Key facts
UNE unit code: CHEM120
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
A solid grounding in the fundamental concepts of chemistry is essential for almost all scientific disciplines.
This unit, the second half of an introduction to chemical principals, equips you for further study, whether your focus is chemistry, or one of the other disciplines in the physical, life or earth sciences.
Building on your foundation from CHEM110, you will explore further aspects of physical chemistry, including atomic structure and bonding, and reaction kinetics, before moving to coordination chemistry.
You will also learn key concepts in organic chemistry with broad applications. These include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and arenes, oxygen-containing organics, organic spectroscopy and bioorganic chemistry.
The unit also offers opportunities to refine your practical skills and extend your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities – invaluable attributes for science-based degrees.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | Trimester 2 Intensive School - Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. |
TBA | TBA | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 3, Online | Trimester 3 Intensive School - Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Adam Rosser](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0008/452528/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe, interpret and explain introductory physical chemistry concepts - bonding and molecular structure and kinetics;
- describe, interpret and explain introductory inorganic chemistry concepts - coordination chemistry;
- describe, interpret and explain introductory organic chemistry concepts - alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and arenes, oxygen-containing organics, organic spectroscopy and bioorganic chemistry;
- analyse and solve simple mathematical and conceptual chemistry problems;
- apply the theory and demonstrate practical skills in simple chemical experiments; and
- demonstrate skills in oral, written, graphical and numerical communication, social responsibility within the laboratory and for the environment, information literacy and team work.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 2.5% | All offerings | Online quiz. It is mandatory to achieve an overall pass in the online quizzes in order to pass this unit. |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 2.5% | All offerings | Online quiz. It is mandatory to achieve an overall pass in the online quizzes in order to pass this unit. |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Mid-trimester examination. This is an Online Supervised Exam. |
Assessment 4 | Yes | 2.5% | All offerings | Online quiz. It is mandatory to achieve an overall pass in the online quizzes in order to pass this unit. |
Assessment 5 | Yes | 2.5% | All offerings | Online quiz. It is mandatory to achieve an overall pass in the online quizzes in order to pass this unit. |
Assessment 6 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Laboratory based practicals. Including online preliminary questions, labwork and extension questions. On-campus students complete weekly practicals throughout the trimester and online students complete practicals during the Intensive School. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit. |
Final Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings | This is an Online Supervised Exam. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
SI Chemical Data 7E
ISBN: 9780730302469
Aylward, G.H. and Findlay, T.J.V., John Wiley and Sons 7th ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Chemistry: Human Activity, Chemical Reactivity (International Edition)
ISBN: 9780170459198
Mahaffy, P. et. al, Nelson Rev 2nd ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Molecular Visions Molecular Modeling Kit #3
ISBN: 9780964883741
Darling, Wiley 2001
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.