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
- 24 Aug 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.
Explore La Trobe courses.
- 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
13 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 9 June 2025.
61%of students felt the study load was manageable
84%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
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.