Unit Outline

Chemistry aims to (i) promote knowledge and understanding around the central concepts and theories appropriate to the study of chemistry at a pre-tertiary level, (ii) explore the language of chemistry, including symbols and models used to describe, explain and predict chemical behaviour, (iii) develop scientific skills and attitudes, including techniques of operation, recording observations and aspects of safety, (iv) interpret and use a range of chemical information from qualitative and quantitative investigations and (v) analyse the interaction of chemical processes with people and the environment.

In this unit you will also learn through practical laboratory sessions that allow you to complete calculations, contribute to discussions, evaluate data, understand the safety requirements and explore experimental procedures. In addition, you will perform an experiment and learn how to write a lab report, engage in independent learning activities to develop skills, and complete tests that will increase your understanding of different chemistry topics.

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	Analyse a range of chemistry problems using theory and calculations
2	Describe the structure, properties and interactions of substances using scientific language
3	Apply scientific skills and attitudes, including safety, techniques of operation and recording experimental observations
4	Evaluate the result of a calculation or experiment to draw a conclusion based on logical arguments

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Laboratory work	See the MyLO site for the due date	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Laboratory Report	Week 10	15 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Independent Learning Activities	Refer to Assessment Description	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Tests	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 5:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory work

Task Description:

Three laboratory sessions will run during class time throughout semester, as announced in MyLO by the teacher.

For each laboratory you will be assessed on completion of the pre-laboratory calculations, your conduct during the laboratory session, recording of results and analysis of the data.

Task Length:

2 hours per laboratory - total of 6 hours

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Complete pre-laboratory calculations	LO1
2	Contribute to pre-laboratory discussion on expected observations	LO2
3	Adhere to the safety requirements and experimental procedures	LO3
4	Record and evaluate data obtained during experiments	LO3
5	Identify unexpected data values and consider sources of experimental error	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Report

Task Description:

We will conduct a laboratory experiment that measures the heat of a chemical reaction. You will prepare a laboratory report based on the results for this laboratory.

Task Length:

Approximately 500 words plus tables or graphs

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Develop a hypothesis based on understanding of the theory	LO2
2	Describe the experimental method used	LO3
3	Present the key observations in a table or graphical format	LO3
4	Provide a critical analysis of the results with reference to the hypothesis	LO4
5	Identify sources of experimental error	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Independent Learning Activities

Task Description:

Weekly independent learning tasks consolidate your learning, extend your understanding, and provide the opportunity to practice and improve your skills.

Task Length:

2 hours/week

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Complete the Independent Learning Activities	LO4
2	Contribute solutions to the online discussion forum	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 4: Tests

Task Description:

Four class tests covering the following topics, each worth 5%:
Test 1: Atoms, ionic compounds and molecules
Test 2: Formula mass, solutions, and stoichiometry
Test 3: Thermochemistry, molecular geometry and organic compounds
Test 4: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and REDOX reactions
Timing will depend on class progress.

Task Length:

50 mins per test

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and describe key concepts	LO2
2	Apply theory to solve problems	LO1

Assessment Task 5: Examination

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.