610-141 Chemistry

Note

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

VCE Chemistry.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Upon completion of 610-141 students should have an understanding of the place of chemistry in society and the physical environment; the nature of gases; basic energy concepts; the nature of chemical change; 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 techniques, 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: stoichiometry; gases; energy (enthalpy and thermochemistry); chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; acid-base chemistry; atomic spectra and atomic structure; structure and bonding of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes; benzene and its derivatives; functional groups; spectroscopy and determination of structure.

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 1997).