Admission and Unit Information – Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)

This unit provides an introduction to some of the essential knowledge, concepts and skills of chemistry, to serve the needs of students majoring in chemistry and those requiring a working knowledge of chemistry. Observable chemical facts and phenomena including structure, dynamics, and energetics, are explained in terms of current mathematical and visual models and further developed in Essential Chemistry 2. Evidence for chemical understanding is provided using IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and computer molecular modelling. Laboratory skills relate theory to practice through the development of practical skills required to determine the concentration of an analyte using volumetric and spectrophotometric analysis.

This unit is designed to provide students with scientific literacy and generic skills required to successfully undertake science-related undergraduate studies. Students learn, develop and utilise academic and interpersonal methodologies within the context of applied scientific principles in society and take responsibility for their own learning. Students are introduced to the contestable and uncertain nature of science and the scientific method. Activities encourage development of self-confidence, self-efficacy, creative thinking through problem solving, group process, communication and peer support. Academic skills include scientific reading and report writing, researching scientific information and library skills, oral presentation, taking tests and exams, effective personal and group based learning strategies, peer assessment, and online learning.

This unit provides an introduction to physics for science and medical science students as well as providing a basis for further study of more advanced physics for students pursuing courses in nanotechnology, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences. It provides a foundation to understand the physical principles which underlay scientific instrumentation and analysis Topics covered include systems of units; Introductory mechanics, Newtons laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum; Electricity, electrostatics, DC and AC circuits and components, introductory electromagnetism; Waves and optics, electromagnetic radiation, reflection, refraction, image formation, polarisation, interference and diffraction.

How many species walk, fly, swim or slither, crawl, hop, wriggle or just float, hitchhike or move so slowly that they appear not to move at all? No one knows and new species appear almost every day. This unit focuses on this spectacular diversity of living things and the process of evolution. Students explore and classify biodiversity and how organisms function, acquire and assimilate resources and co-ordinate growth and reproduction. Organisms interact with one another and their environment forming a complex set of interactions in ecosystems. It is these interactions that have driven evolution. Ultimately human survival depends on the sustainable use of this biodiversity and ecosystems.

The unit covers the nature of the Earth's surface and its physical properties; properties and behaviour of the crust and interior of the Earth; mineral products, especially energy, water and mineral products; maps and geological structures; minerals, rocks and fossils. This Unit will give you a broad appreciation of the Earth, and the Earths' changing and dynamic properties and evidence spanning a geological time scale of billions of years. We will examine the way the Earth works, and our place in the system.

Science and the scientific process of discovery have been successful in offering explanations for the world we live in. Due to scientific advances, we have eradicated some disease, explored the moon and the deepest parts of our oceans and created communication across distances on the planet previously unimaginable. We now face the major challenge of creating a future world which is sustainable for life on Earth. Solving our contemporary complex human and environmental issues to create a sustainable future, however, requires integrative and multidisciplinary research frameworks, an understanding of the relationship between science and society including cultural, social, economic and political and ethical factors. Students will critically examine such perspectives in a series of contemporary 'real-life' case studies such as climate change, indigenous health, medical breakthroughs, biodiversity loss, environmental sustainability and human-animal interactions. They will undertake research into the relationship of science integrated with society, and the uncertainty and bias of evidence in decision making. They will demonstrate their understanding by analysis of a contemporary issue by producing an eco-science advisory column.

This level 1 unit develops the quantitative skills that underpin many fields of study in the sciences. The content covered includes basic algebra, functions, graphs, equations, linear and quadratic, introductory probability and descriptive statistics. These mathematical/statistical concepts will be revised and developed using scientific concepts such as molarity and dilution, optical density, population growth, and predator-prey models. In all aspects of this unit, students will be developing and using critical thinking skills to solve mathematical/statistical problems set in a scientific context.

Biometry introduces students to various statistical techniques necessary in scientific endeavours. Presentation of the content will emphasize the correct principles and procedures for collecting and analysing scientific data, using a hands-on approach. Topics include effective methods of gathering data, statistical principles of designing experiments, error analysis, describing different sets of data, probability distributions, statistical inference, non-parametric methods, simple linear regression and analysis of categorical data.

This Level 1 unit introduces set theory, symbolic logic, graph theory and some counting problems. It serves as a grounding for further study in mathematics or computing.

As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

This introductory unit gives students an insight into the history, structure, operations and uses of computers, and their impact on society. This will be complemented by hands-on use of computers and popular application software packages in a graphical user interface environment. Students gain a basic understanding of the uses of computers, and the skills necessary to use popular applications software, including word processing, spreadsheet and database packages, and Internet tools and services.

This unit introduces an investigation of the reactivity of covalent molecules, in particular, of carbon-based compounds. Focussing on introductory chemical dynamics and thermodynamics, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the structure, nomenclature and reactivity of the principal organic functional groups, extending their basic principles of chemistry. They will also understand how molecules are synthesised and the ways they react being important in the function and role of chemistry in biological systems in our domestic and industrial worlds.

This level one unit provides a solid foundation in the theory and applications of differential calculus, as well as some introductory work on complex numbers. It is the first of two units developing aspects of calculus.

This Level 1 unit introduces students to the mathematical modelling techniques that are used to formulate and solve problems in the physical and biological sciences. To use these techniques successfully, students must develop the ability to formulate a problem mathematically and then be able to use the appropriate knowledge to test conclusions by analytical and numerical means. These skills will be emphasized as each technique in introduced. Apart from some introductory work on logarithms and exponentials (essential concepts in the sciences), the main techniques developed involve aspects of differential calculus, culminating in the use of differential equations to model real phenomena in the sciences.

Cells are the most basic form of all life, and underlying normal cell function are the molecules used to build complex cellular structures, generate energy, and propagate dynamic life. The unit will study the fundamental processes through which key biomolecules, including lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids and nucleic acids, are manipulated to generate and store energy, and build a broad array of important biological macromolecules including DNA, membranes and proteins. To sustain life, cells respire for energy and replicate for growth and sexual reproduction. Accordingly the unit will examine cellular respiration, transcription, translation, mitosis, meiosis, transmission and how the genetic code is inherited and modified providing students insights into the phenomena of life. The role of DNA technology in the fields of medicine, biomolecular plant and animal science, food, forensic and environmental science will provide students with real world applications.

This unit introduces the concept of homeostasis and critically examines examples of how the body systems are regulated and homeostatically controlled. The unit uses a body-systems approach to examine the physiology of tissues, organs and systems in order to develop an integrated view of the regulated functioning of the human body.

This unit develops a deeper understanding of physics for students pursuing courses in nanotechnology, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences. Topics covered include Mechanics: Equilibrium, stress and strain, harmonic oscillators, rotational motion, moment of inertia. Gravitation, types of force in nature. Thermal Physics: temperature, specific & latent heat, heat transfer, kinetic theory of gases, first law of thermodynamics, isothermal, isobaric & adiabatic processes. Introduction to Modern Physics: special relativity, time dilation, length contraction, momentum, mass, rest energy, velocity addition. Basic quantum theory, Planck's hypothesis, wave nature of matter, quantum mechanical view of atoms. Nuclear physics, radiation, half-life, nuclear reactions.

The exploration for resources requires knowledge of rocks and minerals as chemical systems. This unit investigates the chemical aspects of ore genesis, minerals and phase equilibria, and biogeochemistry of the elements. The chemical principles for the formation of Earth are detailed and applied to real-world examples. Field and laboratory work will include the acquisition, presentation, and use of geochemical data. A three day field trip to Burraga will be undertaken during the mid-session break.

This level one unit provides a solid foundation in the theory and applications of differential calculus, as well as some introductory work on complex numbers. It is the first of two units developing aspects of calculus.

This Level 1 unit provides a solid foundation in the theory and applications of integral calculus, as well as some introductory work on linear algebra and infinite sequences and series. It is the second of two units developing aspects of calculus.

Biometry introduces students to various statistical techniques necessary in scientific endeavours. Presentation of the content will emphasize the correct principles and procedures for collecting and analysing scientific data, using a hands-on approach. Topics include effective methods of gathering data, statistical principles of designing experiments, error analysis, describing different sets of data, probability distributions, statistical inference, non-parametric methods, simple linear regression and analysis of categorical data.

This Level 1 unit introduces set theory, symbolic logic, graph theory and some counting problems. It serves as a grounding for further study in mathematics or computing.

As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

This unit introduces students to a thorough study of coordination chemistry (discussing complexes, ligands, structure, isomerism, stability, reaction mechanisms, oxidation states, elements in the first transition series, coordination chemistry in biological systems). The unit then moves on to areas of fundamental inorganic chemistry, including bonding, and solid state chemistry. Advanced Modules cover the following topics: comparative inorganic chemistry, inorganic speciation in solution, X-ray methods for characterising inorganic materials, spectroscopy in coordination complexes, physiology and inorganic chemistry, and medicinal inorganic chemistry. This unit also introduces many of the laboratory techniques and equipment that are used in synthetic procedures in coordination chemistry.

Physical Chemistry describes the fundamentals of energy changes in chemical systems (thermodynamics), the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions (kinetics), and electrochemistry and/or ion and electron transport. These concepts will be applied to a range of chemical and/or biochemical processes. A major focus of the unit will be to develop the ability to study quantitative chemical/biochemical problems, and develop useful physical chemistry experimental and data-analysis skills.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life. By understanding the structure and roles of biological macromolecules found in cells students will develop the concept of self assembly of these molecules to form life. Topics include the structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and how they function in the lipid and aqueous environments of the cell. Basic metabolism is introduced with an overview of the major pathways in cells, mechanisms of regulation, and an introduction into important cofactors and intermediatory molecules. These concepts will be reinforced through practical classes that teach critical skills in experimental design, analysis and interpretation.

In this unit students will use an inquiry-based approach to explore the origin and diversity of microorganisms and their significance in the environment, in foods and industry as well as in health and disease. Students will be introduced to the structure, reproduction, classification, cultivation and enumeration of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists. The conditions required for growth and survival of microorganisms will be studied as well as physical and chemical methods of control. In laboratory classes students will develop skills in culturing and observing microorganisms and in designing experiments to test microbiological concepts. This unit is a pre-requisite for Microbiology 2 and Level 3 Microbiology units.

Genetics has a lot to do with sex and how genes are passed from one generation to the next. This unit introduces the student to the important conceptual issues in genetics from Mendel to DNA, from chromosomes to population genetics and from peas and fruit flies to genomics. While there is an emphasis on Mendelian and population genetics the unit also covers important concepts in molecular genetics demonstrating the link between genotype and phenotype. As the semester proceeds students are encouraged to makes links between concepts and problem solving through a series of exercises that enhance an analytical view of genetics.

Plants are the primary producers of terrestrial ecosystems and the key moderators of climate change. Hence, it is vital for students to appreciate how plants produce sugars and interact with their environment. This unit will introduce students to how plants fix and allocate carbon and energy, acquire water and mineral nutrients, and conduct water and organic compounds, the key determinants of plant growth. Students will also learn about how plants interact with their biotic and abiotic environments. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how crop productivity and ecosystem function will be affected by the unfolding global climate change.

Objective of this unit is to present the main fundamentals of linear algebra and includes such topics as solving systems of linear equations, matrix algebra, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Euclidean vector spaces, general vector spaces, inner product spaces and linear transformations.

This unit is designed for students undertaking studies in mathematics, statistics, operations research and mathematical finance. It provides further mathematical training in the areas of multivariable and vector calculus, which is essential to the understanding of many areas of both pure and applied mathematics.

Organic molecules are at the heart of the chemistry of life and industry. This unit builds on the fundamental chemical principles, exploring reaction mechanisms and the concept of reactivity and stereo- and regio-selectivity of many of the central reactions that form the basis of living processes, modern research, and contemporary industrial transformations. The unit contains a problem-based module on the application of spectroscopic methods to organic structure elucidation, focusing on spectroscopic data and a practical section on organic synthesis. The unit will focus on complex organic molecules including biologically relevant molecules, and examples from chemical industries, medicinal and pharmaceutical industries.

This unit provides insight into both classical methods of analytical analysis and an introduction to modern instrumental methods of analysis. Specifically, the classical methods of analysis include volumetric and gravimetric methods, while the modern instrumental methods include separation techniques and spectroscopy. The role of spreadsheets in data analysis and presentation is discussed and applied in the laboratory program.

Organisms degrade food molecules to generate energy and converts excess food molecules into internal fuel stores. This unit will cover topics including: bioenergetics; the structures of key molecules; glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis and breakdown; fatty acid oxidation and synthesis; amino acid catabolism; urea synthesis; citric acid cycle; electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Emphasis will be on the regulation and integration of these pathways, including their responses to hormonal regulation. The effects of altered dietary and hormonal status on metabolic pathways and their consequences for the organism will be discussed.

The unit focuses on the origins of genetic variation and the process of gene regulation in prokaryotes and explores the metabolic diversity of microorganisms from a variety of habitats and their application in industry. Using published scientific literature, students will learn how scientists research functional microbial physiology in the postgenomic era. The principles and applications of recombinant DNA techniques are discussed. Classification and identification of bacteria and yeasts is presented, including an introduction to molecular systematics. Laboratory classes introduce students to techniques used to study microbial physiology and genetics.

Molecular biology is central to many fields of the biomedical and natural sciences, and includes genetics, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, and forensics. Through comparative studies of different organisms, this unit will describe fundamental concepts and methods in the study of DNA and RNA and the application of molecular biology in advanced fields such as genomics. Subjects will include DNA replication; transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression; microarrays, and an introduction to bioinformatics. Practical work will provide opportunities to become familiar with the methods of molecular biology, with an emphasis on the development of problem solving and analytical skills

Building on the underlying physical and chemical principals/laws that define physiology, this unit from both a systems (e.g. Respiratory) and environmental (e.g. Marine) perspective, seeks to compare the functional physiology of organisms at all levels of organisation. Particular attention will be paid to respiration, temperature tolerance & regulation, living in water, sensory and neurophysiology. Students will have the opportunity to carry out a defined research project.

We live in a society where environmental problems dominate public debate. Ecology is one of the sciences required to find solutions to such problems; terms and ideas that came originally from ecology are used in public discussions, and in legislation. This unit will introduce students to ecology: what is studied, how it is studied, what are the strengths and limitations of ecology. Current ecological thinking will be covered, from the scale of individual organisms, through populations, and up to communities and ecosystems. Methods of study will be highlighted using evidence from molecular ecology through to field investigations.

Differential equations arise naturally, both in abstract mathematics and in the study of many phenomena. This unit provides the theory of ordinary differential equations and an introduction to partial differential equations, together with methods of solution. Examples are drawn from a wide range of biological, chemical, physical and economic applications.

The unit builds on the basic statistical concepts introduced in first year, and also prepares students for broader application of statistics for those majoring in science or business. Topics include some common probability distributions; revision of hypothesis testing; analysis of categorical data; analysis of variance; simple and multiple linear regression analysis and correlation; some nonparametric methods; and fundamentals of time-series analysis.

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of structure and function of immune system and particularly highlights common and unique systems that exist across kingdoms and phyla. There is a focus on the organs and cells of the human immune system and peculiarities associated with the immune systems of marsupials due to their early developmental stage at birth will be examined. The students will also develop laboratory skills that involve some immunological principles, investigative skills leading to understanding the knowledge base, and self learning at a sophisticated level and enhance their science communication skills.

Building on the foundations laid in Inorganic Chemistry, this unit focuses on structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry, and the stereochemistry of coordination complexes. Spectroscopic and magnetic properties of inorganic compounds are evaluated as a consequence of structure and bonding, and an introduction to X-ray methods for structure determination is given. Kinetics and mechanism of inorganic reactions are examined, and the area of bioinorganic chemistry is developed. Unique structures and reactions of organotransition metal chemistry are explored. Advanced Modules cover aqueous chemistry of cations and oxyanions, inorganic materials, molecular orbital theory in coordination complexes, group theory; lanthanides and actinides.

Advanced Physical Chemistry builds on the fundamental principals of energy changes in systems (thermodynamics), and the rates and mechanisms of reactions (kinetics) learnt in Physical Chemistry and extends this so that students gain an understanding of polymer and surface chemistries. This unit also will strengthen student's problem solving skills in quantitative chemical analysis , develop experimental techniques and advanced data-analysis skills.

This Unit examines the Kinetics of the bioavailability, degradation and removal of drug molecules from the body and its response to drug structure, stability and delivery system.

This unit builds on Analytical Chemistry 2 and focuses more on instrumental analysis, isolation and cleanup techniques and aspects of quality control and quality assurance in an analytical laboratory and in manufacturing are discussed. The instrumental methods covered include atomic spectroscopy (for example, atomic absorption and emission, x-ray fluorescence), molecular spectroscopy (for example, UV-Vis, IR, fluorometry, mass spectrometry), chromatography, electrochemistry, thermal methods and automated methods. The theory of the instrumental methods, their construction, operation and applications are covered. The theory and application of isolation and cleanup techniques in inorganic and organic residue analysis are given.

This unit builds on the reactions learnt in the unit Organic Chemistry, extending the range of C-C bond forming reactions to include the most significant in modern synthesis. In the second stage students learn to develop multistep synthetic strategies to produce target molecules using their level 2 organic chemistry and the reactions above. Structural analysis by mass spectroscopy and more advanced NMR techniques is also investigated. The students use this chemistry in a lab course designed to highlight a number of these concepts (including the synthesis of 2 pharmaceutical compounds and a team experiment) and to extend their range of practical skills.

Science Research Project is a final-year capstone unit that gives students an introduction to scientific research, while extending their knowledge and practical skills. Each student undertakes a research project supervised by an academic staff member. With the assistance of their supervisor, students will research the literature and define the problem to be studied, carry out a risk assessment, develop the appropriate experimental methods, carry out research on their project, and present a final written report and a poster or oral presentation. This unit offers a challenge to final-year students, and allows innovation by the student with respect to both method and research direction.

This capstone unit is directed towards the accreditation of a laboratory for chemical, microbiological or forensic testing, using the standards that are applicable in industry. The unit focuses upon the importance and coordination of good laboratory management, teamwork, calibration, record keeping and laboratory manuals. Groups of students are required to develop, establish and operate a comprehensive Laboratory Quality Management system designed for a specific class of chemical, microbiological or forensic test. The students' technical competence and quality system are then assessed using the guidelines laid down by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).