Course coordinator
Professor Jack Clegg
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 will consist of practical laboratory training, addressing the market place need for industry-ready chemists with relevant practical and communication skills. A laboratory intensive experience will include attendant exposure to quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and other core laboratory competencies. In lectorials, students will learn the theory underlying various laboratory techniques, including spectroscopy, separation science before applying these in the laboratory. Emphasis will be placed on the requirements of good scientific communication in terms of keeping a lab notebook and writing of laboratory reports. Students will be introduced to the ethical principles underlying the responsible practice of Chemistry.
Chemistry is an experimental science and CHEM2054 is a course that will give the student a modern, high quality laboratory experience. It is a prerequisite to the 3rd year chemistry laboratory course, CHEM3016, and so must be taken by all students wishing to graduate with a chemistry major. It also covers key aspects of fundamental chemical knowledge and practice, including analysis of errors, ethics and the use of spectroscopy to identify organic molecules.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that the studentﾠhas successfully completed 4 units of first year chemistry and is concurrently studying CHEM2050 Intermediate Chemistry 1.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM1100 AND CHEM1200
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
CHEM2050
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Jack Clegg
Associate Professor Shih-Chun Lo
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students sign up for practical sessions. An individual experiment roster will be provided to each student in Week 2 of semester. Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
This course develops the learning of students in the experimental aspects of physical, inorganic, analytical and organic chemistry, supported by an understanding of ethics and chemical separations.
The aims of the course are to:
i.ﾠ develop the practical skills of students to equip them to carry out laboratory work in Chemistry in a competent and intelligent way, able to comply withﾠexpectations regarding presentation of data and arguments and appreciative of the ethical responsibilities of chemists; and
ii. deepen their understanding of the basis of spectroscopic techniques and their ability to apply their learning in the interpretation of spectra.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate core generic skills in synthetic and experimental chemistry, including being able to perform chemical syntheses, by use of advanced experimental bench techniques.
LO2.
Appreciate the many factors that can effect an experiment, and to be able to recognize and trouble-shoot experimental difficulties.
LO3.
Undertake experiments which require both qualitative and quantitative outcomes and demonstrate precision and accuracy in laboratory practice.
LO4.
Concisely communicate the results of experiments in written lab reports.
LO5.
Demonstrate an understanding of and apply ethical principles related to issues in Chemistry laboratory practice and research.
LO6.
Understand the molecular basis for different spectroscopic techniques and apply these in answering chemical questions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory component CHEM2054
|
80% 9 equally weighted reports/results sheets | |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory Skills Competencies
|
Pass/Fail. Fail = failure of the course | |
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Lab Notebook
|
Pass/Fail. | |
| Examination |
End of Semester Examination
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Laboratory component CHEM2054
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 80% 9 equally weighted reports/results sheets
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
Students in CHEM2054 are required to complete 10 (ten) experiments and submit the related results sheet / templated lab report for each experiment using the links provided on the course Blackboard site. An individual roster for experiments will be provided in Week 2 of semester. All students start with Experiment 1. Prior to commencing at experiment students must complete the pre-work through Blackboard, prepare a flow-chart for their experiment and note the most significant hazards.
ALL EXPERIMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED TO ACHIEVE A PASSING GRADE IN THIS COURSE. (Please refer to Section 5.4).
Each lab report/results sheet is due to be submitted one hour prior to commencing the next scheduled experiment. For example, if an experiment with a lab report commences on Wednesday at 10 a.m. it is due the following Wednesday at 9 a.m (subject to public holidays and mid-semester break). If an experiment with a lab report was commenced at 2 p.m. Thursday, it is due the following Thursday at 1 p.m (subject to public holidays and mid-semester break). If a report/results sheet were to be due on either a public holiday or in mid-semester break it is due the next "regular" day of semester.
Individual schedules for each student will be provided by lab staff in Week 2 of semester.
Note that some weeks include public holidays.
Late penalties will be applied in accordance with the UQ policy.
All work submitted by students must be their own work. For further details please see the University policy on Plagiarism and student misconduct, Section 6.1.
In particular, each student is responsible for generating their own structure drawings and mechanisms using ChemDraw. These files must not be shared with other students.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Absence from a Practical Session
You must attend 100 % of the laboratory component of this course.
If you are unable to attend your timetabled practical session due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g. illness) you must submit a practical absence request immediately accompanied by acceptable supporting documentation. A list of acceptable reason and required supporting documentation is found at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1.
Requests for practical absences must be submitted prior to or on the day of the missed practical; it is your responsibility to submit an application and provide suitable documentation on time.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Results sheets and templated lab reports will be submitted through the CHEM2054 Blackboard site. Before submitting your assessment item please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfill the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
Laboratory Skills Competencies
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/Fail. Fail = failure of the course
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Students are required to demonstrate an experimental competency for each of the 10 laboratory experiments. These will be assessed in lab time and recorded. A student must successfully demonstrate all of the required competencies to pass the course. The details of each competency are documented in the laboratory manual.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
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
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Lab Notebook
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- Pass/Fail.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Students are required to keep and maintain a professional standard laboratory notebook, containing details of all laboratory procedures and experiments . This is required to be consistent with all elements of good laboratory practice. Standard laboratory notebooks, with numbered pages, a table of contents page and space on each page for signing and witness signatures can be purchased from bookshops on campus or the Campus newsagent. This must be brought to all laboratory sessions in CHEM2054.
Unacceptable lab books include those that are spiral bound or with removable pages.
Lab notebooks will be viewed at various times during semester.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
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
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
End of Semester Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
Students will complete an end-of-semester examination focusing on on the ethics of a given scenario or topic relating to an aspect of ethics in Chemistry.
Students are expected to critically analyse the scenario or topic given and come to a clearly argued conclusion with reasons after weighing the competing ethical arguments.
Students are strongly recommended to attend in person the accompanying lectorial on Ethics in Chemistry in order to fully understand the scope of the examination.
More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
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
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.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, 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Extensive application of knowledge and skills The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills 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):
1.ﾠ You must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more; and
2.ﾠ You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course and record ALL pracs in a laboratory notebook ﾠ(as outlined in the notebook criteria),ﾠ complete and submit ALL reports and results sheets, meet the requirements for all laboratory competencies; and
3.ﾠ You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more in the Laboratory Results Sheets & Templated Reports; and
4.ﾠ You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester examination.
Safety Declaration.ﾠ Every student enrolled in CHEM2054 will be ﾠrequired to complete and have current the Undergraduate Safety Training module available through Blackboard.ﾠ You may not enter the laboratory to complete experimentsﾠunless this has been completed.
Preparation for each experiment requires preparing a flow-chart, noting hazards and completing pre-lab quizzes ﾠbefore coming to class. Students will not be permitted to commence an experiment unless these have been completed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment is available for the end of semester exam and the laboratory results sheets and templated reports.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional supplementary material may be posted on the Blackboard site for CHEM2054 at learn.uq.edu.au
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Consultation times: Appointments can be made with individual lecturers or the course coordinator.
Additional assistance will be found by attending CHEM2050 lectures and workshops which will provide theoretical knowledge that will aid in your understanding of your experimental results in CHEM2054.
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 |
Lectorials Lectures providing content in parallel to the experimental work Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Practical |
Laboratory Experiments Students are assigned to two sequential lab sessions per week. 10 experiments are completed over the semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, 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.