610-051 Chemistry (Biomedical Science A)

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

VCE Chemistry or its equivalent.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Upon completion of 610-051 students should have an understanding of: the place of chemistry in a biomedical context; the nature of gases; the nature of chemical equilibria; the structure of matter; the nature of hydrocarbons.

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: gases (solubility, diffusion), energy (sources, food), reaction rates and equilibria (catalysis), acid-base chemistry, atomic spectra and structure (spectroscopy), bonding and structure in organic molecules.

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination at the end of Semester which represents 80% of the final assessment. 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

• Zumdahl S, Chemical Principles. (3rd ed D C Heath 1997).
• McMurry J, Organic Chemistry. (4th ed Brooks/Cole 1992).