Chemistry 1 (Veterinary Science) - CHEM1405
This unit of study offers students an integrated approach to the composition of matter, the shapes of molecules and synthetic and mechanistic organic chemistry. The emphasis is on the molecular basis of materials and transformations in the Life Sciences and is designed for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science program. The concepts covered in lectures will be illustrated by work conducted in the laboratories. The laboratory classes also teach some standard research techniques and experimental methodology. The unit includes the opportunity to use computer-aided instruction both on and off campus via the web. The unit carries a credit point value of 6 and consists of approximately 78 hours of teaching. It contains some continuous assessment and concludes with an examination.
Aims and Goals

This unit of study will provide students with the background necessary to understand the molecular basis of materials and transformations that occur in living systems. It will enable students to understand the chemical interactions that underlie the properties of materials and provide a solid grounding in Organic Chemistry. Examples of the application of the chemical processes in living systems will be given throughout the unit.

Syllabus

A summary of the syllabus is available here. Note the order in which the topics are presented may be varied by the lecturer.
Learner Preparation

This unit is only available to students enrolled in the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Students are strongly recommended to undertake the Chemistry Bridging Course if they have not taken HSC chemistry.

Learning Situations

The learning situations of CHEM1405 are:

  • Lectures that cover the core material of the unit.
  • Background reading from the recommended text books to support the lecture material.
  • Use of on-line resources including computer aided learning modules (ChemCAL), self-help problems and past exam papers.
  • Completion of assignments.
  • On-line laboratory pre-work. This includes information on the theory of the experiment, the important experimental details, and an on-line quiz. The on-line quiz consists of 3 - 7 questions and tests your understanding of the theory of the experiment.
  • Laboratory work, which consists of a series of experiments, is designed to teach you essential experimental techniques. Some experiments are stand alone and some are supported by the lecture material.

Additional help may be sought from the Duty Tutor, located at the back of Lab B of the Chemistry School available between 1 pm and 2 pm Tuesdays to Fridays from week 2 throughout the semester or by e-mail to dutytutor@chem.usyd.edu.au . All Chemistry School lecturers are available for consultation by appointment.
Learning Commitments and Contact

CHEM1405 is comprised of four 1 hour lectures each week and nine 3 hour laboratory sessions over the course of the semester. There are assignments based on problem solving and exercises relating to the practical component of the course to be completed weekly in your own time. Students are required to attend all classes. Timetable information may be found here.

A Study Program incorporating adequate time for the following tasks is strongly advised. This should allow time for:

  • completion of the laboratory pre-work. This is conducted on-line, is compulsory, and forms part of your final assessment.
  • completion of weekly assignments.
  • progressive coverage of the syllabus in step with the lecture series. It is expected that the time spent on private study should roughly match that spent in lectures/tutorials/laboratory classes.
Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit of study, students will:

  • possess a general knowledge of Inorganic chemistry.
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental processes occurring in Organic Chemistry.
  • have developed laboratory manipulative and glassware handling skills.
  • have been introduced to the techniques used in research laboratories.
  • be able to apply chemical principles to problem solving situations.

Students will be able to demonstrate these outcomes in the following assessment items.
Assessment

The program of assessment is as follows (with percentage of the overall total mark in brackets):

  • Laboratory work (10%) comprising:
    § Continual laboratory assessment - including attendance, attitude and post-work (3%).
    § On-line laboratory pre-work quizzes (4%).
    § Two quizzes based on laboratory exercises E30 and E35 (3%).
  • Four multiple-choice test papers, given during the semester and based on the material covered during the preceding lectures, tutorials and lab classes. The best three marks are taken (15%).
  • A short-answer written paper (3 hours, 75%).

You may apply for Special Consideration (which is not granted routinely) if you miss a laboratory session or tutorial quiz. You need to complete a School of Chemistry Special Consideration form (available from the First Year Chemistry Enquiry Office) within seven (7) days of the assessment affected. Your preferred option should be to catch up on missed assessable work as the School of Chemistry offers many opportunities to do this - see Sophie at the Enquiry Office.

Supplementary examinations: Students who miss the end of semester examination because of illness or misadventure or whose performance in the exam has been severely affected by illness or personal circumstances may be granted a supplementary examination. Application for Special Consideration for the exams must be made to the Faculty of Veterinary Science Office within seven (7) days of the examination affected. The application form and the Special Consideration Conditions for all Veterinary Science students can be found on the Faculty website: http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/enrolled/information.shtml.

NOTE WELL: If you apply for Special Consideration for an examination, you are applying to resit the examination. We will NOT "just give you a couple of extra marks". If Special Consideration is granted, you will be obliged to attend the supplementary examination - your original paper will be considered null and void. The supplementary examination will be held in Laboratory A at 10.00 a.m. on Monday 4th July.

All grades (High Distinction 85% and above, Distinction 75-84%, Credit 65-74%, Pass 50-64% and Fail <50%) are available in this unit of study.
Textbooks

The recommended texts are:

  • Chemistry. The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, Martin Silberberg, McGraw Hill, 4th Edition
  • Organic Chemistry. A Short Course, Harold H Hart, Leslie E Craine, David J Hart; Houghton Mifflin, 11th Edition

There are many other good Chemistry text books and specific advice on the suitability of a text that you may already possess may be obtained from your lecturer.

  • You are required to possess a copy of the First Year Chemistry Laboratory Handbook for the Laboratory work. This will be sold during the first week of semester in Chemistry Lab C.