The following syllabus provides a general guide to the topics to be discussed:
Atomic structure and bonding: electronic structure of atoms, quantum numbers, orbitals and energy levels, filling sequence, periodicity of atomic properties, octet ‘rule’, chemical bonds - ionic, covalent - energetics, H-bonds, Lewis structures, shapes of molecules, VSEPR theory, valence bond theory, hybridisation, resonance, molecular orbital theory of simple homonuclear diatomic molecules.
Equilibrium: Haber process as example of the Law of mass action, equilibrium constants, Kc and Kp, Le Chatelier’s principle, reaction quotient, endo- and exo-thermic reactions.
Acids/bases and aqueous equilibria: classical, Lowry-Brønsted, and Lewis definitions, pH of aqueous solutions, strengths of acids and bases - Ka and Kb, titration curves, buffers, extent of hydrolysis - weak acids/bases, solubility products.
Introductory thermodynamics: Energy - different forms, kinetic and potential, heat and work, the First Law of Thermodynamics, conservation of energy, internal energy and enthalpy, Hess’ Law, state functions, standard states, calorimetry.
Electrochemistry: redox reactions, half-cell reactions and balancing equations, oxidation states, Voltaic cells, electrodes, electrode potentials, electromotive force and the free energy of cell reactions.
Advanced thermodynamics: entropy, Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics, free energy, equilibrium, spontaneous processes, equilibrium constants - calculations, extent of reaction.
Organic structure, isomerism & reactivity: carbon hybridization, functional groups, nomenclature, 3D chemistry, conformations, isomerism, biological and synthetic polymers – for example, polyamides and polysaccharides.
Laboratory: Exercises illustrating the simpler principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The apparatus used in the course is supplied by the Research School of Chemistry. Attendance at laboratory classes is compulsory.
Honours Pathway Option (HPO)
Students who take this option will undertake 9 additional lectures at a more advanced level. The HPO is designed for students with a strong interest in chemistry from school, Science Summer School, Olympiad or equivalent. It is expected that all students in the PhB, or Honours degree programs enrolled in CHEM1101 will complete the HPO.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the electronic structure of an atom and the concept of chemical bonding and be able to interpret the relationships between them.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the laws of thermodynamics, heat changes in reactions and entropy. Be able to explain whether a reaction is spontaneous.
- Demonstrate an understanding of chemical equilibria, acids and bases and the processes occurring in solution. Be able to perform quantitative calculations.
- Be able to demonstrate an insight and understanding into the bonding and structure of a variety of simple organic molecules, including isomerism and stereochemistry.
- Be able to demonstrate the use of chemical nomenclature and the knowledge of the classification, properties and reactions of a wide variety of organic compounds according to the functional groups they contain.
- Recognise the importance of chemistry in the biological sciences and society at large . Be able to apply chemical concepts to the understanding of biological structures and processes.
- Understand the concepts and procedures behind laboratory practices and interpret the results.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform safe laboratory manipulations and to manipulate glassware. Be able to perform volumetric analysis and chemical synthesis following a prescribed procedure.
Other Information
Secondary School Prerequisite: An ACT major in Chemistry or NSW HSC Chemistry, or equivalent, or successful completion of a bridging course in Chemistry is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry, the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, botany and some parts of neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February through the Research School of Chemistry.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory work (25) [LO 7,8]
- Online quizzes (6) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- Exams (includes a 10% on-line test, a mid-semester test and an end of semester test) (69) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
- HPO proposed assessment: Additional exam in the exam period valued at 10% the overall course. Students should note that the HPO will not adversely affect the final result obtained in the course. (null) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week plus 27 hours of laboratory throughout the semester.
- Approximately 67 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory work, lectorials, workshops and other assessment tasks.
Students also have the option of attending additional activities which are on offer each week:
- 2 x 1 hour lectorials
- 1 x 1 hour lecture for students interested in pursuing the HPO
- 10 x 1 hour small group tutorial sessions on offer per week
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Prescribed Texts
Brown, Lemay, Bursten et al., Chemistry: The Central Science 3rd Ed., Pearson 2014
Assumed Knowledge
To enrol in the course you must have completed either years 11 and 12 (or equivalent) chemistry at School or College or a Chemistry Bridging Course.Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3916 | 20 Feb 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | 26 May 2023 | In Person | View |
