Overview
This unit will provide you with the fundamental principles of chemistry that underpin the medical sciences and provide a strong foundation on which you can develop an understanding of biochemistry and molecular science. You will gain an appreciation of the nature of matter, classic atomic structure and how energy is involved in bond formation. These concepts will be developed to explain the forces between molecules that govern chemical interaction. You will be introduced to the chemistry of electrolytes, acids, bases and buffers. This study will be supported by simple calculations to assist you in relating to the pH scale. The study of organic chemistry and molecules central to the life sciences will enable you to develop an understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology relevant to your specific discipline. The naming and classifying of chemical compounds will enable you to be conversant with accepted scientific terms. Tutorials and on-line activities will complement the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and provide you with the basic mathematical and analytical tools required in the application of chemistry to your specific discipline.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students provided feedback that the unit was well structured, and appreciated the study guide. Students suggested was that they have found the Khan Academy videos really helpful for chemistry.
I recommend that the chemistry teaching team work on creating extra learning resources, such as providing useful video links on the Moodle site each week. These videos can be used to provide wider learning accessibility for visual and tactile learners.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students' suggested reformatting the chemistry study guide to include hyperlinks and bookmarks, allowing for easier navigation within the resource.
I recommend that the chemistry teaching team collaborates with the Learning Design team to explore the possibility of converting the study guide into hyperlinks or bookmarks on the Moodle site.
Feedback from SUTE
A few students still thought the lectures were not helpful, that it was simple presentation from bullet points and there were no clear explanations.
I recommend that the chemistry teaching team maintains an ongoing process of reviewing and updating learning materials and resources, including videos and the study guide. This will ensure that the materials remain current, relevant and engaging for students.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students' feedback was to make the recorded videos more interesting and less 'monotone'. Suggestions were for more examples and in depth explanations.
I strongly recommend that the chemistry teaching team focus on enhancing the quality of the recorded videos and incorporate additional worked examples into the lectures. Current recordings are out of date, contain technical issues, and do not reflect the high standards we strive to offer to our students. Additionally, the teaching team should aim to provide extra learning resources on a weekly basis, such as links to relevant video resources, catering to the needs of visual and tactile learners. This approach will further enrich the learning experience for students.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students still do not believe that chemistry is relevant to their chosen field and need more clarity on how the content relates back to healthcare settings and scenarios and to paramedic science. This also impacted negatively on their engagement with the units learning materials.
I recommend that the teaching team continues to collaborate with relevant disciplines in the unit redesign process and proactively addresses any potential issues that may arise. Furthermore, the teaching team should foster collaborative learning among students and themselves by facilitating online Q&A sessions and discussion forums. These platforms will enable students to ask questions, seek clarifications, and engage in meaningful discussions, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience.
- Apply concepts of atomic structure to explain molecular bonding and nuclear reactivity
- Apply chemical concepts to healthcare situations
- Identify categories of organic compounds and their potential chemical interactions
- Perform basic chemical calculations.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Online Test - 30% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Microsoft Word
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
t.h.jones@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to Chemistry
Matter
Atoms and Molecules
The Periodic Table
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 1, 2 and 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Ion Formation
Bonding
Intermolecular Forces
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 4, 5, 6 and 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024Module/Topic
The Mole
Mole-Mass Conversions
Solutions and Dilutions
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 8 and 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Chemical Reactions 1
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 10 and 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - Online Quiz Due: Week 4 Monday (25 Mar 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 5
Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Chemical Reactions 2
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 11 and 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Electrolytes
Acids and Bases
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 13 and 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Buffers
Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 15 and 16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Saturated Hydrocarbons
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 17 and 18
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 06 May 2024Module/Topic
Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Compounds
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 19 and 20
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 13 May 2024Module/Topic
Alcohols
Ethers
Alkyl Halides
Thiols and Amines
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 21, 22 and 23
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 20 May 2024Module/Topic
Aldehydes and Ketones
Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives
Chapter
Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 24 and 25
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 27 May 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
All resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 - Online Test (Final Term Assessment) Due: Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
For all assessments, no answers and showing your work parts with generative artificial intelligence capabilities are to be used (e.g., ChatGPT, BERT, T5, etc.). To avoid academic misconduct, this work must be your own original work.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This Assessment Task is designed to assess your understanding of topics 1-7 (Weeks 1 & 2 Lectures) presented in this unit. This assessment requires you to apply concepts presented in lectures and tutorials to determine the answers for a series of multiple-choice questions.
The quiz is not timed and you are allowed two attempts. The highest score of the two attempts will be recorded.
Note: Quiz questions are generated randomly and you will receive different questions on subsequent attempts.
1
Other
Week 4 Monday (25 Mar 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 5 Monday (1 Apr 2024)
Marks will be released after the completion of each attempt. Answers to the quiz questions will be released after the quiz has closed.
All questions are of equal weighting. One mark will be awarded for each correct response. Incorrect responses will not incur a penalty.
- Apply concepts of atomic structure to explain molecular bonding and nuclear reactivity
2 Written Assessment
Assessment 2 - Calculations and Short Answer Questions, has been designed to assess your comprehension of the concepts presented in the unit through their application to answer a series of questions. This assessment relates to Weeks 3-6 Lectures and Tutorial contents, and Study Guide topics 8-14. All workings must be provided for answers to calculation questions. Inclusion of correct units and chemical notation is expected. Short answer questions may require you to explain, reason, describe, analyse, or evaluate information and provide an appropriately detailed written response. Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the Assessment 2 - Questions Document which will be available on the CHEM11042 Moodle site. Marks will be deducted for incorrect units in your answers. The Assessment 2 will be available on the Moodle site from Week 5, starting Monday, 1 April, 2024.
Week 8 Friday (3 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 10 Friday (17 May 2024)
Marks and feedback file will be returned to students via the Moodle site.
Maximum marks available for each question will be indicated in the Assessment 2 Written Assessment (Question document), which will be available on the CHEM11042 Moodle site. Marks will be awarded for each question or partial question as indicated in Assessment 2. No marks will be given for incorrect answers, formulas, incorrect units, or explanations.
- Apply concepts of atomic structure to explain molecular bonding and nuclear reactivity
- Apply chemical concepts to healthcare situations
- Perform basic chemical calculations.
3 Online Test
This assessment will cover content you have studied throughout this term. It will be presented in a written format accessible via the Moodle site during Week 12, with a 48-hour time window for assessment access. It is essential to attempt and submit your work within a 9-hour period after downloading the assessment questions file. Ensure your completed Assessment 3 - Final Term Assessment is uploaded to the Moodle site in the form of a Microsoft Word document.
When completing this assessment, please take note of the following:
- Attempt all questions.
- All submissions should be typed and saved as a Microsoft Word document.
- Display all calculations and detailed workings as required.
- Chemical reactions should undergo balancing.
- Provide correct units for your answers.
- The completed assessment is to be submitted via upload on the Moodle site as a Microsoft Word document only.
The breakdown of topics to be covered in Assessment 3 will be made available on the Moodle site prior to the Assessment 3 date.
Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Assessment 3 - Online Test (Final Term Assessment) is due within a 9-hour period after downloading the assessment questions file.
Review/Exam Week Monday (3 June 2024)
Marks and feedback files will be returned via the Moodle site.
Maximum marks available for each question will be indicated in the Assessment 2 (Question document), which will be available on the CHEM11042 Moodle site. Marks will be awarded for each question or partial question as indicated in Assessment 3. Deductions will occur for incorrect units in students' answers. No marks will be given for incorrect answers, formulas, explanations, organic nonmenclatures, or incorrect organic structures.
- Identify categories of organic compounds and their potential chemical interactions
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
