Introduction to Chemistry (8775.3)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Introduction to Chemistry
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
 UC College, Bruce, ACT
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Science Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit provides an introduction to key concepts in chemistry including chemical nomenclature and measurement, atomic structure and the periodic table,  stoichiometry,  types of chemical reactions (including acid-base, redox and precipitation) and introduction to organic chemistry. It will include basic laboratory skills involving the handling of chemical reagents, conducting simple chemical experiments and recording chemical observations.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in chemistry, and how to apply this knowledge in novel settings;
2. Apply skills in chemical investigations and the analysis of chemical data;
3. Apply skills in working independently and/or in a group; and
4. Apply skills in communicating ideas in chemistry.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Skills development

A key outcome of this unit is for students to develop a capacity to organize and manage their time in the context of being a successful university student. This includes a commitment to engage in the unit and to complete set tasks on time.



Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 UC College, Bruce, ACT Semester 1 03 February 2025 On-campus Dr Robert Berthon
2025 UC College, Bruce, ACT Semester 2 28 July 2025 On-campus Dr Robert Berthon
2026 UC College, Bruce, ACT Semester 1 16 February 2026 On-campus Dr Robert Berthon
2026 UC College, Bruce, ACT Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr Robert Berthon
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Interactive General Chemistry, Atoms First

Jessica White, Brian Anderson, Brandon Green and  Mildred Hall

Second Edition| ©2023

Macmillan Learning

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Artificial Intelligence

Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessments for this unit.

GenAI may only be used in authorised ways when completing assessments at UC. This means that GenAI can only be used for an assessment when:

  1. the Unit Convener has authorised GenAI use for that assessment
  2. the student uses GenAI in the way that the assessment instructions allow
  3. the student fully acknowledges their use of GenAI, with proper citations, references and a GenAI Acknowledgement Statement in line with the assessment instructions.

Where the assessment instructions do not specifically state that GenAI may be used and how, then its use is not permitted for that assessment. Students must still provide the required GenAI Acknowledgement Statement to indicate whether GenAI has or has not been used in the preparation of the assessment. If unsure, students should seek advice from the Unit Convener.

The GenAI for Students Library Guide provides further information, including how to reference GenAI.

The Mid-semester test and  Assessable practical will be completed and submitted in class. The Laboratory Journal will be prepared prior to and during the Laboratory classes and submitted twice duing the semester. The Revision and Reflection Checkpoints and Final Assessment will be submitted electronically through Canvas by completing Caddmus Assignments.

Special assessment requirements

Laboratory skills gained during this unit include these 12 skills: demonstrate observation skills; correct collection and recording of experimentally-derived data and observations and calculations and analysis using experimentally-derived data; correct technique using glassware and instruments; distinguishing physical & chemical changes; understanding of accuracy and precision; distinguishing between ionic and covalent compounds experimentally; characterising reaction types; understanding and applying the mole concept in experimental settings; deriving stoichiometry experimentally chemical reactions; correct use of Safety Data Sheets and risk assessment; appropriate selection of glassware; correct waste disposal procedures. Students must acquire 9/12 lab skills which equates to participating in 80% of lab sessions throughout semester. And in order to gain entry to labs, must complete a once-off safety quiz and then a pre-lab quiz prior to each lab session. Full participation involves attending and personally completing the required tasks.

Students must obtain a mark of 50% or better overall by attempting the following assessment items:

 Mid-Semester Test

20%

 Laboratory Portfolio

40%

 Revision and Reflection Checkpoints

15%

 Final Assessment

25%

 Total

100%

Students are encouraged to consult the unit convenor for any special considerations in relation to assessment requirements. Without prior arrangement or consultation with the unit convenor, penalties for late submission or "no-show" at assessment times will be imposed. Extensions for assignment work must be applied for through the unit convenor. 

The unit convenor reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

The 150 hours include time spent in classes. The unit occupies a total of 15 weeks including the examination period.  Therefore it is expected that you should spend about 10 hours per week for this unit.  This might be broken up as follows:

Activity Time
Workshop/Lectures 2 hours
Laboratory 2 hours
Tutorial 2 hours
Journal Preparation 1 hours
Homework 1 hours
Private study including required reading 2 hours

Participation requirements

Students should attend all classes. 

Participation in laboratory classes is a compulsory condition of this unit, and attendance will be recorded.   You must participate in at least 80% of Workshops, laboratory and tutorial classes to pass this unit. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned laboratory class due to illness or unavoidable commitments, contact the Unit Convener as soon as possible to negotiate an alternate lab class later in the week (if available). 

Required IT skills

You should know how to navigate on-line websites and be able to use standard software packages such as Word and Excel.

In-unit costs

Students will require to purchase a lab coat and safety glasses. A scientific calculator is required during tutorial, labs and exams.

This is a HECS supported unit. However, Student Services and Amenities (SSAF) fees must be paid prior to the census date.

Work placement, internships or practicums

Not applicable.

Additional information

This unit involves working in a Chemistry laboratory. Lab safety requirements are on-line in Canvas.

Unforeseen circumstances beyond the unit convener's control could result in changes to the mode of delivery of lectures, tutorials and practicals (where applicable) and assessments. Students will be advised if this occurs and appropriate alternatives will be arranged.

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