Applied Chemistry unit (ZAS123)

Online

Introduction

Curious about the chemistry behind everyday processes but not aiming to become a chemist? This unit is designed for students who want to understand how chemistry works in the real world, without needing a prior background in science. Whether your studies connect to health, agriculture, fermentation, or another applied field, you will find that chemistry shapes the behaviour of substances and the properties processes, materials, and products you encounter everywhere in your work and daily life.

This unit builds understanding step by step, starting from foundational principles and progressing through topics including chemical analysis and measurement, the phases of matter and their transformations, acids, bases and pH, molecules essential to life, and an introduction to biochemical reactions and processes. The focus throughout is on transferable insights, real-world reasoning, and practical application, underpinned by chemistry principles and concepts: you will develop skills in monitoring and measuring chemical parameters, applying laboratory and industry techniques, solving applied problems, and communicating findings clearly.

Accessibility is central to how the unit is structured. Study materials and tutorials are available online across the semester, and a three-day practical workshop offers both on-campus and remote participation options. Students attending in person are welcome to join us at our Launceston laboratories; those completing the unit remotely will receive a workshop materials kit (posted to any address within Australia).

Summary

Unit name	Applied Chemistry
Unit code	ZAS123
Credit points	12.5
College/School	University College
Discipline	Pathways
Coordinator	Doctor Bikramjit Ghosh
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 2

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

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 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* 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

• Explain chemistry theory and principles in relation to applied environments and scenarios
• Perform basic preparatory and exploratory chemistry techniques as relevant to selected real-world contexts
• Utilise chemistry-based frameworks for solving industry-relevant challenges
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for self-development in the context of chemistry technical practice and knowledge

Fee Information

Unit fee information for 2027 will be available in September.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

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

ZAS105|ZAS115|ZAS233

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Learning content online; Tutorials 2 hours per week as specified in schedule; Labs/workshops/field trips: up to 4 days per semester, including a 3-day workshop in Launceston or online
Assessment	AT01: Workshop and Report (30%)|AT02: Data-driven Technique Comparison (35%)|AT03: Workplace Problem Brief (35%)
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.