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

Usually, students would need either CHM1011 or CHM1031 to progress to CHM1022. Within CHM1022, students will gain an understanding of chemical change from the perspective of thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibria through to the formation and reactivity in biologically important molecules e.g. carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. Along the way, students will encounter the formation of inorganic coordination compounds their role in colour and magnetism and the bioinorganic chemistry of enzymes. The concepts developed within the lectures are strengthened in the laboratory and with the aid of computer-based tutorials and tests.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should have a basic understanding of biological and synthetic macromolecules; chemical stoichiometry; the laws of thermodynamics; heat changes in reactions; entropy; the rates of chemical reactions; acid-base chemistry; equilibria; understand the properties of transition elements; be able to describe coordination compounds and their structures, reactions and applications; be able to interpret properties of solids; have learnt some applications of inorganic compounds; synthesis and structures of nano materials. Students will learn how to use basic laboratory skills in chemical analysis and have verified some of the theoretical principles learnt in coursework through laboratory applications.

Assessment

Examinations (3 hours): 60%
Laboratory work: 20%. Students with a CHM1011 result of 90 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

CHM1042, CHM1742