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, 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. This unit has a compulsory residential school. The residential school will emphasise laboratory safety and introduce you to skills relating to the 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 - 2024

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).

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: 40%
3. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
4. Online Test
Weighting: 30%

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 Student evaluation

Feedback

The CQU produced teaching notes were very well received.

Recommendation

These are under constant review and an updated version has been completed in July 2023.

Feedback from Student evaluation and direct communication from students

Feedback

The residential school and online tutorials helped cement learning.

Recommendation

Persist in providing Q&A sessions and intensify efforts to promote the package alongside the ALC to support students. Identifying strategies to motivate greater student participation in face-to-face opportunities remains a top priority.

Feedback from Student evaluation

Feedback

Residential school staff were extra helpful, especially as many had not done chemistry previously and struggled with math.

Recommendation

Staff constantly work to assist all students. Continue to offer the additional maths focused Q&A in addition to the chemistry focused Q&A's. Continue to use the ALC for student assistance.

Feedback from Student evaluation

Feedback

Res School was crowded.

Recommendation

Numbers in each res school could be revised to more adequately house the student numbers. The number of students per bench could be revised.

Feedback from Student evaluation

Feedback

The students felt that the unit lacked significance for those who excelled in high school chemistry.

Recommendation

Consider a review of the unit's content.

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 - 40%
3 - Practical Assessment - 0%
4 - Online Test - 30%

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
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

No. 

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
Ty Jones Unit Coordinator
t.h.jones@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024

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: 11 Mar 2024

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: 18 Mar 2024

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: 25 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Chemical Reactions 1

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 10 and 11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 - Online Quiz Due: Week 4 Monday (25 Mar 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Chemical Reactions 2

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 11 and 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Electrolytes
Acids and Bases

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 13 and 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Buffers
Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 15 and 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Saturated Hydrocarbons

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 17 and 18

Events and Submissions/Topic

 


Assessment 2 - Written Assessment (Calculations and Short Answer Questions) Due: Week 8 Friday (3 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 06 May 2024

Module/Topic

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Compounds

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 19 and 20

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 13 May 2024

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: 20 May 2024

Module/Topic

Aldehydes and Ketones
Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives

Chapter

Chemistry Foundations Study Guide -
Topics 24 and 25

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 - Practical assessment Due: Week 11 Friday (24 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

Module/Topic

Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 4 - Online Test (Final Term Assessment) Due: Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

For all assessments, no answers and showing your work parts with generative artificial intelligence capabilities are to be used (e.g., ChatGPT, BERT, T5, etc.). To avoid academic misconduct, this work must be your own original work. 

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Assessment 1 - Online Quiz

Task Description

This Assessment Task is designed to assess your understanding of topics 1-7 (Weeks 1 & 2 Lectures) presented in this unit. This assessment requires you to apply concepts presented in lectures and tutorials to determine the answers for a series of multiple-choice questions.

The quiz is not timed and you are allowed two attempts. The highest score of the two attempts will be recorded.

Note: Quiz questions are generated randomly and you will receive different questions on subsequent attempts.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Monday (25 Mar 2024) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 5 Monday (1 Apr 2024)

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%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

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.

assessmentOutcome
  • 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


assessmentGradAttribute

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2 - Written Assessment (Calculations and Short Answer Questions)

Task Description

Assessment 2 - Calculations and Short Answer Questions, has been designed to assess your comprehension of the concepts presented in the unit through their application to answer a series of questions. This assessment relates to Weeks 3-6 Lectures and Tutorial contents, and Study Guide topics 8-14. All workings must be provided for answers to calculation questions. Inclusion of correct units and chemical notation is expected. Short answer questions may require you to explain, reason, describe, analyse, or evaluate information and provide an appropriately detailed written response. Marks will be awarded for each question as indicated in the Assessment 2 - Questions Document which will be available on the CHEM11043 Moodle site. The Assessment 2 will be available on the Moodle site  from Week 5, starting Monday, 1 April, 2024. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (3 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (3 May 2024)

Marks and feedback file will be returned to students via the Moodle site.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Maximum marks available for each question will be indicated in the Assessment 2 Written Assessment (Question document), which will be available on the CHEM11043 Moodle site. Marks will be awarded for each question or partial question as indicated in Assessment 2. No marks will be given for incorrect answers, incorrect units, or explanations.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Upload your submission as a Microsoft Word document only by following the instructions on the Moodle site for CHEM11043.

assessmentOutcome
  • 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
  • Outline the process of nuclear decay and discuss measures used to ensure safety when working with radiation


assessmentGradAttribute

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3 - Practical assessment

Task Description

Assessment 3 Practical Assessment consists of two (2) online laboratory quizzes and the competencies at the residential school:

  1. Laboratory Quiz 1: Laboratory Introduction Safety and Spectroscopy.
  2. Laboratory Quiz 2: pH and Titrations.

These laboratory quizzes will be available on the Moodle site for students to access from 2 May 2024 to 24 May 2024.

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 eight (8) laboratory sessions. Assessment 3 will be graded as Pass/Fail. In order to Pass, students must 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

Week 11 Friday (24 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST

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), Friday, May 24, 2024.


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (24 May 2024)

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. The 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. Instructors will inspect notebooks randomly throughout the course of the residential schools.
  2. Two online practical laboratory quizzes must be completed during the unit. 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. However, to pass this assessment, you are required to achieve a "Pass" grade for the practical component.
  3. Demonstration of competency in specific laboratory skills is required. This includes the correct usage of burettes, volumetric flasks, pipettes, balances, and pH meters, which will be assessed during the laboratory sessions.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Follow the Assessment 3's Online Quizzes instructions on the Moodle site.

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


assessmentGradAttribute

4 Online Test

Assessment Title
Assessment 4 - Online Test (Final Term Assessment)

Task Description

This assessment will cover content you have studied throughout this term. It will be presented in a written format accessible via the Moodle site during Week 12, with a 48-hour time window for assessment access. It is essential to attempt and submit your work within a 9-hour period after downloading the assessment questions file. Ensure your completed Assessment 3 - Final Term Assessment is uploaded to the Moodle site in the form of a Microsoft Word document.

When completing this assessment, please take note of the following:

  • Attempt all questions.
  • All submissions should be typed and saved as a Microsoft Word document.
  • Display all calculations and detailed workings as required.
  • Chemical reactions should undergo balancing
  • Provide correct units for your answers.
  • The completed assessment is to be submitted via upload on the Moodle site as a Microsoft Word document only.

The breakdown of topics to be covered in Assessment 3 will be made available on the Moodle site prior to the Assessment 3 date. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Wednesday (29 May 2024) 11:55 pm AEST

Assessment 3 - Online Test (Final Term Assessment) is due within a 9-hour period after downloading the assessment questions file.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (14 June 2024)

Marks and feedback files will be retured via the Moodle site.


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for each question or partial question as indicated in Assessment 4 (Question document), available on the CHEM11043 Moodle site. No marks will be given for incorrect answers, formulas, explanations, organic nomenclatures, or incorrect organic structures.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Upload your submission as a Microsoft Word document only by following the instructions on the Moodle site for CHEM11043

assessmentOutcome
  • 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


assessmentGradAttribute

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?