Availabilities:

2021 unit offering information will be available in November 2020

Unit description

Provides an introduction to basic chemical concepts in inorganic and organic chemistry. It includes atomic and molecular theory, bonding, the periodic table, and chemical reactions important in understanding the nature of geological materials, chemical processes in biological systems, water chemistry, and pollution. Laboratory classes complement lecture content, and provide experience in basic practical techniques.

Unit content

  • Introduction to chemistry for the non-scientist
  • Atomic theory, structure, the periodic table, chemical formula
  • Chemical bonding
  • Chemical reactions and equation
  • Mass, moles, molarity, stoichiometry
  • Gases, liquids and solids and their intermolecular forces
  • Solutions and concentrations
  • Acids, bases, pH, oxidation and reduction
  • Inorganic and organic chemistry
  • Nuclear chemistry
  • Chemistry of the earth

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1understand the basic concepts of chemistry including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, reactions and equations, solutions, and acids and basesIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
2discuss basic environmental chemistry, especially the causes, effects, and methods of determining water pollutionIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
3be familiar with introductory concepts of organic chemistry and their relevance to environmental chemistryIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
4use and care for basic laboratory equipmentIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5accurately carry out the following basic techniques - titrations, gravimetric analysis and preparation of standard solutionsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
6accurately carry out analytical techniques to determine some chemical characteristics of water.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. understand the basic concepts of chemistry including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, reactions and equations, solutions, and acids and bases
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  2. discuss basic environmental chemistry, especially the causes, effects, and methods of determining water pollution
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  3. be familiar with introductory concepts of organic chemistry and their relevance to environmental chemistry
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  4. use and care for basic laboratory equipment
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. accurately carry out the following basic techniques - titrations, gravimetric analysis and preparation of standard solutions
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  6. accurately carry out analytical techniques to determine some chemical characteristics of water.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2021 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 2

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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