Unit rationale, description and aim
Chemical reactions underpin almost every type of natural and manmade processes in our modern world. Building on content in Foundations of Chemistry, this unit extends students’ understanding through two distinct areas of study--physical chemistry and organic chemistry—each delivered and assessed separately. The physical chemistry component addresses topics such as electrochemistry, energy utilisation, spontaneity, and reaction kinetics, while the organic chemistry component examines major classes of organic compounds, stereoisomerism, and the mechanisms of common organic reaction processes. Across both areas, concepts are explored with strong emphasis on biological and medicinal contexts. Students will also further develop laboratory skills established in Foundations of Chemistry, with practical activities aligned separately to the physical and organic chemistry streams to deepen discipline-specific experimental competence.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply concepts and principles associated with chem...
Learning Outcome 01
Predict the behaviour of chemical systems under va...
Learning Outcome 02
Describe the structure of organic compounds and as...
Learning Outcome 03
Understand the isomerism of organic compounds and ...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate competence in the practical skills and...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
Physical chemistry:
- Energy and chemical reactions
- Entropy and free energy
- Chemical kinetics
- Electrochemistry
- Bioinorganic compounds
Organic chemistry:
- Hydrocarbons
- Conjugation, aromaticity and reactions of aromatic compounds
- Chemical structure and reactions between organic compounds with different functional groups
- Stereoisomerism
- Spectroscopic techniques
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy supports progressive achievement of learning outcomes across two independently taught chemistry streams: physical chemistry and organic chemistry. Each stream follows its own sequence of theory‑based and skills‑based tasks, starting with lower‑weighted assessments that build foundational understanding and lead to assessment of laboratory-based skills and examinations of theoretical content.
Each stream includes one written quiz that assesses key theoretical concepts and help students monitor their progress with timely feedback.
Each stream also includes one practical (skills‑based) assessment. Laboratory activities give students structured opportunities to develop experimental techniques, apply scientific reasoning, collect and analyse data, and strengthen scientific communication. Students are assessed on practical technique, data handling, and results interpretation.
Two separate final examinations—one for physical chemistry and one for organic chemistry— are held at the end of each respective stream and assess students’ understanding of content through a combination of multiple‑choice and short‑answer questions.
To pass the unit, students must achieve all learning outcomes and obtain a minimum overall mark of 50%. If a student attains a passing mark, but does not meet the learning outcomes in both streams, they may be offered supplementary assessment to allow them to fulfil all required learning outcomes for the unit.
Overview of assessments
Assessment task 1 - Physical chemistry quiz. Thi...
Assessment task 1 - Physical chemistry quiz. This task will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of material covered in lectures and tutorials in chosen topics.
10%
Assessment task 2 - Physical chemistry laboratory...
Assessment task 2 - Physical chemistry laboratory skills task. This laboratory -based assessment evaluates students’ data collection, processing and evaluation skills, knowledge and understanding of concepts relevant to lab activities.
15%
Assessment task 3 - Physical chemistry written ex...
Assessment task 3 - Physical chemistry written examination. This examination will be conducted mid-semester and assess knowledge and understanding of physical chemistry.
25%
Assessment task 4 - Organic chemistry quiz. This...
Assessment task 4 - Organic chemistry quiz. This task will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of material covered in lectures, tutorials and practicals in chosen topics.
10%
Assessment task 5 - Organic chemistry laboratory ...
Assessment task 5 - Organic chemistry laboratory skills task. This laboratory -based assessment evaluates students’ data collection, processing and evaluation skills, knowledge and understanding of concepts relevant to lab activities.
15%
Assessment task 6 - Organic chemistry written exa...
Assessment task 6 - Organic chemistry written examination. This examination will be conducted at the end of semester and assess knowledge and understanding of organic chemistry.
25%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. Several different inquiry-based learning and teaching strategies are employed, via a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes, assisting students to gain essential knowledge towards understanding the principles governing a variety of chemical processes.
The practical and tutorial classes reinforce key concepts first introduced in online sessions and offer students a more intimate opportunity to engage with the material. Group-based activities in practical sessions also provide an opportunity for students to build their collaborative and teamwork skills.