Outline

Overview

Chemistry describes how and why things happen from a molecular perspective. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world, and provides the basis for new technologies and advances in the life, medical and physical sciences, engineering, and industrial processes. This unit of study will further develop your knowledge and skills in chemistry for application to life and medical sciences, engineering, and further study in chemistry. You will learn about nuclear and radiation chemistry, wave theory, atomic orbitals, spectroscopy, bonding, enthalpy and entropy, equilibrium, processes occurring in solutions, and the functional groups in carbon chemistry. You will develop experimental design, conduct and analysis skills in chemistry through experiments that ask and answer questions like how do dyes work, how do we desalinate water, how do we measure the acid content in foods, how do we get the blue in a blueprint, and how do we extract natural products from plants? Through inquiry, observation and measurement, you will understand the 'why' and the 'how' of the natural and physical world and will be able to apply this understanding to real-world problems and solutions. This unit of study is directed toward students with a satisfactory prior knowledge of the HSC chemistry course.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CHEM1011 or CHEM1911 or CHEM1991 or CHEM1001 or CHEM1101 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1903
Assumed knowledge ?	Students are assumed to have prior experience through HSC (or equivalent) chemistry studies. For more information, see the Stage 6 HSC Chemistry Curriculum (https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/stage-6-science/chemistry-2017)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Reyne Pullen, reyne.pullen@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Henry Matovu, henry.matovu@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Toby Hudson, toby.hudson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 23 January 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Paper-based exam containing short answer questions covering weeks 3-5.	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Online quizzes Online quizzes based on the in-workshop content	17.78%	Multiple weeks Due date: 25 Jan 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 25 Jan 2026	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Online quiz 1 / Early Feedback Task Online quiz based on in-workshop content #earlyfeedbacktask	2.22%	Week 02 Due date: 15 Feb 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Feb 2026	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Paper-based test containing short answer questions covering weeks 1-2.	30%	Week 03 Due date: 28 Jan 2026 at 10:00	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Laboratory work Compulsory. Skills assessment, lab book assessment and pre-lab quiz.	20%	Weekly	Eight three hours laboratory sessions.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Theory

Online quizzes: The quizzes are aligned to workshops 1-13, but the first two are not assessed. Each quiz contains 10 multiple-choice questions and will be avaliable as an electronic canvas-based quiz. You can complete this task wherever you may wish, but note that it is still an individual exercise. To access these quizzes, you must first attend the workshop and be signed off as present throughout the whole session.
- NB: The first of these quizzes also acts as the Early Feedback Task (EFT) for this unit.
- The top 8/9 + the EFT will be used to calculate your total quiz grade for this unit.
Exams: The mid-course and final exams cover the first half or the back half lecture course, respectively. These exams are made up of paper-based short answer questions. No laboratory work is examinable.
- Failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks, such as these exams, will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.
- If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
- There will be no third replacement exam offering.

Laboratory

The laboratory course represents 20% of the unit mark. The laboratory classes are compulsory, and laboratory assessment must be passed for the unit to be passed. Apply for special consideration if you miss a class.
Log Book: The logbook is a record of observations and hypotheses.
Technical Skills: Key laboratory skills completed and assessed during the laboratory sessions. Consideration should also be given to safety, cleanliness, and timeliness.
Pre-Laboratory Quizzes: Available on Canvas site

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Online quizzes cannot be submitted late. Online quizzes submitted after the due date and time will result in a zero mark.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Tutorials corresponding with each workshop	Self-directed learning (12 hr)
Week 01	Nuclear chemistry	Workshop (3 hr)
	Labtorial - Induction	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Nuclear chemistry and wave theory	Workshop (3 hr)
	Labtorial 4	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Shape of atomic orbitals and quantum numbers	Workshop (3 hr)
	Experiment 4	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Periodic trends & molecular orbital theory	Workshop (3 hr)
	Molecular orbital theory, spectroscopy & bonding	Workshop (3 hr)
	Labtorial 2	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Lewis structures, VSEPR & intermolecular forces	Workshop (3 hr)
	Experiment 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	In-semester test (Weeks 1-2)	Workshop (1.5 hr)
	Labtorial 1	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Alkanes, alkenes & isomers	Workshop (3 hr)
	Experiment 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Thermodynamics	Workshop (3 hr)
	Thermodynamics and Equilibrium	Workshop (3 hr)
	Labtorial 3	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Equilibrium and acid/base chemistry	Workshop (3 hr)
	Experiment 3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Acids and bases (continued)	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 05	Acid/base properties of organic molecules	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Laboratory classes are compulsory, and laboratory assessments must be passed for the unit to be passed. Apply for special consideration if you miss a lab class due to exceptional circumstances such as illness, injury or misadventure.

The final exam is a hurdle task. This means that you need to achieve both a 30% result for the final exam and pass the overall unit (50% accumulated across all marks).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand of the concepts and language of general and physical chemistry
LO2. understand atomic theory, structure and bonding, energetics, equilibrium and the processes occurring in solution
LO3. perform safe laboratory manipulations and to handle glassware
LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately both orally and through written work
LO6. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
LO7. demonstrate a sense of responsibility and independence as a learner and as a scientist
LO8. demonstrate basic skills in computing, numeracy and data handling.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We are introducing AI support bots AND including interactive worksheets to provide more timely guidance and feedback to students.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CHEM1111: Chemistry 1A

Intensive January, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links