65111 Chemistry 1
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Description
The study of chemistry is central to an understanding of the world around us and is relevant to all other science areas, such as physics, biology, geology and the environment at the fundamental level. This subject is designed to develop the student's understanding of the basic principles of chemistry.
Topics covered include an introduction to matter, chemical reactions, atomic structure, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, intermolecular forces and crystal structures, molecular geometry, equilibrium, and acid-base equilibria. The subject provides the requisite knowledge and skills for 65212 Chemistry 2.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Understand and apply key chemistry principles |
|---|---|
| 2. | Qualitatively monitor chemical reactions and explain observations through the use of chemical equations. |
| 3. | Apply quantitative skills to solve chemistry problems. |
| 4. | Demonstrate basic practical skills including appropriate use of laboratory equipment and proper laboratory practice. |
| 5. | Identify and understand the contribution that chemistry has to the greater scientific community as well as the many applications it has to the real world. |
| 6. | Express chemistry concepts in a clear manner for a range of audiences through a variety of written and verbal forms. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Graduate Attribute 1 - Disciplinary knowledge
In this subject, you will gain a foundational understanding of chemistry and its relevance across various scientific disciplines. Your knowledge will be enhanced through online pre-recorded lectures, online self-test quizzes, and practical classes held on campus. You will also acquire practical skills and knowledge during experimental practical classes. Assessment will occur through practical activities, practical examinations, and a chemistry communication exercise.
Graduate Attribute 3 - Professional, ethical and social responsibility
You will gain comprehension and proficiency in essential skills crucial for your growth as a professional scientist. These skills, developed during practical classes, include problem-solving, experimental techniques, teamwork, and professional conduct in the laboratory. Problem-solving skills will be honed through in-lab questions and assessed in laboratory quizzes. Experimental skills will be cultivated during experimental practical classes and evaluated in practical examinations. Additionally, your professionalism and teamwork in the laboratory will be developed and assessed through pre-lab exercises and hands-on experimental work.
In your study of chemistry, it’s crucial to recognise its impact across various scientific domains. Understanding the underlying chemical principles in practical applications is key. The lecture material will emphasise these connections by relating them to specific real-world scenarios. You’ll demonstrate this understanding through a chemistry communication assessment, where you’ll identify and explain chemistry concepts and their relevance to the scientific community and society at large.
Graduate Attribute 5 - Communication
As you develop into a professional scientist, communication skills become essential. In this subject, you will engage with various media to convey results and ideas effectively. Your understanding of communication in science will grow through online resources that outline effective practices. Early in the session, you will summarise a recent chemistry news article, reinforcing these skills. Throughout the course, you will communicate results in your practical manual, which will be assessed during class. Finally, a chemistry communication assessment at the end of the session will evaluate your ability to concisely summarise information and express complex ideas through written, visual, and verbal means.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject consists of online asynchronous lecture material, on campus practical classes and online independent learning activities.
Lecture material
- 1.5 hours of online lecture material is posted to Canvas each week.
- You can choose to watch the recordings at a time and pace that suits you.
- It is recommended that you watch all lectures to develop a complete understanding of the content.
Practical classes
- 3 hours of practical classes are held on campus each week.
- The practical classes are an essential part of the subject as they will consolidate your understanding of theoretical concepts delivered in the lectures.
- You will also develop important practical skills, an understanding of laboratory safety and experience working in small teams, all of which are skills highly desired by future employers.
Independent learning activities
- Numerous independent learning activities feature throughout Chemistry 1, accessed through Canvas and Mastering Chemistry (an online chemistry learning software where students can engage with homework questions, tutorials and chemistry videos).
- These activities are designed to support active learning in class and to test understanding of concepts.
- Pre-laboratory exercises are designed to be completed before attending practical classes.
- Extensive feedback in the form of hints and adaptive follow-up questions are provided to help you achieve all learning outcomes.
Content (topics)
You will learn about the importance of chemistry as a central science underpinning many modern scientific discoveries and innovations. The topics you will cover includes:
- Atoms, elements and the Periodic Table - atomic structure, ions, ionic compounds, trends of the Periodic Table
- Chemical reactions - chemical equations, precipitation, neutralisation, combustion, reduction-oxidation (redox)
- Quantitative chemistry - moles, stoichiometry, limiting reagents, yield, titrations, calibration curves, spectrophotometry
- Chemical equilibrium - equilibrium constant, Le Chatelier's principle, ICE tables
- Acid-base equilibria - pH, strength of acids/bases, acid dissociation constant
- Chemical bonding - ionic and covalent bonds, Lewis diagrams, bond polarity, bond enthalpy
- Molecular geometry - shapes of molecules, VSEPR theory, hybridisation
- Intermolecular forces - types of intermolecular forces, properties of liquids, bonding in solids
Assumed Knowledge: basic skills in mathematics (algebra, graph plotting, properties of logarithms) and proficiency in written and spoken English are assumed.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory-based Assessment
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your content knowledge, your ability to explain and interpret results, as well as your organisational and interpersonal skills. Your capacity to work both independently and within a team environment is also assessed. |
Assessment task 2: Practical Examination
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your technical skills, accuracy and precision, application of knowledge and problem-solving skills. You will also be assessed based on the correctness of your response to assessed questions. |
Assessment task 3: Chemistry Communication Exercise
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to communicate and summarise complex chemistry information through written, visual and verbal means. |
Minimum requirements
Practical classes are an essential and integral part of this subject. In addition to assisting students’ understanding of concepts, practical classes develop laboratory skills and experience, including safety skills, that are essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, students are strongly recommended to complete all scheduled practical classes. Failure to attend a class that is associated with an assessment item will attract a mark of zero for that assessment item unless an acceptable reason for absence, supported by relevant documentary evidence, is provided to the Chemistry 1 email address (chemistry1@uts.edu.au).
Recommended texts
The primary recommended text in Chemistry 1 is:
- Bursten, B. E., LeMay, H. E., Brown, T., Murphy, C., Woodward, P., Stoltzfus, M. E. (2021). Chemistry: The Central Science in SI Units, Expanded Edition, EBook, 15th [Global Edition]. United Kingdom: Pearson Education.
Note: UTS has paid for your access to the E-Text version of the Textbook. You will be shown how to access this via the Chemistry 1 Canvas site in the first practical class.