610-051 Chemistry (Biomedical Science A)

VCE Chemistry or its equivalent.

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; and 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; and 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), and bonding and structure in organic molecules.

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.

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