SEB109 Chemical explorations
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | SEB109 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Only students in START QUT (SQ02) are permitted to study in this unit. |
| Antirequisite(s): | SEB124, SEB107 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $5,952 |
Unit Outline: Summer 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | SEB109 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Only students in START QUT (SQ02) are permitted to study in this unit. |
| Anti-requisite: | SEB107 |
| Anti-requisite: | SEB124 |
| Coordinator: | Patrick Moss | p2.moss@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, you will explore one of the major disciplines of science, Chemistry, the science of molecules. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world and appears in all science disciplines, including physics, biology, earth and environmental science. This unit is designed to develop your understanding of the basic principles of chemistry while exploring chemistry in the context of different grand scientific challenges. Through the practical aspects of this unit, you will develop professional skills in chemical manipulation, safe and sustainable laboratory practices, data recording and analysis. Importantly you will explore the contributions and integral role of First Nations peoples in the advancement of Australian science and how developing this partnership is critical for scientists in the 21st Century.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Conduct scientific investigation that is respectful of cultural context of the research and its location and adheres to the regulatory and ethical standards expected of contemporary scientists.
- Apply fundamental concepts of chemistry to explain chemical bonding, molecular structure and chemical reactivity and conduct scientific experiments safely to investigate properties, reactivities and uses of chemical substances.
- Synthesise knowledge from appropriate sources to communicate scientific concepts, principles and practices in a socially conscious way.
Content
Increasingly, the work of a scientist relies on the ability to understand and work within multicultural and interdisciplinary teams to respond to, or manage, broad and complex challenges. In this unit you will learn about the exciting, challenging and changing nature of contemporary Australian science. How a modern scientist must be open-minded and inclusive, understanding that sourcing knowledge from a broad base of reliable sources such as First Nations histories and cultures, will allow new ideas and solutions to form. This mindset will differentiate you as a modern and adaptable thinker.
You will explore scientific examples in the broader field of chemistry where collaborations and exploration of material culture /practices have resulted in the production of novel solutions or products that have significant contemporary societal impacts. Foundation chemistry principles will be practiced and applied (e.g. atomic structure, periodic trends, models of bonding and isomers, intermolecular interactions and the relationships between bonding and physical and chemical properties) in the context of real world scientific applications (e.g. First Nations native plant medicine, clean energy and sustainability, atmospheric chemistry and its relation to climate science).
Learning Approaches
Using an inquiry-based learning approach, you will participate in authentic hands-on scientific workshops and laboratory activities to experience science in action firsthand. Your learning will be carefully guided and scaffolded by the teaching staff, but you will be expected to develop some self-directed learning capabilities to facilitate your transition from dependent to an independent learner. Learning in this unit includes pre-class activities (in the form of background readings, short video concepts, and online quizzes), hands-on-workshops where you will work collaboratively in small groups on authentic scientific enquiry activities, and laboratory practical classes where you will learn how to perform simple chemical tests and reactions, and develop skills in recording, analysing and communicating experimental observations.
Learning in this unit will start with a face-to-face orientation session where you will be introduced to the unit and resources and will have an opportunity to connect with your peers. You will be guided to undertake pre-class readings and activities in your own time in preparation for a two-week face-to-face intensive block. During the intensive block you will engage in scaffolded activities with peers during the day and undertake independent work on assessment in your own time.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will have a range of opportunities to receive feedback on your learning and progress in this unit including formative in-class, individual or whole-of-class feedback on your work by tutors and peers as well as individual feedback on assessment tasks via a rubric and written feedback. Individual consultations with your tutor can be arranged at a mutually convenient time.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed on your theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills gained throughout the unit via portfolio of practical exercises during selected workshops and laboratory experiences. You will also engage with contemporary scientific sources while developing your science writing and communication skills. Opportunities to demonstrate learning at a base and extension level with be provided. Formative feedback will be provided regularly in workshops and laboratories as you create your portfolio, annotated bibliography and poster.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio
You will be assessed on your theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills gained throughout the unit via problem solving exercises during workshops and laboratory experiences. Opportunities to demonstrate learning at a base and extension level with be provided. Formative feedback will be provided regularly in workshops and laboratories as you create your portfolio.
Assessment: Annotated Bibliography
You are required to prepare an annotated bibliography that includes a variety of primary, secondary and tertiary evidence that can be used as evidence in science. You will need to identify and explain the situations for the appropriate use of different forms of evidence.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Scientific Poster
You will be required to prepare and present a scientific poster inspired by First Nations Australian contributions to scientific challenges. Your poster will be presented to an audience at a scientific conference at culmination of the unit.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Nil
Resources
Library and web-based information.
Within this unit you will undertake workshop and laboratory-based work. Where relevant, you will be provided with a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments will be clearly explained in the unit materials. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.
Risk Assessment Statement
Risks may be associated with the practical aspects of this unit. QUT has a formal risk assessment process that can be used to determine types of risks and how you should handle them.