This unit can provide you with an introduction to chemical principles sufficient to be used as a pre-requisite for first Year chemistry units that are part of a chemistry major at the University of Tasmania. It is not designed to be a replacement for Year 12 Chemistry as it only covers topics of direct relevance as a background to the first-year units.
This unit covers introductory chemistry for students with no previous knowledge of chemistry who intend to study the biological sciences. It does not form part of a Biology major but is taken as an elective unit.
This unit explores the basic chemical concepts with a particular focus on biological systems and processes such as bonding and structure of organic molecules, aerobic respiration, ions in physiological systems, nutrient cycles and photosynthesis. Topics include fundamental chemical bonding theory, molecular geometry and interactions, reaction types and equilibria, introductory organic chemistry, and introductory thermodynamics.
The laboratory program introduces basic techniques and skills commonly used in chemistry relevant to the biological sciences, along with reinforcing chemical concepts with practical experience. To complete this component of the unit, students must attend to complete a set of laboratory exercises. For students selecting an on-campus mode of study, you must attend fortnightly lab sessions throughout semester and students that have enrolled as a distance student you must attend a laboratory workshop delivered in the last week of semester. Both options are on campus at either the Hobart or Launceston campus.