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Essentials of Chemistry
UndergraduateLTU-CHM1012025
Start a chain reaction with a grounding in chemistry designed to get you ready for further study. Perfect for students without a background in chemistry,you'll cover general chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry, with a real-world focus.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 25 May 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Sept 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $1,164
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Essentials of Chemistry
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Communicate (including read and write) in the language of chemistry; interpreting and using chemical symbols, conventions and nomenclature.
- Apply concepts of chemical structure to explain the properties of matter, exploit different types of chemical reactions to create new molecules, and evaluate the extent to which reactions may occur.
- Employ the scientific method that supports evidence-base practice.
- Manipulate quantitative relationships to solve chemistry problems.
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical principles of Chemistry
Essentials of Chemistry is an introductory subject for students with minimal background or no previous study in chemistry. The subject introduces chemistry topics with a real-world focus to prepare students for further studies in chemistry and related fields of science. The subject will introduce and reinforce chemistry concepts, knowledge and skills in chemistry to enable students to apply chemical principles and practice during their studies and in future employment.
Module 1: General Chemistry covers matter, atoms, the periodic table, chemical bonding, naming compounds, molecular geometry, atomic masses, the mole and chemical reactions.
Module 2: Organic Chemistry covers alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and arenes, functional groups and reaction types.
Module 3: Physical Chemistry covers gases, energy in chemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases.
- 4x Module Assessment Quizzes (1600 word equiv) (40%)
- Scenario-based Problems (1200 word equiv). Sets of problems, related to the topics presented in each of the three modules (30%)
- Practical Exercises (1200 word equiv). A report on activities to be conducted in a home context for each of the three modules (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 15
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
LTU-CHM111 (Not currently available)
Others
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed CHE1CHF (Chemistry Foundations), or CHE1GEN (General Principles of Chemistry) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - To conduct kitchen-based practicals, foodstuffs and household products may need to be purchased, to a maximum value of AUD $50. Late enrolments are generally not permitted past the published close of application date for the study period. For students not enrolled in the prerequisite courses, you may be able to undertake these subjects with approval of your home course coordinator, please contact ASK La Trobe for assistance. A good internet connection is required due to the online delivery.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
8 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 10 Mar 2025.
62%of students felt the study load was manageable
75%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
UndergraduateLAT-HUN-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP
UndergraduateLAT-CRM-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
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