Chemistry 1A

Unit code: RCS1601 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
St Albans
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

Chemistry 1A provides studies in fundamental chemical principles and alongside Chemistry 1B, serves as a foundation for further studies in chemistry and other sciences. Content is delivered via the VU Block Model including online activities, instructor-led class discussions and theory put into practice with complementary laboratory exercises. Study topics comprise: units and measurements; classification and properties of matter; atomic structure; ionic and organic compounds; solutions; chemical reactions; states of matter and solutions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Establish and consolidate the fundamental principles and skills of chemistry;
  2. Contextualise the underlying fundamental principles on which the chemistry discipline is based so as to build a foundation of knowledge from which to pursue further studies in chemistry and related roles;
  3. Solve structured predictable problems relating to the chemical nature of matter and its measurement including problems in atomic structure, mole concept, periodic law, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, gases and solutions;
  4. Apply quantitative analytical methodology in collaborative settings including assessing the quality of the results and reporting and discussing the results so as to build professional capabilities in the experimental aspects of chemistry and chemistry communication; and,
  5. Work effectively, ethically and safely in an individual or team context in a laboratory setting.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 25%
Report and oral defence
Assessment type: Laboratory Work
|
Grade: 30%
Reports, practical skills and test
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 45%
Three theory tests (15%, 45 min each)

Laboratory skills are a critical part of the Learning Outcomes of this Unit and therefore students MUST pass the laboratory component in order to pass the Unit. To pass the laboratory component of the unit students must (i) score 50% or greater in the laboratory component; (ii) attend all six laboratory sessions and submit a laboratory report for each session attended and; (iii) attend the laboratory test. Students who fail to meet ANY of these three requirements should consult the current unit guide for further important information about assessment.

Required reading

Chemistry for Today: General, Organic and Biochemistry
Seager, S.L., Slabaugh, M.R. and Hansen, M.S., (2022) | Cengage Learning, Boston, MA, USA

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Biomedical Science
HBBS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
HBES | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Biomedicine
HBBM | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Human Nutrition
HBNT | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics
HCND | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years
Bachelor of Science
NBSC | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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