610-141 Chemistry

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

VCE Chemistry.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Upon completion of this subject students should have an understanding of:

• the place of chemistry in society and the physical environment;
• the structure of matter;
• the nature of chemical equilibria;
• the structures of hydrocarbon and main group molecules;
• the important functional groups;
• the nature of techniques of measurement, the evolution of current theories, the terminology used (nomenclature).

In the practical component students should develop:

• basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical technique, report writing);
• oral communication skills;
• independent learning skills;
• an appreciation of the health and safety issues associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals.

The subject provides an introduction to; nuclear chemistry; atomic spectra and structure; periodic properties; terrestrial forms of the elements; molecules: shapes and bonding; solids: bonding types of solids; intermolecular forces; equilibria; acid-base chemistry; gases (the atmosphere); structure and bonding of inorganic molecules (the geosphere); structure and bonding of organic molecules (the biosphere).

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination at the end of Semester 1. Practical work is continuously assessed and short tests may be given during the semester. These together represent 20% of the final assessment. Practical work must be completed satisfactorily before credit can be granted for the subject.

Prescribed Texts

Book: Zumdahl, S., Chemical Principles, (3rd ed D C Heath and Company 1997)

• McMurry J., Organic Chemistry. (4th ed Brooks/Cole 1997).