Chemistry 1A

Unit code: RCS1601 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
St Albans
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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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:

  1. Establish and consolidate the fundamental principles and skills of chemistry;
  2. Contextualise fundamental chemical principles to build a strong knowledge foundation for further study and related professional roles;
  3. 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;
  4. 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
  5. 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.

Required reading

Chemistry for Today: General, Organic and Biochemistry
Seager, S.L., Slabaugh, M.R. and Hansen, M.S., (2022) | Cengage Learning, Boston, MA, USA

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Biomedical Science
HBBS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
HBES | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Biomedicine
HBBM | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Human Nutrition
HBNT | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics
HCND | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years
Bachelor of Science
NBSC | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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