Course Title: Chemistry of Materials 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Chemistry of Materials 1

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CHEM1030

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,
Spring2016

CHEM1030

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Michelle Spencer

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 992 59697

Course Coordinator Email: michelle.spencer@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 3.02.15


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

To complete this course successfully, you should have  Year 12 chemistry, or another equivalent course..


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to Materials Chemistry. Scientific topics include:
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY: Atomic structure and bonding
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: Nomenclature, structure, bonding and reactions of hydrocarbons; reactions and properties of haloalkanes, alcohols, ethers and amines.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: Thermochemistry. Equilibria. Thermodynamics. Electrochemistry.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The course will develop your scientific, critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, and their application to the study and understanding of fundamental chemistry processes.

On completion of this course you will be able to:

  • describe the constitution of substances, together with their chemical and physico-chemical properties;
  • relate the chemical properties and physico-chemical behaviour of substances to their structure and composition;
  • use theoretical models and concepts to explain and interpret observed facts about chemical behaviour;
  • perform chemical calculations involving measurement of amount, methods of expressing concentration of solutions and stoichiometry of reactions.
  • explain the impact of chemistry on the real world, and
  • employ and apply appropriate critical and analytical thought in a scientific manner using available IT and literature resources.

The laboratory component will further develop your practical capabilities. You will:

  • be able to safely and efficiently perform simple chemical laboratory processes;
  • be able to conduct, record, analyse and interpret chemical observations and measurements;
  • be able to effectively communicate the results, at a consolidating level; and
  • develop scientific problem-solving skills


The course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry), Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours):

 

PLO-1 Understanding science

PLO-1.1   You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.

 

PLO-2 Scientific knowledge

PLO-2.1   You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with a good knowledge in its core concepts.

PLO-2.2   You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages.

 

PLO-3 Inquiry and Problem Solving

PLO-3.1   You will be able to investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems by synthesizing and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods.

PLO-3.5   You will possess an ability to accurately record, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your research findings.

 

PLO-5   Personal and professional responsibility

PLO-5.2   You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.  

PLO-5.3   You will develop an alibility to work collaboratively.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are attendance at lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples; completion of tutorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on student progress and understanding; completion of written assignments consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be provided with lists of relevant texts and references, library resources (including appropriate journals) and freely accessible Internet sites. Other material will be provided in class or can be purchased from the RMIT Bookshop. You will be able to access course information and learning material through the myRMIT Studies.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment will be based on a combination of a formal examination, assignments, a test and your performance in the laboratory, and will assess your ability to solve higher level problems in chemistry. Specifically:
• a mid-semester test and assignments during the semester, which will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the material and your ability to apply it to solving university-level problems in Chemistry; as well these will give you feedback on your progress to date;
• an end-of-semester exam, which will enable you to further demonstrate your understanding of the material and your ability to apply it to solving university-level problems in Chemistry;
• a laboratory program, which will enable you to develop and demonstrate your skills in practical chemistry.