Unit Outline
ZAS123
Applied Chemistry
Semester 2, 2024
Bikramjit Ghosh
University College
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Bikramjit Ghosh
Email: Bikramjit.Ghosh@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 

This unit is designed to provide an accessible and practical introduction to chemistry. In this unit, you will acquire and apply knowledge of chemistry principles and techniques as relevant to applied or industry contexts, with a particular emphasis on biochemical processes. You will be introduced to a range of topics such as chemical analysis, phases of matter, acid-base chemistry, biologically important molecules, and biochemical reactions. During a hands-on workshop you will use selected techniques to monitor, measure, and analyse, key parameters that are applicable to a broad range of applied and industry contexts. You will apply your learning to industry-based problems, explore potential solutions, and learn to communicate them effectively.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Explain chemistry theory and principles in relation to applied environments and scenarios
2
Perform basic preparatory and exploratory chemistry techniques as relevant to selected real-world contexts
3
Utilise chemistry-based frameworks for solving industry-relevant challenges
4
Identify and evaluate opportunities for self-development in the context of chemistry technical practice and knowledge
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)
ZAS105
ZAS115
ZAS233
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To be determined.
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Workshop
3-day workshop.
24
Once only
Online
Lecture (Online)
Tutorials 1-2 hours per week or fortnight, as per unit schedule.
2
Study Period 7 times
Independent Learning
Learning content online.
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Workshop and Report
Week 6
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Comparison of Applied Chemistry Techniques
Week 9
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:
Info-Poster
Week 12
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Workshop and Report
Task Description:
Part A - Workshop:
You will complete a three (3) day hands-on workshop which will involve conducting and observing chemistry-based experiments. If participating in-person, you will need to complete the compulsory safety induction at the start of the workshop to participate.

At the workshop you will learn and demonstrate practical chemistry techniques and skills as per instructions from staff, including good laboratory practice, adherence to safety requirements, and good record keeping.

You will be provided with a ‘Workshop Manual’ comprising of relevant information and the experimental methods. You will use content from the experimental methods section in combination with instructions from staff members to perform workshop activities.

Part B - Workshop Report Book:
You will be provided with both printed and electronic versions of a ‘Workshop Report Book’, which you will use to submit your laboratory observations, data, results, and reflective responses regarding your workshop activities as part of this assessment task. Further information on how to do this will be provided to you.

To complete this task, you will record the results and observations from your investigation in the template provided, including images and written descriptions as appropriate. The word-count is a guide only; you may select to effective ways represent these outcomes as appropriate for yourself, such as:
- Text in paragraphs
- Bullet points
- Graphs
- Images and graphics
Task Length:
As per templated lab book (Approximately 3000 words OR equivalent combination of text, images, and other elements; see task description)
Due Date:
Week 6
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret and perform chemistry techniques as instructed
LO2
2
Record and validate data, results, and observations
LO2
3
Identify and explain chemistry concepts, principles and techniques
LO1
4
Identify and assess challenges and opportunities for improvement through self-assessment of practice
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Comparison of Applied Chemistry Techniques
Task Description:
You will compare and contrast two different analysis techniques to measure a chemistry-based parameter of your choice. Then, based on this knowledge, you will determine which analysis technique is most appropriate for addressing a specific chemistry-related industry / real-world problem.

You will write a report detailing the techniques and the justification for selecting the preferred technique. Your report should be based upon the topics covered within this unit, supported using appropriate reference materials.
Task Length:
1500 words + Reference list
Due Date:
Week 9
Weight:
35 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Identify and describe key chemistry concepts, principles and processes
LO1
2
Explain the chemistry behind an industry-relevant problem
LO2
3
Propose solutions based on analysis of chemistry concepts relevant to the problem
LO3
4
Communicate an informed opinion on appropriateness of chosen technique(s)
LO1
 
Assessment Task 3: Info-Poster
Task Description:
You will choose an applied chemistry issue or problem to investigate, and communicate your findings in an info-poster format that is designed to maximise effectiveness and impact. You will draw upon chemistry knowledge gained in this unit of study to complete this task.

Part A – Draft and peer-review:
You will submit a draft of your info-poster for feedback from the teaching staff and your fellow students. As part of this exercise, you will also review and provide feedback for drafts submitted by fellow students.

Part B – Finalised info-poster:
You will submit your info-poster, updated at your discretion with feedback received in Part A. For this task, you should utilise appropriate images and other graphical elements to maximise effective communication. Your info-poster will include:
- A summary of the issue/problem
- Details of the chemistry related to the issue / problem
- Proposed solutions to the issue / problem

You must also include a list of references on a separate sheet.
Task Length:
 
Due Date:
Week 12
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Assess a real-world issue and propose solutions as applicable utilising chemistry concepts and applications
LO3
2
Communicate chemistry concepts and information as relevant to a selected real-world context using prescribed formats and styles
LO1
3
Explain use / application of relevant chemistry methods for selected real-world contexts
LO2
4
Identify and describe key chemistry concepts and principles as relevant to a selected real-world context
LO1
5
Provide and respond to feedback in preparation of final outcomes
LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.