Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the: Bachelor of Health Science (Public and Environmental Health), Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry/Chemistry), 
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) , Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications), 
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science (Psychology/Biochemistry).

Aims & Objectives:

This unit of study aims:

• To build on the fundamentals of modern chemistry introduced in Chemistry 1.
• To prepare students for later studies which require a basic fundamental understanding of chemical principles.
• To introduce, and to begin to develop skills in, organic, physical and analytical chemistry.

At the end of this unit of study students will be able to:

• Use skills developed in introductory chemistry to carry out detailed chemical analysis of at least one compound (e.g. borax composition, acidity of red wine).
• Apply a basic understanding of thermodynamics to calculations involving, for example, the increase in temperature of a given substance when a given amount of heat is added.
• Carry out complex calculations involving the pH of weak acids and buffers.
• Apply basic knowledge of organic chemistry to determine the composition of an unknown sample.
• Show experience in the writing of aims, methodology and results associated with chemical experimentation.
• Be able to prepare, under loose guidelines, a laboratory report communicating the results of chemical experimentation.
• Understand the basic principles of analytical chemistry, particularly acid-base titrations, potentiometric and conductimetric titrations.
• Have planned and executed one project based laboratory exercise designed to identify a chemical unknown.
• Understand the nature of the chemical bond that the resultant shape of molecules.
• Know the classes of organic compounds (based on their functional groups) and how to name them (nomenclature).
• Know how to test for solubility and the common functional groups of organic chemicals.
• Have an understanding of the first law of thermodynamics and its application to heat transfer.
• Gain an introduction to chemical kinetics.
• Use appropriate problem solving skills to perform quantitative analysis of chemicals, calculations involving chemical kinetics and application of the first law of thermodynamics.
• Work cooperatively, but individually, in a team environment.
• Understand the importance of chemical safety and precautions in the chemical laboratory and other hazardous environments.
• Understand why it is now considered important to design degradable polymers and how to do so.
• To have some exposure to the  errors and uncertainty associated with experimental chemistry.
• To understand that natural and living entities exhibit analysis which varies from sample to sample and to begin to have an understanding of the variation to be expected.
• Appreciate the requirement for safety in the laboratory and duty of care for fellow students.
• Know how to record scientific observations correctly and honestly.
• Appreciate the requirement for safety in the laboratory and duty of care for fellow students.
  

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, practical classes, web based unit presence (Blackboard).

Assessment:

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students are expected to enhance several of their graduate attributes during this subject and should consult with your lecturer if not clear as to how this subject achieves this.  The graduate attributes which relate to this subject help to produce students who are:

Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.

• Have a basic understanding of the theoretical principles involved in the general area.
• Have an in-depth technical competence in the specific (core) discipline.
• Can apply specific knowledge of the (core) discipline to real situations.
• Are able to engage in informed critical inquiry.
• Have a sense of social responsibility for subject specific knowledge and its applications.
• Have an understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development.

• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Can effectively communicate within and without the subject discipline.
• Have the ability to operate locally and internationally.

Are adaptable and manage change.

• Are self-motivated.
• Have multifaceted research and problem solving skills.
• Are flexible.
• Can understand problem identification, formulation and solution.
• Have an expectation that learning is lifelong.
• Have the ability to keep learning past the lifetime of the course.

Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing.

• Have a broad understanding of the technical, social, cultural, ecological and economic environments and their interconnectedness.
• Have a broad understanding of the need for sustainability and sustainable development.
• Have a basic understanding of the need to carry out work in an ethical and socially responsible fashion.
  

Content:

• Organic Chemistry: A basic introduction to organic chemistry – the classes and structure of organic chemicals including the importance of functional groups.
• Nomenclature (naming of simple and complex organic molecules).
• An introduction to reaction mechanisms involving organic chemicals and including ways to categorise those reactions.
• Basic techniques in organic chemistry, including testing for functional groups.
• Analytical chemistry: Quantitative analysis of chemical using acid-base titrations, potentiometric and complexometric titrations and gravimetric analysis.
• How to obtain good precision in chemical analysis.
• Physical and Polymer Chemistry: A general introduction to polymers – their chemical structure and physical properties.
• Composition and formation of biological polymers and their structural properties.
• A general introduction to physical chemistry.
• Enthalpy and the first law of thermodynamics.
• An introduction to chemical kinetics.

Textbooks: