James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

BR1230:03

Introduction to Chemistry 1

Townsville

39 lectures, 39 tutorials, 10 hours laboratories. First semester.

Available to Tertiary Access Course students.

This is the first of two semesters of chemistry which will cover the core syllabus for years 11 and 12 as outlined by the Queensland Department of Education. The starting point assumes that the student has no previous chemistry. Chemical theory is supplemented by laboratory experience in experiments relevant to these topics.

Learning Objectives:

  1. be familiar with the concepts of various states of matter, their physical changes with chemical reactions, temperature and pressure dependency;
  2. learn the theory of atomic structure and how that impacts on the properties of elements;
  3. become skilled in interpreting chemical and physical properties of elements based on their position in the Periodic Table;
  4. understand the reason for elements combining in fixed ratios and be able to calculate the mole-mass of a substance;
  5. be familiar with the gas laws and understand the concepts resulting in gas response to pressure and temperature;
  6. learn safe laboratory practices, conducting, interpreting and writing up experiments.

Assessment by laboratory reports (20%); three assignments (30%); attendance and participation (10%); examination (40%).