Unit rationale, description and aim
The science of chemistry is the foundation upon which many innovations in industry and breakthroughs in scientific research arise. To progress towards a career as a biomedical professional, students require a sound background in the basic chemical concepts that are covered in this unit.
This unit introduces the foundation principles of chemistry which are essential for the further study of the chemical, biological and environmental sciences. Topics taught include atomic structure, the elements, molecules, compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, pH, buffers and radioactivity. Students will also develop laboratory skills through a comprehensive practical component.
This aim of this unit is to form the foundation for subsequent chemistry units, providing knowledge of basic chemistry principles and assimilation of their significance in biological contexts, through scenario-based problems and laboratory experiments.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe key chemical concepts associated with mat...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate proficiency in writing chemical formul...
Learning Outcome 02
Appraise the influence and significance of chemist...
Learning Outcome 03
Demonstrate practical chemistry skills and perform...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Matter and measurement
- Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Chemical bonding, structure and properties
- Chemical reactions and stoichiometry
- Chemical equilibrium
- Solutions
- Gases
- Acids and bases
- Radioactivity
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of basic chemistry concepts and techniques, to be built upon in subsequent chemistry units. A hurdle task – i.e., a bridging course provided early into the semester, prepares students for initial unit content and provides a measure of assumed knowledge upon commencing the unit. Students must achieve 50% or greater in the quiz assessing bridging course content.
The intra-semester quizzes assess students’ engagement and understanding of the learning material. Students are supported with weekly lecture, tutorial and practical sessions and revision questions. Communication with lecturing staff is encouraged to help clarify unclear content, provide regular opportunities for feedback and assist reflection on the teaching material.
Practical assessment tasks will appraise students’ laboratory skills as well as their competence when collecting and evaluating data related to their practical tasks.
The final exam assesses understanding of the learning material from all content areas. Having been provided with feedback from the earlier assessment tasks, students are expected to demonstrate achievement of unit learning objectives in this assessment.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes, complete the bridging course (hurdle requirement) and achieve a final grade of 50% or better as an aggregate score of all points from assessment tasks completed in this unit.
Overview of assessments
Bridging Course (Hurdle) To ensure students...
Bridging Course (Hurdle)
To ensure students have adequate basic chemistry understanding necessary for commencing the unit.
0%
Semester Quizzes The semester quizzes are short t...
Semester Quizzes
The semester quizzes are short tests to assess unit content periodically through the semester. Feedback is provided quickly, allowing students to gauge their progress and to seek assistance if needed.
50%
Practical Assessment The practical assessment all...
Practical Assessment
The practical assessment allows students an opportunity to display their understanding of practical chemistry techniques, related to practical classes in which they have participated.
30%
Final Examination The final exam assesses underst...
Final Examination
The final exam assesses understanding of the learning material from all content areas.
20%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Inquiry-based learning strategies have been chosen to best promote active learning so that all students, including those with little or no previous chemistry education, receive appropriate support and guidance from teaching staff. Tutorials involve work on weekly question sets and are designed so that staff can provide regular guidance and feedback to students on application of content knowledge. In the laboratory, students will undertake group and individual practical experiments related to the relevant theoretical content. These practical classes encourage engagement with peers and development of individual laboratory skills and practical connections to the lecture and tutorial content. Weekly classes are supported by online resources and review questions, which are provided to consolidate knowledge, reinforce key concepts from the learning material and support students’ transition to university.