Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Chemistry Fundamentals 1
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
CHEM1313 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Enrico Della Gaspera
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 1955
Course Coordinator Email: enrico.dellagaspera@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 03.02.11
Course Coordinator Availability: Email for an appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Assumed Knowledge
Although there are no formal prerequisites for this course, prior knowledge of chemistry at VCE level is highly recommended.
Course Description
This course aims to provide an introduction to fundamental concepts of Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.
Physical chemistry studies the interrelationship between the physical properties of substances, their chemical structure, their reactivity, and the energies involved in such reactions.
Analytical chemistry investigates the determination of the chemical composition of natural and artificial materials using both classical and modern instrumental techniques.
This course provides an overview into the many aspects of physical chemistry (for example, what is acid rain?, how do batteries work?) and of analytical chemistry (including forensic science, environmental science, food chemistry), both at a theoretical level and at a practical (experimental) level. These concepts will underpin a variety of applications not just in chemistry, but also in many disciplines and industries including food, pharmaceutical, environmental, engineering and many others.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:
BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major)
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BH098 Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)
PLO 2.1 Graduates have exhibited depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry.
PLO 3.1 The graduate will be able to investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods.
The course may also contribute to additional programs.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe and explain the fundamental concepts of analytical and physical chemistry.
- Apply the theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to practical problems.
- Demonstrate ability to perform simple chemical laboratory processes safely and efficiently.
- Conduct and record chemical observations and measurements in a practical setting individually or in teams.
- Analyse and interpret observations or problems to draw conclusions and communicate results.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as pre-recorded and face-to-face lectures, lectorials, tutorials, and practical laboratory experiments, including both individual and group activities.
The learning activities included in this course are lectorials where syllabus material will be discussed and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples. Completion of tutorial questions and laboratory reports are designed to give further practice in the application of theory concepts, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding. Completion of assignments consisting of numerical and other problems will promote deeper understanding of the subject matter.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course Site.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course, where lecture notes, online resources, practice questions, laboratory manuals, and recorded content will be available for you to access.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment tasks
This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).
Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes
Weighting (20%)
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2
Assessment task 2: Laboratory Reports (HURDLE REQUIREMENT)
Weighting (40%)
You will need to attend all laboratory classes and achieve a pass in the laboratory component of the course to meet the hurdle requirement.
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3, 4 & 5
Assessment task 3: Applied Assessment
Weighting (40%)
This is a timed closed book written in person assessment task
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 5
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.