CVB101 General Chemistry
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: | CVB101 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | CZB190 |
| Equivalent(s): | EGB161 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,760 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB101 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EGB161 |
| Anti-requisite: | CZB190 |
| Coordinator: | Eric Waclawik | e.waclawik@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This foundation chemistry unit covers the core concepts and laboratory practices that we use to define the nature of atoms and the different forms of matter, to quantify chemical reactions & chemical reaction processes through the application of thermochemistry, kinetics and chemical equilibria. The understanding of these chemical concepts is essential to knowing why matter in our universe exists in specific forms and how it transforms. This knowledge is the foundation upon which the other scientific disciplines and applied disciplines are based. The knowledge and skills developed in this introductory unit are relevant to both chemistry major students and non-majors alike.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the general characteristics of atoms and molecules through problem solving, and visual representation of concepts essential to chemical bonding.
- Discuss and explain the basic principles of chemical reactions and how to use equations to describe chemical change.
- Articulate of the benefits of chemistry in the context of applications in everyday life and the many benefits that accrue from the application of chemistry and the use of chemicals.
- Safely apply basic laboratory procedures in a chemical investigation.
Content
This unit will provide a solid background in general chemistry before moving on to more advanced topics. The content and technical knowledge covered provides a broad foundation upon which a more specialised understanding of analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry will be developed. The disciplinary knowledge gained in this unit will provide a framework for quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemical reactions, including the ability to solve commonly encountered chemistry problems. Direct experience in observation of chemical reactions and development of skills in common chemical experimental techniques will be acquired in the laboratory. Topics that will be explored include:
- General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Foundations
- Elements, compounds, nomenclature.
Classes of chemical bonds, covalent vs. ionic bonding. - Chemical reaction equations.
- Stoichiometry: atomic mass, molecular mass, the mole, molar mass, quantitative analysis of reactions, solution concentrations and dilution.
Physical Chemistry - Chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier's Principle, solubility equilibria.
- Acids and bases, neutralisation/titration pH, pKa, pKb, equilibria and buffers (Henderson- Hasselbalch equation and applications)
- Organic chemistry, functional groups and transformations
- Biomolecules.
Learning Approaches
Lectures: (26 total hours, 1 x 2 hour lectures each week)
Lectures that incorporate appropriate real world examples will demonstrate theory and concepts followed by collaborative activities with feedback and discussion.
Laboratory practicals: (18 total hours, 6 x 3 hr laboratory practicals)
A set of six laboratory experiments will introduce practical analytical chemistry, chemical principles and chemical synthesis to demonstrate examples of different chemical reaction types. The practical laboratory tasks are designed to develop problem solving skills in a chemical laboratory context, where principles introduced in lectures and workshops will be demonstrated through hands on scientific tasks in a laboratory setting. Practical workshops that summarise and discuss the results will enhance student learning, with a focus on handling of numeric data and scientific communication skills commonly used by chemists.
Workshops: (14 hrs total, 7 x 2 hr workshop per week)
Workshops will consist to two parts:
- Authentic problem solving
- Practical preparation and data manipulation.
Authentic problem solving: Chemistry theoretical concepts are learned by solving authentic problems and through the development of problem solving skills as applied to chemical systems. A full understanding of chemical processes will be demonstrated by applying theory to solve chemical problems at a level appropriate for a foundation unit. The workshops are specially designed to bridge the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving. Problem solving exercises will be discussed in detail at the workshop sessions.
Practical preparation and data manipulation: For the practical component of this unit to be effective you must be prepared for the experiment before entering the practical laboratory. After the practical experiment has been performed, you must then learn to manipulate the experimental data that you collected in the laboratory and draw scientific conclusions. The workshops will introduce and discuss the practical theory, procedures and health and safety details specific to upcoming practicals.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit.
- Ongoing feedback in lectures and workshops to self/peer assess and improve understanding of key concepts.
- Oral feedback on your laboratory and workshop activities will include one-on-one feedback and instruction from the practical demonstrators.
- Workshop questions are designed to develop chemical your scientific problem solving skills. Formative questions on theory will assist in your preparation for the final theory exam and will provide regular formative feedback about your understanding of chemical reactions and processes.
- Assessment items, except the final examination, will be returned to you; model answers will be provided on Canvas. Many practice examples and worked solutions, including typical final examination questions, will also be available to guide your learning and self-test your progress. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed on your ability to conduct chemistry experiments, and to complete problem-solving tasks. You will be required to demonstrate these skills in a practical test in your final laboratory session (Assessment Item 2), as well as a written quiz based on concepts learn in laboratory and practical workshop sessions (Assessment Item 1). A comprehensive end of semester examination will cover all other unit content including theory and problem solving (Assessment Item 3).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quiz/Test
You will be assessed on your theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the semester. The practical knowledge tested will be specifically related to your practical experience in the practical laboratory sessions and workshops.
Assessment: Laboratory Assessment
During the final laboratory session, you will be presented a problem, based on concepts and skills developed in the previous laboratory sessions, in which you will need to determine the experimental set-up, perform the experiment and solve the given laboratory-based problems.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
The theory exam will use authentic problem-solving tasks to comprehensively assess content from all three sections in the unit, corresponding to the three sections formatively assessed quizzes.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
You will be required to have your own lab coat and safety glass which you can purchase from the QUT Bookshop.
Resources
All learning materials associated with this unit will be available in your Canvas unit site. The unit makes use of a series of prescribed resources, the details of which are listed below.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
CVB101 Laboratory Manual (2016) QUT.
Chemistry. Atoms First (2020) - free online text book: https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-atoms-first
McMurtrie, Schultz, Waclawik (2010) CHELP: An Essential Guide to 1st Year Chemistry at QUT, QUT
Recommended text(s)
For students who require additonal support with mathematics, this is a recommended resource that you might find useful.
Monk (2006) Maths for Chemistry, Oxford.
Risk Assessment Statement
The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual in this unit. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. 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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO4, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO4, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 1 - 6 Week A 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB101 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EGB161 |
| Anti-requisite: | CZB190 |
| Coordinator: | Eric Waclawik | e.waclawik@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This foundation chemistry unit covers the core concepts and laboratory practices that we use to define the nature of atoms and the different forms of matter, to quantify chemical reactions & chemical reaction processes through the application of thermochemistry, kinetics and chemical equilibria. The understanding of these chemical concepts is essential to knowing why matter in our universe exists in specific forms and how it transforms. This knowledge is the foundation upon which the other scientific disciplines and applied disciplines are based. The knowledge and skills developed in this introductory unit are relevant to both chemistry major students and non-majors alike.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the general characteristics of atoms and molecules through problem solving, and visual representation of concepts essential to chemical bonding.
- Discuss and explain the basic principles of chemical reactions and how to use equations to describe chemical change.
- Articulate of the benefits of chemistry in the context of applications in everyday life and the many benefits that accrue from the application of chemistry and the use of chemicals.
- Safely apply basic laboratory procedures in a chemical investigation.
Content
This unit will provide a solid background in general chemistry before moving on to more advanced topics. The content and technical knowledge covered provides a broad foundation upon which a more specialised understanding of analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry will be developed. The disciplinary knowledge gained in this unit will provide a framework for quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemical reactions, including the ability to solve commonly encountered chemistry problems. Direct experience in observation of chemical reactions and development of skills in common chemical experimental techniques will be acquired in the laboratory. Topics that will be explored include:
- General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Foundations
- Elements, compounds, nomenclature.
Classes of chemical bonds, covalent vs. ionic bonding. - Chemical reaction equations.
- Stoichiometry: atomic mass, molecular mass, the mole, molar mass, quantitative analysis of reactions, solution concentrations and dilution.
Physical Chemistry - Chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier's Principle, solubility equilibria.
- Acids and bases, neutralisation/titration pH, pKa, pKb, equilibria and buffers (Henderson- Hasselbalch equation and applications)
- Organic chemistry, functional groups and transformations
- Biomolecules.
Learning Approaches
Lectures: (26 total hours, 1 x 2 hour lectures each week)
Lectures that incorporate appropriate real world examples will demonstrate theory and concepts followed by collaborative activities with feedback and discussion.
Laboratory practicals: (18 total hours, 6 x 3 hr laboratory practicals)
A set of six laboratory experiments will introduce practical analytical chemistry, chemical principles and chemical synthesis to demonstrate examples of different chemical reaction types. The practical laboratory tasks are designed to develop problem solving skills in a chemical laboratory context, where principles introduced in lectures and workshops will be demonstrated through hands on scientific tasks in a laboratory setting. Practical workshops that summarise and discuss the results will enhance student learning, with a focus on handling of numeric data and scientific communication skills commonly used by chemists.
Workshops: (14 hrs total, 7 x 2 hr workshop per week)
Workshops will consist to two parts:
- Authentic problem solving
- Practical preparation and data manipulation.
Authentic problem solving: Chemistry theoretical concepts are learned by solving authentic problems and through the development of problem solving skills as applied to chemical systems. A full understanding of chemical processes will be demonstrated by applying theory to solve chemical problems at a level appropriate for a foundation unit. The workshops are specially designed to bridge the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving. Problem solving exercises will be discussed in detail at the workshop sessions.
Practical preparation and data manipulation: For the practical component of this unit to be effective you must be prepared for the experiment before entering the practical laboratory. After the practical experiment has been performed, you must then learn to manipulate the experimental data that you collected in the laboratory and draw scientific conclusions. The workshops will introduce and discuss the practical theory, procedures and health and safety details specific to upcoming practicals.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit.
- Ongoing feedback in lectures and workshops to self/peer assess and improve understanding of key concepts.
- Oral feedback on your laboratory and workshop activities will include one-on-one feedback and instruction from the practical demonstrators.
- Workshop questions are designed to develop chemical your scientific problem solving skills. Formative questions on theory will assist in your preparation for the final theory exam and will provide regular formative feedback about your understanding of chemical reactions and processes.
- Assessment items, except the final examination, will be returned to you; model answers will be provided on Canvas. Many practice examples and worked solutions, including typical final examination questions, will also be available to guide your learning and self-test your progress. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed on your ability to conduct chemistry experiments, and to complete problem-solving tasks. You will be required to demonstrate these skills in a practical test in your final laboratory session (Assessment Item 2), as well as a written quiz based on concepts learn in laboratory and practical workshop sessions (Assessment Item 1). A comprehensive end of semester examination will cover all other unit content including theory and problem solving (Assessment Item 3).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quiz/Test
You will be assessed on your theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the semester. The practical knowledge tested will be specifically related to your practical experience in the practical laboratory sessions and workshops.
Assessment: Laboratory Assessment
During the final laboratory session, you will be presented a problem, based on concepts and skills developed in the previous laboratory sessions, in which you will need to determine the experimental set-up, perform the experiment and solve the given laboratory-based problems.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
The theory exam will use authentic problem-solving tasks to comprehensively assess content from all three sections in the unit, corresponding to the three sections formatively assessed quizzes.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
You will be required to have your own lab coat and safety glass which you can purchase from the QUT Bookshop.
Resources
All learning materials associated with this unit will be available in your Canvas unit site. The unit makes use of a series of prescribed resources, the details of which are listed below.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
CVB101 Laboratory Manual (2016) QUT.
Chemistry. Atoms First (2020) - free online text book: https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-atoms-first
McMurtrie, Schultz, Waclawik (2010) CHELP: An Essential Guide to 1st Year Chemistry at QUT, QUT
Recommended text(s)
For students who require additonal support with mathematics, this is a recommended resource that you might find useful.
Monk (2006) Maths for Chemistry, Oxford.
Risk Assessment Statement
The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual in this unit. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. 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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO4, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO4, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 - 6 Week C 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | CVB101 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EGB161 |
| Anti-requisite: | CZB190 |
Overview
This foundation chemistry unit covers the core concepts and laboratory practices that we use to define the nature of atoms and the different forms of matter, to quantify chemical reactions & chemical reaction processes through the application of thermochemistry, kinetics and chemical equilibria. The understanding of these chemical concepts is essential to knowing why matter in our universe exists in specific forms and how it transforms. This knowledge is the foundation upon which the other scientific disciplines and applied disciplines are based. The knowledge and skills developed in this introductory unit are relevant to both chemistry major students and non-majors alike. CVB102 Chemical Structure & Reactivity builds on this unit by focusing on applications to chemical reactions and their relationship to chemical structure, with a particular focus on organic chemical synthesis and laboratory practices and reporting requirements with regards to organic chemistry.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the general characteristics of atoms and molecules through problem solving, and visual representation of concepts essential to chemical bonding.
- Discuss and explain the basic principles of chemical reactions and how to use equations to describe chemical change.
- Articulate of the benefits of chemistry in the context of applications in everyday life and the many benefits that accrue from the application of chemistry and the use of chemicals.
- Safely apply basic laboratory procedures in a chemical investigation.
Content
This unit will be taught in block mode with CVB102 - Chemical Structure and Reactivity to provide a solid background in general chemistry before moving on to more advanced topics. The content and technical knowledge covered provides a broad foundation upon which a more specialised understanding of analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry will be developed. The disciplinary knowledge gained in this unit will provide a framework for quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemical reactions, including the ability to solve commonly encountered chemistry problems. Direct experience in observation of chemical reactions and development of skills in common chemical experimental techniques will be acquired in the laboratory. Topics that will be explored include:
- General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Foundations
- Elements, compounds, nomenclature.
Classes of chemical bonds, covalent vs. ionic bonding. - Chemical reaction equations.
- Stoichiometry: atomic mass, molecular mass, the mole, molar mass, quantitative analysis of reactions, solution concentrations and dilution.
Physical Chemistry - Gases: properties of gases, ideal gas equation, Dalton's Law of partial pressure.
- Chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier's Principle, solubility equilibria.
- Acids and bases, neutralisation/titration pH, pKa, pKb, equilibria and buffers (Henderson- Hasselbalch equation and applications)
- Organic chemistry, functional groups and transformations
- Biomolecules.
Learning Approaches
This unit will be delivered in block mode with CVB102 - Chemical Structure and Reactivity. As such all learning activities for CVB101 will be taught only from weeks 1 - 6, with joint revision classes being provided during week 13. It is recommended that students enrol in CVB101 and CVB102 in the same semester.
Lectorials: (24 total hours, 2 x 2 hour interactive lectures per week, weeks 1 - 6)
Interactive lectures that incorporate appropriate real world examples to demonstrate theory and concepts followed by collaborative activities with feedback and discussion.
Laboratory practicals: (15 total hours, 1 x 3 hr laboratory practical per week, weeks 1-5)
A set of five laboratory experiments will introduce practical analytical chemistry and demonstrate different chemical reaction types. The practical laboratory tasks are designed to develop problem solving skills in a chemical laboratory context, where principles introduced in lectorials will be demonstrated through hands on scientific tasks in a laboratory setting. Practical workshops summarising and discussing the results will enhance student learning, with a focus on handling of numeric data and scientific communication skills commonly used by chemists.
Workshops: (12 hrs total, 1 x 2 hr workshop per week, weeks 1-6)
Workshops will consist to two parts:
- Authentic problem solving
- Practical preparation and data manipulation.
Authentic problem solving: Chemistry theoretical concepts are learned by solving authentic problems and through the development of problem solving skills as applied to chemical systems. A full understanding of chemical processes will be demonstrated by applying theory to solve chemical problems at a level appropriate for a foundation unit. The workshops employ the QUT CHELP guide, which is specially designed to assist in bridging the gap between theory, practical experiment and scientific problem solving. Problem solving exercises will be discussed in detail at the workshop sessions.
Practical preparation and data manipulation: For the practical component of this unit to be effective you must be prepared for the experiment before entering the practical laboratory. After the practical experiment has been performed, you must then learn to manipulate the experimental data that you collected in the laboratory and draw scientific conclusions. The workshops will introduce and discuss the practical theory, procedures and health and safety details specific to upcoming practicals. Students will also workshop the actual data collected in the previous practical experiments, including calculations, data handling and post-practical conclusions.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit.
- Ongoing feedback in lectorials to self/peer assess and improve understanding of key concepts.
- Oral feedback on your laboratory and workshop activities will include one-on-one feedback and instruction from the practical demonstrators.
- Quizzes will provide regular formative feedback about your understanding of chemical concepts and development of your scientific problem solving skills. The quizzes will assist in your preparation for the final theory exam.
- Assessment items, except the final examination, will be returned to you; model answers will be provided on Canvas. Many practice examples and worked solutions, including typical final examination questions, will also be available to guide your learning and self-test your progress. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed on your ability to conduct chemistry experiments, and to complete problem-solving tasks. You will be required to demonstrate these skills in a practical test in your final laboratory session (Assessment Item 2), as well as a written quiz based on concepts learn in laboratory and practical workshop sessions (Assessment Item 1). A comprehensive end of semester examination will cover all other unit content including theory and problem solving (Assessment Item 3).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quiz/Test
You will be assessed on your theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the semester. The practical knowledge tested will be specifically related to your practical experience in the practical laboratory sessions and workshops.
Assessment: Laboratory Assessment
During the final laboratory session, you will be presented a problem, based on concepts and skills developed in the previous laboratory sessions, in which you will need to determine the experimental set-up, perform the experiment and solve the given laboratory-based problems.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination
The theory exam will use authentic problem-solving tasks to comprehensively assess content from all three sections in the unit, corresponding to the three sections formatively assessed quizzes.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
You will be required to have your own lab coat and safety glass which you can purchase from the QUT Bookshop.
Resources
All learning materials associated with this unit will be available in your Canvas unit site. The unit makes use of a series of prescribed resources, the details of which are listed below.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
CVB101 Laboratory Manual (2016) QUT.
Chemistry. Atoms First (2020) - free online text book: https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-atoms-first
McMurtrie, Schultz, Waclawik (2010) CHELP: An Essential Guide to 1st Year Chemistry at QUT, QUT
Recommended text(s)
For students who require additonal support with mathematics, this is a recommended resource that you might find useful.
Monk (2006) Maths for Chemistry, Oxford.
Risk Assessment Statement
The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual in this unit. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. 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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO4, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO4, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Laboratory Assessment, Examination