SEB124 Understanding 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: | SEB124 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | SEB115 |
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $559 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $2,340 |
| International unit fee | $2,880 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 - 6 Week B 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | SEB124 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Anti-requisite: | SEB115 |
| Coordinators: | Tim Dargaville | t.dargaville@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Chemistry, the science of molecules, gives us the tools we need to make sense of the world around us. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world and appears in all science disciplines, including physics, biology, earth and environmental science. Therefore, this subject is designed to develop your understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and an opportunity to explore chemistry in the context of different science disciplines. This unit explores the structure of atoms, how atoms bond to form molecules, and the models chemists use to understand molecular structure, including an understanding of isomers. This knowledge is then applied to understand how chemical bonding and intermolecular forces work together to influence properties of macromolecules and materials. Through the practical aspects of this unit, you will develop professional skills in chemical manipulation, safe and sustainable laboratory practices, data recording and analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply fundamental concepts of chemistry to explain chemical bonding, molecular structure and chemical reactivity as related to your science discipline.
- Connect concepts in chemistry to other science disciplines.
- Conduct basic laboratory experiments safely to investigate properties and reactivity of chemical substances.
Content
Topics will include
- Atomic structure
- Periodic trends
- Models of bonding and isomers
- Intermolecular interactions
- Relationships between molecular bonding and physical and chemical properties
- Laboratory experiments including an evaluation of sustainability.
Learning Approaches
This unit will use a blended approach to teaching and learning, using a combination of independent online study activities, face-to-face workshops and practical sessions to build a strong foundational understanding of chemistry. During the scheduled classes you will have the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams to provide you with new perspectives. You can expect to commit on average between 10 - 15 hours per week to the study of this unit including online preparation, attending scheduled labs, workshops, undertaking assessment and independent learning. Specifically this will consist of:
Guided self-paced learning
Pre-class activities will be completed through Canvas each week to provide the foundational knowledge required for effective participation in the workshops. This will include background readings, short video recordings of key concepts, and online quizzes.
Workshops
In these workshops you will work collaboratively in small groups, supported by the guidance of our experienced teaching staff to apply the theory learnt through independent study to authentic chemistry problems.
Practicals
In laboratory practical classes you will learn how to safely handle chemical substances, perform simple chemical tests and reactions, and develop skills in recording, analysing and communicating experimental observations and data.
If you are experiencing difficulty learning the concepts associated with this unit, you are encouraged to speak to your tutor early to discuss your concerns. You are reminded that QUT offers FREE STEM for Science Student Workshops, peer support sessions and academic help consultations and workshops throughout the year, which are available to all students.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your knowledge and understanding of concepts throughout the teaching period in each of the workshops for this unit. The quizzes for this unit will provide regular feedback about your understanding of chemical concepts and development of your scientific problem solving skills. The performance of the class on these quizzes, and the common areas of concern or strength will be discussed in the weekly workshops. Additional feedback is provided during laboratories where both practical work and problem solving tasks are reviewed and individual written feedback on the summative assessment task provided on the rubric. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed by a portfolio that combines online quizzes, and the problem solving activities developed during the workshops with a workbook used to gather and interpret data in the laboratory.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quiz
You will be assessed on the theoretical concepts explored in the first three weeks of the unit.
Assessment: Portfolio
In this unit, you will be assessed on your theoretical knowledge and problem solving skills gained throughout the teaching block via problem solving exercises during selected 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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
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.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Openstax College Chemistry textbook available for free from: https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e
Understanding Chemistry Workshop and Laboratory Guide (QUT)
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.
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, Quiz, Portfolio - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Quiz, Portfolio - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio - 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: ULO3, Portfolio
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, Quiz, Portfolio - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Quiz, Portfolio - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio - 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: ULO3, Portfolio
Unit Outline: Semester 2 - 6 Week D 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | SEB124 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Anti-requisite: | SEB115 |
| Coordinators: | Kathleen Mullen | kathleen.mullen@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Chemistry, the science of molecules, gives us the tools we need to make sense of the world around us. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world and appears in all science disciplines, including physics, biology, earth and environmental science. Therefore, this subject is designed to develop your understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and an opportunity to explore chemistry in the context of different science disciplines. This unit explores the structure of atoms, how atoms bond to form molecules, and the models chemists use to understand molecular structure, including an understanding of isomers. This knowledge is then applied to understand how chemical bonding and intermolecular forces work together to influence properties of macromolecules and materials. Through the practical aspects of this unit, you will develop professional skills in chemical manipulation, safe and sustainable laboratory practices, data recording and analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply fundamental concepts of chemistry to explain chemical bonding, molecular structure and chemical reactivity as related to your science discipline.
- Connect concepts in chemistry to other science disciplines.
- Conduct basic laboratory experiments safely to investigate properties and reactivity of chemical substances.
Content
Topics will include
- Atomic structure
- Periodic trends
- Models of bonding and isomers
- Intermolecular interactions
- Relationships between molecular bonding and physical and chemical properties
- Laboratory experiments including an evaluation of sustainability.
Learning Approaches
This unit will use a blended approach to teaching and learning, using a combination of independent online study activities, face-to-face workshops and practical sessions to build a strong foundational understanding of chemistry. During the scheduled classes you will have the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams to provide you with new perspectives. You can expect to commit on average between 10 - 15 hours per week to the study of this unit including online preparation, attending scheduled labs, workshops, undertaking assessment and independent learning. Specifically this will consist of:
Guided self-paced learning
Pre-class activities will be completed through Canvas each week to provide the foundational knowledge required for effective participation in the workshops. This will include background readings, short video recordings of key concepts, and online quizzes.
Workshops
In these workshops you will work collaboratively in small groups, supported by the guidance of our experienced teaching staff to apply the theory learnt through independent study to authentic chemistry problems.
Practicals
In laboratory practical classes you will learn how to safely handle chemical substances, perform simple chemical tests and reactions, and develop skills in recording, analysing and communicating experimental observations and data.
If you are experiencing difficulty learning the concepts associated with this unit, you are encouraged to speak to your tutor early to discuss your concerns. You are reminded that QUT offers FREE STEM for Science Student Workshops, peer support sessions and academic help consultations and workshops throughout the year, which are available to all students.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your knowledge and understanding of concepts throughout the teaching period in each of the workshops for this unit. The quizzes for this unit will provide regular feedback about your understanding of chemical concepts and development of your scientific problem solving skills. The performance of the class on these quizzes, and the common areas of concern or strength will be discussed in the weekly workshops. Additional feedback is provided during laboratories where both practical work and problem solving tasks are reviewed and individual written feedback on the summative assessment task provided on the rubric. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit, you will be assessed by a portfolio that combines online quizzes, and the problem solving activities developed during the workshops with a workbook used to gather and interpret data in the laboratory.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Quiz
You will be assessed on the theoretical concepts explored in the first three weeks of the unit.
Assessment: Portfolio
In this unit, you will be assessed on your theoretical knowledge and problem solving skills gained throughout the teaching block via problem solving exercises during selected 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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
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.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Openstax College Chemistry textbook available for free from: https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e
Understanding Chemistry Workshop and Laboratory Guide (QUT)
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.
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, Quiz, Portfolio - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Quiz, Portfolio - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio - 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: ULO3, Portfolio
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, Quiz, Portfolio - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Quiz, Portfolio - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio - 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: ULO3, Portfolio