This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Introduction to Chemistry
UndergraduateTAS-KRA1612025
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Start dates
- 1 Jan 2025,
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 21 July 2025
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Chemistry
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, the students should be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of chemical structure and bonding.
- Apply the theories of chemical reactions and equilibria to perform basic chemical analyses.
- Describe basic chemical processes in biological systems.
- Perform fundamental experimental techniques safely and competently in the laboratory.
- Module 1: Mathematics Revision and Classification
- Module 2: Reactions, Atomic Structure and Molecular Mass
- Module 3: Metallic and ionic bonding and further use of the mole
- Module 4: Covalent bonding and Shapes
- Module 5: Types of reactions, Limiting reagent and % yield
- Module 6: Polarity, Changes of State and Colligative Properties
- Module 7: Acids, bases and solutions
- Module 8: Rates, Equilibrium, Water, pH and pOH
- Module 9: Weak and Strong Acids and Bases as well as Buffers
- Module 10: Gases
- Module 11: Organic Chemistry
This subject can provide you with an introduction to chemical principles sufficient to be used as a pre-requisite for first Year chemistry subjects that are part of a chemistry major at the University of Tasmania. It is not designed to be a replacement for Year 12 Chemistry as it only covers topics of direct relevance as a background to the first-year subjects.
This subject covers introductory chemistry for students with no previous knowledge of chemistry who intend to study the biological sciences. It does not form part of a Biology major but is taken as an elective subject.
This subject explores the basic chemical concepts with a particular focus on biological systems and processes such as bonding and structure of organic molecules, aerobic respiration, ions in physiological systems, nutrient cycles and photosynthesis. Topics include fundamental chemical bonding theory, molecular geometry and interactions, reaction types and equilibria, introductory organic chemistry, and introductory thermodynamics.
The laboratory program introduces basic techniques and skills commonly used in chemistry relevant to the biological sciences, along with reinforcing chemical concepts with practical experience. To complete this component of the subject, students must attend to complete a set of laboratory exercises. For students selecting an on-campus mode of study, you must attend fortnightly lab sessions throughout semester and students that have enrolled as online students must attend a laboratory workshop delivered in the last week of semester. Both options are on campus at either the Hobart or Launceston campus.
You need to pass the Laboratory task to pass this subject even though it does not count towards your overall mark.
- Mid-Semester Test (10%)
- Chemistry Pamphlet (20%)
- Laboratory: based upon passing certain competencies. To gain these competencies and pass the laboratory assessment task, you will need to pass the safety competency for all laboratory exercises and pass the other competencies at least twice in semester. (0%)
- Examination (40%)
- Online Assignments (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Students will be required to attend to a set of laboratory exercises to complete the subject. For students that have enrolled as a distance student, you must attend a laboratory workshop delivered in the last week of semester. Both options are on campus at either the Hobart or Launceston campus. Satisfactory completion of the laboratory component is an essential requirement for students to pass this subject. The laboratory component will be offered on the Hobart and Launceston campuses.
- Other requirements - Teaching Arrangements: SEMESTERS: Workshop: scheduled 2 hr weekly tutorial Laboratory Block: 2 scheduled days during week 13 Lectures: 3 hrs/week to engage with the online resources provided. SUMMER: Online class: 2x3hr/week tutorial Practical: 2 day lab lectures:
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.
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