Introduction to Chemistry unit (KRA161)

Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit covers introductory chemistry for students with no previous knowledge of chemistry. This unit explores the basic chemical concepts with a particular focus on bonding and structure as well as applying theories of chemical reactions and equilibria to perform basic chemical analyses. This unit provides an introduction to chemical principles sufficient to be used as a pre-requisite for a chemistry major, as a prerequisite for the Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science (Marine biology major), Bachelor of Biomedicine and the Bachelor of Engineering as well as a core unit for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and the Microbiology and Molecular Bioscience majors 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 chemistry first-year units. 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, along with reinforcing chemical concepts with practical experience. To complete this component of the unit, you need to complete a set of laboratory experiments. Please check the course and unit handbook and timetable for specific availabilities.

Summary

Unit name	Introduction to Chemistry
Unit code	KRA161
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Chemistry
Coordinator	Doctor Susan Turland
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 1
Online	Semester 2
Online	Summer

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
Summer	1/1/2026	12/1/2026	23/1/2026	14/2/2026
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the fundamental concepts of chemical structure and bonding.
• Apply the theories of chemical reactions and equilibria to perform basic chemical analyses.
• Explain basic chemical processes in biological systems.
• Perform fundamental experimental techniques safely and competently in the laboratory.

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
010599	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• 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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	ON_CAMPUS Tutorial: scheduled 2 hr weekly tutorial Laboratory sessions: 6 x three hour sessions will be scheduled regularly Lectures: 3 hrs/week to engage with the online resources provided. (141h) DISTANCE Workshop: scheduled 2 hr weekly tutorial Laboratory Block: 2 scheduled days during week 12 Lectures: 3 hrs/week to engage with the online resources provided. (141h) SUMMER online class: 2x3hr/week tutorial Practical: 2 day lab lectures: 39 hrs/sem (141h)
Assessment	AT4: Laboratory Hurdle Task|AT2: Mid-Semester Test (10%)|AT3: Chemistry Pamphlet Critique (20%)|AT1: Online Assignments (30%)|AT5: Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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