Chemistry

Your destination: Degree-level study at UoA

Chemistry is an extraordinary science, and its interaction with other sciences strongly influences our modern lifestyle and standard of living.
You’ll explore many aspects of Chemistry, from elements and atoms to molecular structure and reactivity. You’ll appreciate the role of energy, along with bond formation and the concept of chemical equilibrium.
You'll build on this robust foundation as you explore the worlds of green science and sustainability, energy and fuels, drug design and the creation of new materials.
You may then concentrate on advanced materials chemistry, biomolecular chemistry, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and the synthesis of bioactive molecules – amongst other research interests.

Begin your journey in Chemistry by way of the TFC!

Semester One

TFCCHEM 91F: Foundation Chemistry 1

This course introduces elements, compounds, the periodic table, atomic structure, covalent bonding, molecular shape and polarity. It explores quantitative chemistry, including balancing equations, calculating moles and particles present, and calculating concentration in moles per litre. Energy and thermo-chemistry are also included. Laboratories cover practical skills, qualitative analysis, and simple modelling.

Assessments

  • Test 1: 15%
  • Test 2: 15%
  • Final Exam: 40%
  • Quizzes: 10%
  • In-class Quizzes: 5%
  • Laboratories: 15%

Timetable

  • Lecture: three one-hour lectures per week
  • Laboratory: one three-hour practical per fortnight

Semester Two

TFCCHEM 92F: Foundation Chemistry 2

This course is intended for students who have completed CHEM 91F. It introduces further principles of chemistry: physical chemistry and qualitative inorganic analysis, including chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium; organic chemistry, including hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing functional groups; isomerism and reaction classifications, acids, bases, buffer solutions and titrations.

Laboratory sessions explore reactions of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing organic compounds, chromatography, testing for anions and cations in solution and acid-base titrations.

Assessments

  • Assignments: 10%
  • Quizzes: 5%
  • Laboratories: 15%
  • Tests: 30%
  • Final Exam: 40%

Timetable 

  • Lectures: three one-hour lectures per week
  • Laboratory: one three-hour practical per fortnight

Faculty of Science