Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Units CHM1011 and CHM1022 assume a background in VCE chemistry, or its equivalent, and are highly suited to students wishing to proceed further in chemistry, or those requiring a sound chemical knowledge for other units. CHM1011 introduces modern chemistry through biological, environmental and industrial examples. On completion students will have gained an understanding of how atoms and molecules interact with each other and how this affects their bonding, reactivity, 3-D structure and physical properties. The concepts developed within the lectures are strengthened in the laboratory, reinforced through small group tutorials, and supported with the aid of computer-based tutorials and tests.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will have developed an insight and understanding into the bonding and structure of a variety of simple organic molecules; aspects of isomerism; stereochemistry; the use of chemical nomenclature; and a knowledge of the classification, properties and reactions of a wide range of organic compounds according to the functional groups they contain; a basic understanding of the properties of atomic nuclei; variety and differences in atomic bonding; an understanding of wave-particle duality and the Schroedinger equation; an ability to interpret the relationships between electronic structure and bonding; an understanding of the principles of spectroscopy, an ability to use modern spectroscopic methods to deduce the structures of simple organic molecules; an understanding of basic inorganic molecular shapes and the properties of chemical mixtures. The laboratory program will foster the acquisition of skills in a broad range of basic practical techniques and will provide basic laboratory skills in chemical analysis and have verified some of the theoretical principles learnt in coursework.

Assessment

Examinations (3 hours): 60%
Laboratory work: 20%. Students with an ENTER score of 95 or higher may opt, in consultation with the Unit Coordinator, to undertake part of their laboratory work as problem-based learning modules.
Computer tests and tutorials: 20%. Students must achieve a pass mark in their laboratory work to achieve an overall pass grade.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Chris Thompson

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory or tutorial per week

Prohibitions

CHM1031, CHM1731