CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHEM40079 Introductory Chemistry
Introductory Chemistry
All details in this unit profile for CHEM40079 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

Introductory Chemistry prepares students for university study in the chemical sciences. This unit introduces a range of topics such as matter, molecules, bonding, chemical reactions, measurements, acids and bases, pH, and organic chemistry. Students will gain an introductory understanding of chemical concepts and learn to perform chemical calculations.

Details

Career Level: Non-award
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

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 - 2018

Distance

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 Non-award 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: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
4. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%

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 Unit evaluation

Feedback

Positive feedback on overall content and delivery.

Recommendation

Continue to deliver quality unit.

Feedback from Unit evaluation

Feedback

Mixed feedback on style of lecture podcasts.

Recommendation

Prepare new lecture recordings with a student audience to better gauge students understanding and engagement.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Recall fundamental chemical concepts including matter, atomic structure, molecules, bonding, physical and chemical properties, acids and bases, chemical reactions and organic compounds.
  2. Interpret the Periodic Table of the elements.
  3. Apply chemical concepts, quantities and calculations to develop solutions to chemistry problems.
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
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
4 - Written Assessment - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Self Management
2 - Communication
3 - Information Literacy
4 - Information Technology Competence
5 - Problem Solving
6 - Critical Thinking
7 - Cross-Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical Practice
9 - 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
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
4 - Written Assessment - 20%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

This unit is supported by comprehensive study notes (and a range of other resources, including lecture podcasts) that are available on the Introductory Chemistry unit Moodle site.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to printer and scanner
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Brijesh Kumar Unit Coordinator
b.kumar@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Module 1. Matter

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Module 2. Elements, atoms and molecules

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Module 3. Electronic configuration and the Periodic Table

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 Online Quiz Due: Week 3 Wednesday (21 Mar 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Module 4. Ionic and covalent compounds

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Module 5. Chemical reactions

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Study Break

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Module 6. Redox reactions

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Module 7. The Mole

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Due: Week 7 Thursday (26 Apr 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Module 8. Concentration / molarity

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Module 9. Reactions and calculations

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Module 10. Acids and bases

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 Due: Week 10 Wednesday (16 May 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Module 11. Organic chemistry

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Module 12. Chemical equilibrium

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 4 Due: Week 12 Wednesday (30 May 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Unit contact: Dr Tania van den Ancker, email: t.vandenancker@cqu.edu.au, phone: (07) 4940 7511

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Assessment 1 Online Quiz

Task Description

Assessment 1 is available on the CHEM40079 Moodle site. It is a compulsory online quiz that covers material from Modules 1 and 2. The quiz comprises multiple choice, matching and short answer questions.

The resources provided on the CHEM40079 Moodle site (including The Periodic Table) contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment.

Tips for successfully completing this quiz:

  • download the questions from the CHEM40079 Moodle site and complete the assessment on paper prior to entering your answers in the online quiz
  • avoid using the internet to find answers because information from some sites is unreliable, generalised or not as specific as is required for this assessment
  • follow the information provided on the quiz site about presenting chemical formula correctly.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Week 3 Wednesday (21 Mar 2018) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 5 Wednesday (4 Apr 2018)

The quiz will automatically return an interim result on completion. Short answers responses will be checked for automated marking errors and, if necessary, manually corrected within 14 days.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
You must obtain at least 40% of the marks available for this assessment. If you achieve less than 40% on your first attempt, you may be offered an opportunity to resubmit. The maximum you can achieve on resubmission is 40%

Assessment Criteria

Mark will be awarded for correct response to multi-choice or short answer questions.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Recall fundamental chemical concepts including matter, atomic structure, molecules, bonding, physical and chemical properties, acids and bases, chemical reactions and organic compounds.
  • Interpret the Periodic Table of the elements.
  • Apply chemical concepts, quantities and calculations to develop solutions to chemistry problems.


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Problem Solving

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2

Task Description

Assessment 2 is available on the CHEM40079 Moodle site. It is a compulsory written assessment that covers material from Modules 2 to 6. The assessment comprises various question types that require handwritten responses.

Depending on the question, you may be required to do one or more of the following:

  • perform simple calculations, providing units where relevant
  • balance equations including states of matter
  • present information graphically
  • use examples and diagrams to support your answer
  • write chemical formulas using appropriate subscripts and superscripts.

The resources provided on the CHEM40079 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment. All working, including development of answers, must be shown.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Thursday (26 Apr 2018) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Thursday (10 May 2018)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
You must obtain at least 40% of the marks available for this assessment. If you achieve less than 40% on your first attempt, you may be offered an opportunity to resubmit. The maximum you can achieve on resubmission is 40%.

Assessment Criteria

Marks are allocated for the following:

  • setting the solution out appropriately
  • sequencing steps correctly
  • using appropriate examples and diagrams
  • writing units, equations and formula accurately.

The number of marks allocated to each question is detailed in the assessment task.

Answers to all questions must be handwritten on the assessment task sheets, using additional paper if extra space is required, and clearly presented with full working provided in order to obtain the maximum allocation of marks.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessment 2 is to be uploaded as a single pdf document through the CHEM40079 Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Recall fundamental chemical concepts including matter, atomic structure, molecules, bonding, physical and chemical properties, acids and bases, chemical reactions and organic compounds.
  • Interpret the Periodic Table of the elements.
  • Apply chemical concepts, quantities and calculations to develop solutions to chemistry problems.


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3

Task Description

Assessment 3 is available via the CHEM40079 Moodle site. It is a compulsory written assessment that covers material from Modules 7 to 9, in addition to fundamental concepts covered in earlier modules. The assessment comprises various question types that require handwritten responses.

Depending on the question, you may be required to do one or more of the following:

  • choose the correct response from multiple choice questions
  • perform simple or multi-step calculations, providing and using appropriate formula and units where relevant
  • analyse primary and secondary data to determine solutions
  • provide short or extended answer responses using examples and diagrams to support your answer
  • present information in the correct chemical format (i.e. use subscripts and superscripts, and balance equations, including states of matter).

The resources provided on the CHEM40079 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment. All working, including development of answers, must be shown.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Wednesday (16 May 2018) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Wednesday (30 May 2018)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
You must obtain at least 40% of the marks available for this assessment. If you achieve less than 40% on your first attempt, you may be offered an opportunity to resubmit. The maximum you can achieve on resubmission is 40%.

Assessment Criteria

Marks are allocated for the following:

  • setting the solution out appropriately 
  • sequencing steps correctly
  • using appropriate examples and diagrams
  • writing units, equations and formula accurately.

The number of marks allocated to each question is detailed in the assessment task.

Answers to all questions must be handwritten on the assessment task sheets, using additional paper if extra space is required, and clearly presented with full working provided in order to obtain the maximum allocation of marks.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessment 3 is to be uploaded as a single pdf document through the CHEM40079 Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Recall fundamental chemical concepts including matter, atomic structure, molecules, bonding, physical and chemical properties, acids and bases, chemical reactions and organic compounds.
  • Interpret the Periodic Table of the elements.
  • Apply chemical concepts, quantities and calculations to develop solutions to chemistry problems.


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

4 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 4

Task Description

Assessment 4 is available via the CHEM40079 Moodle site. It is a compulsory assessment that covers material from Modules 10 and 11, in addition to fundamental concepts covered in earlier modules.

The assessment comprises various question types that require handwritten responses.

Depending on the question, you may be required to do one or more of the following:

  • choose the correct response from multiple choice questions
  • perform simple or multi-step calculations, providing and using appropriate formula and units where relevant
  • analyse primary and secondary data to determine solutions
  • provide short or extended answer responses using examples and diagrams to support your answer
  • present information in the correct chemical format (i.e. present correct and clear representation of organic molecules).

All working, including development of answers, must be shown.

The resources provided on the CHEM40079 Moodle site contain all the relevant material (content, examples and practice quizzes) required to complete the assessment.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Wednesday (30 May 2018) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Wednesday (13 June 2018)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
You must obtain at least 40% of the marks available for this assessment. If you achieve less than 40% on your first attempt, you may be offered an opportunity to resubmit. The maximum you can achieve on resubmission is 40%.

Assessment Criteria

Marks are allocated for the following:

  • setting the solution out appropriately
  • sequencing steps correctly
  • using appropriate examples and diagrams
  • writing units, equations and formula accurately.

The number of marks allocated to each question is detailed in the assessment task.

Answers to all questions must be handwritten on the assessment task sheets, using additional paper if extra space is required, and clearly presented with full working provided in order to obtain the maximum allocation of marks.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessment 4 is to be uploaded as a single pdf document through the CHEM40079 Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Recall fundamental chemical concepts including matter, atomic structure, molecules, bonding, physical and chemical properties, acids and bases, chemical reactions and organic compounds.
  • Apply chemical concepts, quantities and calculations to develop solutions to chemistry problems.


Graduate Attributes
  • Self Management
  • 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?