Chemistry 1A

Unit code:RCS1601Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park
St Albans

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

Chemistry 1A provides studies in fundamental chemical principles and together with Chemistry 1B, serves as a foundation for further studies in chemistry and other sciences. The unit includes online activities, instructor-led class discussions and theory put into practice with complementary laboratory exercises. Study topics comprise: units and measurements; classification and properties of matter; atomic structure; mole concept; ionic and covalent compounds; chemical reactions; states of matter and solutions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Establish and consolidate the fundamental principles and skills of chemistry;
Contextualise fundamental chemical principles to build a strong knowledge foundation for further study and related professional roles;
Solve structured predictable problems relating to the chemical nature of matter and its measurement including problems in atomic structure, the mole concept, periodic law, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, gases and solutions;
Apply quantitative chemical methods to assemble and use laboratory equipment, make and assess measurements, and report results to develop professional and critical laboratory skills in chemistry; and
Work effectively, ethically and safely in an individual or team context in a laboratory setting.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 15%

Open-book Quiz - Online guided problem solving with auto-diagnostic feedback

Assessment type: Portfolio | Grade: 40%

Three portfolio components: (i) Lab Safety & You module, (ii) six graded lab reports with skills developed and reflection on learning, and (iii) lab knowledge test – online, in class invigilated.

Assessment type: Test | Grade: 45%

Multi-concept Test – online, in class invigilated

Laboratory skills are a critical part of the Learning Outcomes of this Unit. The Laboratory Portfolio is a hurdle task, and students must pass the Laboratory Portfolio to pass the unit. Students are required to demonstrate their development of skills in a laboratory setting and as such a minimum attendance of five laboratory classes is mandated. Students are required to submit a special consideration application for missed laboratory classes, and if approved will be required to complete an alternative assessment task.