Code
CHEM1002
Credits
25
Graduate Attributes
Introduction
Welcome to CHEM1002! This foundational chemistry unit provides essential insights into how atoms and molecules interact, react, and transform. These core concepts are central to understanding processes in disciplines as varied as chemical engineering, environmental science, biomedical science, and materials development. Students explore chemical reactivity through the lens of structure, bonding, dynamic equilibria, kinetics, and reaction mechanisms; which serves as a framework for students to interpret, predict, and control chemical behaviour. A central feature of this unit is the Laboratory and Professional Skills Portfolio, which provides a practical and structured approach to developing laboratory competencies, professional record keeping, and scientific communication. The portfolio includes workshop assessments, a laboratory notebook maintained across nine experiments, and a final poster presentation. These activities support students in building real-world skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and accurate data documentation that is integral to effective scientific practice. Students will conduct experiments in Curtin's world-class chemistry laboratories, applying theoretical knowledge to real chemical systems by analysing experimental data, exploring reaction kinetics, and examining the influence of catalysts and environmental conditions. Over nine sessions, students develop practical competencies in observation, data handling, and systematic investigation while maintaining a laboratory notebook. These experiments provide the foundation for understanding chemical equilibria, kinetics, and reaction mechanisms that are key to a broad range of science and engineering disciplines. Participation requires strict adherence to laboratory safety standards, including the correct use of personal protective equipment, reinforcing the importance of professional conduct in hazardous environments. CHEM1002 sets the stage for more advanced studies in physical, organic, and analytical chemistry, and cultivates transferable skills in laboratory work, scientific reasoning, and communication that are essential across a wide range of scientific and engineering pathways. This unit is administered by the School of Molecular and Life Sciences. Please ensure all the enquiries are forwarded to the administrative contact listed above.
Lecture
1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Science Laboratory
1 x 3 Hours Weekly
Workshop
1 x 3 Hours Weekly
Unit Learning Outcomes
- 1 analyse experimental data to ascertain the order of a reaction and predict how varying parameters, such as temperature, catalysts and enzymes will influence the rate of reaction, GC1, GC3, GC6
- 2 interpret the dynamic equilibria of chemical systems using conventional techniques to assess the extent of their reactivity, GC1, GC3
- 3 apply the principles of reactivity to describe the reactions of common functional groups and predict the products of reactions involving molecules with one or more functional group, GC1, GC3
- 4 illustrate the mechanistic pathways of the key reactions (addition, substitution and elimination) of functional groups and predict the products of such reactions, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6
- 5 Self-assess and reflect on a portfolio of laboratory work, incorporating professional record keeping practices and communication of results, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6
Course Learning Outcomes
- 1 Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of fundamental science, mathematics, data analytics, information science, and computing underpinning the broad field of engineering
- 5 Select and use current and emerging technologies to develop and communicate effective and innovative engineering solutions to complex problems
Assessment Breakdown
Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback
Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff. Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback. This is a unit created from feedback provided by students in the antecedent units. The following changes have been made from feedback received specifically about this unit:- Feedback mechanisms continue to be improved to ensure that groups have opportunities to receive feedback on their work from facilitators
- The workshop assessment tasks have been reviewed and improved, including the mid-semester test
- The program calendar has been revised to provide better connectivity between intimately linked topics
- Introduction of a laboratory and professional skills portfolio, which includes a laboratory notebook as part of
- the laboratory program - laboratory activities have been modified to accommodate this. All students will be given the opportunity to use an electronic version of the laboratory notebook, called LabArchives.
- To facilitate a fair and equitable learning experience for all, workshop groups and laboratory partners may be changed during the semester
- To improve equitable assessment across all workshop groups, the timing of workshop-based assessment items has been adjusted
- Online pre-lab modules (including quizzes) have been introduced to highlight safety and potential hazards in the lab.