Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Concepts in Chemistry

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CHEM1039

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

CHEM1039

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Professor Sylvia Urban

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3376

Course Coordinator Email: sylvia.urban@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 3.2.14

Course Coordinator Availability: By email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

It is recommended to have satisfactorily completed the following course/s before you commence this course: 

Alternatively, if you have the equivalent skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.  

Please contact your course coordinator for further details.   


Course Description

This course builds on the basic knowledge of chemistry gained in first year University-level Chemistry. 

The course will extend and deepen fundamental principles and chemical language, as well introduce many important new concepts in Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. 

The course will allow you to develop an advanced level of critical thinking and problem solving in Inorganic, Organic and Physical chemistry. These skills are required of professional scientists in solving structural, energetic and kinetic problems associated with chemical, biological and physical processes. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs: 

BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Chemistry Major)

PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.

BH101 - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar)(Honours)

PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline
PLO 2.2 You will have advanced knowledge in specialized areas of your chosen discipline
PLO 2.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methodology appropriate to your discipline
PLO 3.1 You will be able to concisely state research questions, and use them to design and plan a research project
PLO 3.2 You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization
PLO 3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively
PLO 3.5 You will possess an ability to accurately record, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your research findings

BP229APCH - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)     

PLO 2.1 You have exhibited depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry

BP229P7 - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)           

PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts
PLO 3.1 You will be able to plan and carry out a research project under supervision, showing the development of some capacity for independent work

BP230P7 Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)
BP230NCH - Bachelor of Science (Nanochemistry)  
BP247ASCDD - Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)        

PLO 1.3 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO 3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.

BP305ACDD - Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Business (Management)          

PLO 2.1 Exhibit depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry.

BH098SACDD - Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)               

PLO 2.1 Graduates have exhibited depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry
PLO 3.1 The graduate will be able to investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 


On completion of the course you should be able to:  

  1. Relate bonding principles introduced in first year to discriminate the structure, bonding and properties of simple transition metal complexes;
  2. Apply basic stereochemical and functional group principles to more complex organic molecules and examine reactions and reactivity of carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes, ketones and their derivatives;
  3. Explain and apply basic principles of thermodynamics and apply these to the operation of chemical systems;
  4. Identify how properties of real solutions are determined and show how they differ from ideality. 


Overview of Learning Activities

This is a theory-based course, with a combination of online pre-recorded lectures, lectorial problem-solving sessions, supported by online material available through Canvas. Across all units, you will be expected to undertake tutorial problems to assist with the development of logical thinking and problem-solving skills.  This activity will guide you with the accumulation of a suitable body of knowledge in the topic area and provide you with an indication of your understanding of the lecture material. 

Recorded lectures and related references/resources will present you with the key concepts and information relevant to the understanding across the three units of Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. You will be expected to participate in the face-to-face lectorial sessions that will largely consist of problem-based activities and complete the assessments across the three units.   

The learning activities specific to this course are: 

  • participate by listening to on-line recordings of lectures, where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the course will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples; 
  • completion of revision tutorial questions/work tasks designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to provide feedback on student progress and understanding; 
  • completion of quizzes requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; 
  • private study, working through the course and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems 

Self-directed learning: You are expected to undertake self-directed learning activities to develop and consolidate your knowledge across the two units. The activities associated with this course are designed to enable you to better develop independent learning skills to support your commitment to lifelong learning as a science professional and a university graduate. The self-directed learning activities will also support your knowledge of the material covered in the formal learning program and enhance the consolidation and application of that knowledge. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Problem-based tests (Written) (Organic and Inorganic Chemistry)  
Weighting 50% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2

Assessment Task 2: Physical Chemistry Assignment (Written)
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3 & 4

Assessment Task 3: On-line Quizzes (Physical and Inorganic Chemistry)
Weighting 35% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3 & 4

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.