will be required to be submitted as proof to gain a reschedule:

Reason

Examples of Supporting Documentation

ACCIDENT: Accident, not involving medical injury

Police report;ﾠreport or document from an automotive road service (e.g. RACQ) or from an authorised vehicle mechanic.

ATHLETE: Registered Elite Athlete Sporting Event

Letter from sporting body confirming selection and setting out dates of sporting commitments; itinerary.

DEATH: Death / bereavement

Death notice, funeral notice, and evidence of relationship. Where appropriate, confirmation of relationship is required (e.g. statutory declaration, birth certificate).ﾠPlease note a medical certificate is not appropriate if you are applying because you are bereaved.

FAMILY: Serious illness of a family member or close relative

Statement from medical practitioner confirming medical status of patient, relationship to student, and relevant dates.

MEDICAL: Medical grounds

Medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, registered pharmacist or registered nurse.

PERSONAL: Significant personal problems

Statement from counsellor / psychiatrist / psychologist detailing impact on patient;ﾠpolice report or a statement from a relevant authority.

TRANSPORT: Major transport or traffic delay

Evidence from websites (e.g. Translink, Queensland Police, news websites) that outlines the nature of the event, including the date and time of the event.

Please note:ﾠPersonal statements will not be accepted as supporting documentation.

If you are aware of any future event that may impact on your laboratory practical attendance during semester please advise us as soon as you become aware of this by emailingﾠchem1prac.scmb@enquire.uq.edu.au

Reschedules without documentation

Number of reschedules

Penalty

First reschedule

30% loss of available marks

Second reschedule of same experiment

90% loss of available marks

First reschedule plus a second reschedule (different experiments)

30% loss of available marks for first experiment

60% loss of available marks for second experiment

No third reschedule possible

Failure to complete 100% experiments will result in failure of hurdle and consequently failure of the course.

Students who miss a laboratory practical session and do not reschedule this session will be advised to withdraw from the course.

Assessment Submission

All submission times are listed in Brisbane time.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.

Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.

Turnitin

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Turnitin

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Assessment/Attendance

Please 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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP) for your course also 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

Any student who enrols in a course must not be given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment. Instead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolment (PPL Assessment - Procedures Section: Assessment integrity).

If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SCMB recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.

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 are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 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

Additional learning resources information

Blackboard

Access will be provided to the LabSkills multimedia software through Blackboard, which will assist students in preparing for their laboratory experiments.

The Blackboard site for CHEM1221 can be found at learn.uq.edu.au

Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.

Lecture Notes

A hard copy of lecture notes willﾠbe available for purchase through the UQPrint service physically located in the Biological Sciences library. (https://uqprint.com.au/student-print).ﾠ

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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:

• Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:

• SCMB Approved Calculators