CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter
Atoms, Molecules and Matter
All details in this unit profile for CHEM11043 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Atoms, Molecules and Matter will provide you with an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and how they apply to daily life. This unit will present fundamental chemical principles that are central to all sciences, including healthcare, biology, environmental science and agriculture. This unit will provide the foundation for further study in chemistry, biochemistry and molecular sciences. You will learn about matter and atomic structure, chemical bonding and the forces and chemical interactions between molecules. You will be introduced to the chemistry of electrolytes, acids, bases and buffers and enabled to perform calculations relating concentrations to the pH of strong and weak acids and bases and buffers. Understanding the naming and classification of chemical compounds will allow you to communicate effectively and precisely with your colleagues in science and industry. Basic nuclear radiation safety will be presented. On-campus students will attend regular laboratory sessions and there is a compulsory residential school for distance students. These laboratory sessions will emphasise laboratory safety and introduce you to skills relating to preparation of standard solutions and volumetric procedures, titrimetric and spectrophotometric analyses and scientific report writing.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Anti-requisite: CHEM11041

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2023

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
3. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
4. Take Home Exam
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students enjoyed the residential school but some commented that it was poorly organised.

Recommendation

Continue residential schools. Review staffing and organisation.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Video quality was a problem in some lecture/tutorial recordings.

Recommendation

Review recordings and update as necessary.

Feedback from SUTE, email, Moodle

Feedback

Students appreciate the study guide, but continue to find issues and errors.

Recommendation

Continue use of study guide but ensure continual updates and checks.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the structure of the atom including its sub-atomic particles and relate these to the design of the Periodic Table
  2. Determine the nature of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces present in molecules and ions
  3. Identify types of chemical reactions, and balance and interpret chemical equations
  4. Perform chemical calculations relating to reaction equilibrium, yield and the pH of acids, bases and buffers
  5. Identify functional groups and use the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) nomenclature to name organic molecules and indicate their potential chemical interactions
  6. Outline the process of nuclear decay and discuss measures used to ensure safety when working with radiation
  7. Work safely in the laboratory to prepare samples and standards and perform titrimetric and spectrophotometric analysis.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 20%
3 - Practical Assessment - 0%
4 - Take Home Exam - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 20%
3 - Practical Assessment - 0%
4 - Take Home Exam - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

Chemistry

Edition: 4th (2018)
Authors: Blackman , Bottle , Schmid , Mocerino & Wille
Wiley Australia
Milton Milton , Queensland , Australia
ISBN: 9780730363286
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

CQUni Laboratory Notebook ( A4 with Periodic Table )

(2019)
Authors: CQUniversity
Rockhampton Rockhampton , QLD , Australia
Binding: Spiral

Additional Textbook Information

A "Foundations of Chemistry" Study Guide will be provided for this unit via the Moodle site. This Study Guide will be your key reference material for this unit.

A limited number of copies of “Chemistry, 4th Edition” (the recommended but not prescribed textbook) are available to read online through the CQU library website or the unit eReading List. This supplementary text is also available for purchase in hardcopy/ ebook at the CQU Bookshop.

It is strongly recommended you purchase the laboratory notebook to record your work during the compulsory residential school.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to Microsoft Word or other word processing package
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Ray Marshall Unit Coordinator
r.marshall@cqu.edu.au
Amie Anastasi Unit Coordinator
a.anastasi@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Introduction to Chemistry
Matter
Atoms and Molecules
The Periodic Table

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 1, 2 and 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Ion Formation
Bonding
Intermolecular Forces

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 4, 5, 6 and 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

The Mole
Mole-Mass Conversions
Solutions and Dilutions

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 8 and 9

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Chemical Reactions 1

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 10 and 11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz 1 Due: Week 4 Monday (27 March 2023) 11:55 pm AEST

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chemical Reactions 2

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 11 and 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Electrolytes
Acids and Bases

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 13 and 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Buffers
Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 15 and 16

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Saturated Hydrocarbons

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 17 and 18

Events and Submissions/Topic



Written assessment Due: Week 8 Monday (1 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Compounds

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 19 and 20

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Alcohols
Ethers
Alkyl Halides
Thiols and Amines

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 21, 22 and 23

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Aldehydes and Ketones
Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 24 and 25

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Laboratory Quiz 1 & 2 Due: Week 12 Thursday (1 June 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Online Quiz 2 Due: Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 11:55 pm AEST

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Take Home Exam (Exact date TBA)

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Take Home Exam (Exact date TBA)

Term Specific Information

A "Foundations of Chemistry" Study Guide will be provided for this unit via the Moodle site. This Study Guide will be your key reference material for this unit. For an additional recommended (not prescribed) textbook, please refer to the Textbooks and Resources section of this unit profile. All lectures and tutorials will be pre-recorded and uploaded to Moodle. Live Q&A Zoom sessions will be available during the term.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online quiz(zes)

Task Description

This assessment is comprised of 2 online quizzes which will assess your understanding of the topics presented in this unit. This assessment requires you to apply the concepts presented in lectures and tutorials to answer a series of multiple-choice questions. All questions in each quiz are of equal value.

  • Quiz 1 will contribute 10% to your unit grade
  • Quiz 2 will contribute 20% to your unit grade

The two online quizzes will contribute a total of 30% of the assessment for this unit. The quizzes are not timed, and you are allowed two attempts. The highest score of the two attempts will be recorded. Note that quiz questions are generated randomly and you will receive different questions on subsequent attempts.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

• Online Quiz 1 will be due at 11:55 pm (AEST), Monday March 27, 2023 • Online Quiz 2 (Part A & Part B) will be due at 11:55 pm (AEST), Friday June 2, 2023


Return Date to Students

Marks will be released after the completion of each attempt. Answers to the quiz questions will be released after each quiz has closed.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

All questions are of equal weighting. One mark will be awarded for each correct response. Incorrect responses will not incur a penalty.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Complete each quiz by following the link on the CHEM11043 Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the structure of the atom including its sub-atomic particles and relate these to the design of the Periodic Table
  • Determine the nature of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces present in molecules and ions
  • Identify types of chemical reactions, and balance and interpret chemical equations
  • Perform chemical calculations relating to reaction equilibrium, yield and the pH of acids, bases and buffers
  • Identify functional groups and use the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) nomenclature to name organic molecules and indicate their potential chemical interactions
  • Outline the process of nuclear decay and discuss measures used to ensure safety when working with radiation


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written assessment

Task Description

This assessment is designed to assess your comprehension of the concepts presented in the unit through their application to answer a series of questions. Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the assessment item (please see the Moodle site for further details). Explanations for each answer must be provided and if calculations are required all workings must be provided.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (1 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (19 May 2023)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the assessment item (please see the Moodle site for further details).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Upload assessment in WORD FORMAT by following the instructions on the Moodle site for CHEM11043

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify types of chemical reactions, and balance and interpret chemical equations
  • Perform chemical calculations relating to reaction equilibrium, yield and the pH of acids, bases and buffers


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical assessment

Task Description

The practical component of CHEM11043 has been designed to provide and scaffold essential laboratory skills in chemistry for 2nd and 3rd year chemistry units and the workplace. The practical skills and associated theory for CHEM11043 will be supported with 8 laboratory sessions. Assessment is with a Pass/Fail grade. To be eligible to pass CHEM11043, it is a requirement to achieve a 'Pass' grade for the practical component.

The practical sessions will be undertaken in a four-day residential school. The experiments have been designed to allow you to develop excellence in laboratory practices and provide a solid foundation for future laboratory work. During the practical sessions, you will develop skills in the following: • Working safely in the laboratory • Correctly using top pan and analytical balances • Sample preparation including quantitative transfers • Correctly using pipettes and volumetric flasks • Preparing dilution series for spectroscopic analysis • Using a spectrophotometer • Graphing techniques with consideration of interpolation and extrapolation • Performing relevant calculations to process data from spectroscopic analysis • Correctly using a burette • Calibrating a pH meter • Choosing an appropriate indicator for a neutralisation reaction titration • Conducting titrations with good technique and accuracy • Performing relevant calculations to process titration data • Maintaining data records


Assessment Due Date

The laboratory component will be completed during term as per the residential school schedule for all students. Both online laboratory quizzes must be submitted by 11.55 pm (AEST), Thursday June 1, 2023.


Return Date to Students

Feedback on laboratory competencies will be given throughout the course of the scheduled residential schools. Quiz results will be released after the completion of each attempt. Answers to the quiz questions will be released after the quiz has closed. A Pass/Fail grade will be recorded for this assessment following completion of the Residential School and the online quizzes.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
All components are Pass/Fail. It is a requirement to achieve a Pass grade for the Practical Assessment to be eligible to pass CHEM11043.

Assessment Criteria

All students are required to attend and participate in all laboratory exercises scheduled for the four-day residential school.
Specific assessment criteria for components of this task are as follows:
1. Laboratory notebook must show records of laboratory data, calculations and completion of discussion questions. Notebooks will be inspected randomly throughout the course of the residential schools.
2. Two online practical theory tests must be completed. The quizzes will relate to associated theory and techniques used in the two blocks of practicals (spectrophotometric and titration focused). You will have unlimited attempts to complete each quiz, but you are required to achieve 90% minimum to pass.
3. Competency in specified laboratory skills must be demonstrated. Competency in the correct use of burettes, volumetric flasks, pipettes, balances and pH meters will be assessed during the laboratory sessions.
4. Completion of two practical tests where you will be required to conduct experiments to demonstrate your competency in spectrophotometric and titrimetric analyses. To be awarded a Pass grade for each practical test, your results must be within a given range of the actual results. Should your result be outside of this range, you will be required to show cause or provide evidence from previous sessions that you are competent in the skills being assessed.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Work safely in the laboratory to prepare samples and standards and perform titrimetric and spectrophotometric analysis.


Graduate Attributes
  • Critical Thinking
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence

4 Take Home Exam

Assessment Title
Take home exam

Task Description

The take home exam will cover all the content you have studied this term. This assessment will be in the form of a written assessment that will be made available via Moodle during exam week. You will be allowed 48 hours to complete and upload this take-home exam via Moodle as a word document.
In completing this assessment, you should note the following:
• Attempt all questions
• All submissions should be typed and saved as a word document
• Show all calculations as required
• Completed assessment is to be submitted via upload on Moodle page.
The breakdown of topics to be covered in the take home exam and associated marks will be made available on Moodle in week 12 prior to the exam.


Assessment Due Date

The take-home exam will be available for download on a specific day during the university's standard exam period. More details on the due date and time will be provided later via Moodle. This exam will be available for 48 hours ONLY and should be submitted via upload to Moodle NO LATER than 48 hours after it is made available.


Return Date to Students

Marks will be returned 7-14 days after the take-home exam is submitted via Gradebook in Moodle.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment marking criteria will be based on the marks allocated for each question in the take home exam.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Word processed files (that are scanned into an electronic format within the timeframe of the assessment) are acceptable formats for submission. Completed assessment is to be submitted via upload on Moodle page.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the structure of the atom including its sub-atomic particles and relate these to the design of the Periodic Table
  • Determine the nature of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces present in molecules and ions
  • Identify types of chemical reactions, and balance and interpret chemical equations
  • Perform chemical calculations relating to reaction equilibrium, yield and the pH of acids, bases and buffers
  • Identify functional groups and use the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) nomenclature to name organic molecules and indicate their potential chemical interactions
  • Outline the process of nuclear decay and discuss measures used to ensure safety when working with radiation


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?