Chemistry Essentials for the Modern Scientist unit (KRA113)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

Chemistry is often called the central science. Advancements in chemistry have been used to unlock the mysteries of proteins and DNA, create new therapeutic treatments and modern materials, revolutionised information technology and feed the world through agriculture. We apply chemistry everyday, but often fail to recognise the key role it plays. This unit is intended to give students an understanding of the essential knowledge and tools to apply chemistry across the breadth of study at the University of Tasmania. This unit (along with "Principles of Chemistry" in Semester 2) are the required prerequisites for students intending to major in Chemistry and for those intending to complete the Chemistry "flexi-core", or any other second-year chemistry unit. The unit builds on the introduction to chemistry given in year 12 or a bridging course (i.e. KRA161 - Introduction to Chemistry), and provides a foundation to four of the sub disciplines of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Emphasis is placed on: • Explaining underlying concepts in chemistry, so that generalisations regarding the physical and chemical properties of substances can be made. • Developing problem solving abilities.  • Understanding the importance of atoms, ions and molecules to the biological, health and agricultural sciences • Developing and expanding the skills necessary to carry out experiments safely and efficiently in the laboratory. The unit is delivered in blended mode with the equivalent of 36 hours of lecture content provided as recordings via MyLO across 12 weeks, complemented with 2 hours weekly face-to-face or workshops / tutorials and 21 hours (or equivalent) laboratory experience. The unit is formally offered in on-campus study mode in Hobart, or through a hybrid "online" mode that combines online learning and assessment with intensive block laboratory sessions over 2-3 days at mid semester and end of semester. Students wishing to undertake the unit in the “online” study mode should contact the Unit Coordinator for further details.

Summary

Unit name	Chemistry Essentials for the Modern Scientist
Unit code	KRA113
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Chemistry
Coordinator	Associate Professor Nathan Kilah
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/02/2027	16/03/2027	19/04/2027	13/06/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Predict structure and properties of molecules by applying atomic structure and bonding theory.
• Describe the structure and reactivity of carbonyl, amine and biological molecules.
• Solve mathematical and chemical problems of chemical equilibria, pH, and solubility.
• Demonstrate chemistry laboratory procedures safely and to a competent standard.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010501	$1,235.00	$1,235.00	not applicable

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CHM415115 Chemistry or KRA161 (or equivalent) and any of MTG315115 General Mathematics, MTM315117 Mathematics Methods – Foundation, MTM415117 Mathematics Methods, KMA002, KMA003 or KMA100.

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KRA121 AND KRA101 AND XPD133

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	The equivalent of 36 hours of lecture content provided as recordings via MyLO across 12 weeks, complemented with 24 hours of face-to-face or online workshop / tutorial (2 hours weekly) and 21 hours (or equivalent) laboratory experience (weekly 3 hour sessions or over 2-3 block lab days). Students who attend via the online mode can engage with the equivalent of 36 hours of lecture content provided as recordings via MyLO across 12 weeks, complemented with 2 hours weekly online workshop / tutorial and 21 hours (or equivalent) laboratory experience in an intensive block over 2-3 days in weeks 6 and 12 of semester.
Assessment	Laboratory|Quizzes (x9) (20%)|Examination (40%)|Tests (x3) (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	A. Blackman, S.E. Bottle, S. Schmid, M. Mocerino and U. Wille, Chemistry (5th edition), ISBN: 978-0-730-39667-3. Earlier editions are also acceptable, but may contain errors which are corrected in later versions. https://www.wiley.com/en-ie/Chemistry,+5th+Edition-p-9780730396673   Chemistry Essentials Lecture Notes, UTas (from MyLO). Chemistry Essentials Laboratory Manual, UTas (provided).

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.