Course Outline

CHM100 General Chemistry

Course Coordinator:David McKay (dmckay@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2026Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course delves into the theory of general chemistry and its applications. You will gain a strong foundational understanding of chemistry, preparing you for more advanced studies in chemistry or related fields such as environmental and biomedical science. You'll delve into the practical applications of electrochemistry, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and kinetics, exploring areas from renewable energy to medical advancements. Covered topics include batteries, biomolecules and materials, and environmental and cellular mixtures. Additionally, you will develop laboratory skills typical of professional scientists.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Learning Materials are available online and delivered asynchronously. Learning Materials consist primarily of formative quizzes and screen-casts. Other available materials include simulations and on-line demonstrations. 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorials are delivered face-to-face on-campus. Tutorials consist of focus questions and group work. 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Laboratory 1 – Laboratory work is conducted face-to-face on-campus. Each practical session is thematically linked to theoretical material covered in preceding weeks. Students are expected to work in teams during practical sessions. 3hrs Week 1 6 times
Seminar – On campus seminar 1hr Week 1 3 times

Course Topics

  • Chemical bonding
  • Thermodynamics
  • Kinetics
  • Equilibria
  • Solutions and colloids
  • Electrochemistry
  • Analytical chemistry
  • Applications

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate and apply chemical principles including equilibria, kinetics, reaction types, and bonding to everyday phenomena. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Reason through the application of chemical concepts to solve quantitative and conceptual problems framed in a variety of contexts. Knowledgeable
Empowered
3 Demonstrate proficiency in experimental techniques while working safely to collect and analyse data and effectively communicate experimental outcomes. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

SCI105

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early and continuing feedback on your progress in the course is provided using each module's self-assessment questions.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Portfolio Individual 35%
During each laboratory session, a notebook is to be maintained and a ten‑minute quiz completed.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 25%
A 10-12 minute presentation and defence.
Week 12 Online Submission
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 40%
2 hours
Exam Period Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Laboratory Portfolio
Goal:
Conduct experiments safely, work well in a group, follow instructions accurately, use equipment confidently, record and communicate results clearly, and connect those results to the underlying theory.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format:
A notebook is to be maintained in the laboratory during each practical activity. Each laboratory quiz is ten minutes in duration and is completed online in the laboratory once the notebook has been satisfactorily completed.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Follows both written and verbal instructions, demonstrating safe and competent handling and use of equipment.
3
2
Records results systematically and legibly by using appropriate units and significant figures, and effectively processes and analyses data.
3
3
Effectively communicates results and highlights any anomalies or unexpected results with a possible reason.
3
4
Relates experimental results to theoretical concepts.
3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Presentation and defence
Goal:
Understand complex scientific terminology in general chemistry papers, extract detailed information written in expert language and place it in context to reveal the key underlying concepts.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Authorship Statement:
Format:
Presentation and defence.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accurately identifies the main findings, hypotheses, and conclusions of the paper.
1
2
Presents complex concepts in a manner that is accessible to first year students using appropriate terminology but also providing explanations or definitions where needed without sacrificing accuracy.
1
3
Highlights the significance of the paper in enhancing understanding of general chemistry in everyday contexts.
1 2
Generic Skills:
Communication, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Final exam
Goal:
Demonstrate an understanding of chemical principles, communicate key themes, and apply this knowledge across a range of contexts.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format:
Multiple choice, short and extended answer exam.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate a clear grasp of the essential concepts in general chemistry and effectively summarise key themes and ideas.
1 2
2
Apply knowledge to explain and predict chemical phenomena in various contexts.
1 2
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required OpenStax 2019 Chemistry 2e n/a XanEdu Publishing Inc

Specific requirements

None

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: