This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Introduction to Chemistry
UndergraduateTAS-KRA1612025
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 13 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Start dates
- 1 Jan 2025,
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 21 July 2025
- Price from
- $3,405
- Upfront cost
- $0
- 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).
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-BBS-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Science
UndergraduateTAS-PSC-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Geography and Environment)
UndergraduateTAS-SCG-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Sustainability)
UndergraduateTAS-SUS-DEG
UndergraduateTAS-PHA-DIP
Diploma of University Studies (Science Pathway)
UndergraduateTAS-USS-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.