Available in 2024
Course code

CHEM1010

Units

10 units

Level

1000 level

Course handbook

Description

Often referred to as a 'Central Science', Chemistry is the study of chemicals and chemical processes that underpin physical and biological phenomena. Chemistry impacts and interacts with our lives on a daily basis, including the food we eat, the medicine we take, and the energy we use. CHEM1010 is the first of two foundation subjects in the key central scientific discipline of chemistry, providing core knowledge and skills, useful in science, engineering and life sciences. In CHEM1010, students will explore the primary concepts of chemistry, including basic atomic and molecular structure, the chemistry of carbon compounds, and principal physical concepts of the discipline.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Summer 2 - 2024
  • Semester 1 - 2024

Ourimbah

  • Semester 1 - 2024
  • Winter - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. recognise and use chemical language, representations, structures and symbolism;

2. describe and apply basic chemistry concepts and extend to their chosen fields of study or programs.

3. recognise and identify isomers and organic functional groups, particularly hydrocarbons and their characteristic reactions;

4. apply the scientific method in the conduct and reporting of experiment results.

5. participate in and contribute to group problem solving.

6. Work safely and competently in a laboratory setting.


Content

The course involves study of the following topics, illustrated where appropriate with relevant examples from applicable areas:  

1. Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Concepts:

  1. matter, atoms and elements
  2. molecules and compounds
  3. equations and stoichiometry
  4. reactions - energy and enthalpy

2. Foundation Physical Concepts in Chemistry:

  1. gases
  2. atomic structure
  3. electron configurations of elements
  4. bonding and structure
  5. chemical equilibria

3. Introduction to Organic Chemistry:

  1. orbitals and hybridisation
  2. saturated compounds - alkanes and cycloalkanes
  3. unsaturated compounds - alkenes and alkynes
  4. Chirality
  5. aromatic compounds - benzene
  6. introduction to organic functional groups

Requisite

This course has similarities to CHEM1110. If you have successfully completed CHEM1110 you cannot enrol in this course.


Assumed knowledge

Students who have completed HSC Chemistry within the last two years are encouraged to complete EPPREP941 Introduction to Undergraduate Chemistry (Advanced) before commencing CHEM1010.Students who have completed HSC Chemistry three or more years ago are advised to complete EPPREP940 Introduction to Undergraduate Chemistry before commencing CHEM1010. Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry are strongly advised to complete both EPPREP790 Foundation Chemistry and EPPREP940 Introduction to Undergraduate Chemistry before commencing CHEM1010. Further information about EPPREP790, EPPREP940, EPPREP941, and other NUPrep bridging and refresher courses can be found here: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/study/pathways/nuprep/courses


Assessment items

Formal Examination: Written exam covering lecture materials

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Workshop and laboratory assessment
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement 50% - Must obtain 50% in this assessment item to pass the course.

Quiz: Online quizzes based on lecture


Contact hours

Summer 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 7 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • For a summer or winter term the lectures may be compressed for the shorter term.
Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
  • When the course is offered over summer or winter term, the contact hours will be 18 hours of workshops for the full term delivered face to face.
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 7 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • For a summer or winter term the lectures may be compressed for the shorter term.
Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
  • When the course is offered over summer or winter term, the contact hours will be 18 hours of workshops for the full term delivered face to face.
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.

Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah

Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 7 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • For a summer or winter term the lectures may be compressed for the shorter term.
Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
  • When the course is offered over summer or winter term, the contact hours will be 18 hours of workshops for the full term delivered face to face.
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.

Winter - 2024 - Ourimbah

Laboratory-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 7 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
  • For a summer or winter term the lectures may be compressed for the shorter term.
Workshop-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
  • When the course is offered over summer or winter term, the contact hours will be 18 hours of workshops for the full term delivered face to face.
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.

Course outline