610-161 Chemistry

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Knowledge of VCE Chemistry is assumed.

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: the composition of matter; chemical reactions and stoichemistry; atomic structure and the periodic table; measuring chemical properties and structure; molecular shape and chemical bonding; energy and equilibrium; chemistry in the geosphere and environment; carbon compounds and the biosphere.

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination at the end of Semester 1. Practical work and workshops are continuously assessed and together represent 20% of the final assessment. Practical and workshop assignments must be completed satisfactorily before credit can be granted for the subject.

Prescribed Texts

As for Chemistry 610-141