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Unit of study_

OLET1670: Modern Alchemy: Lotions and Potions

Intensive April, 2021 [Block mode] - Remote

What exactly is in your paraben-free, organic plant-extract, cleanse and replenish shampoo and conditioner, and what does it do for you? What is a paraben and are they a problem? Why is it better to make shampoo from an 'organic plant-extract' than a non-organic one, or something else entirely? This unit will lift the lid on shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, and related household products, and uncover the roles played by the different ingredients. You will learn to identify broad structural features of important molecules and gain an appreciation of how their structure relates to their function. You will gain a historical perspective on the discovery and invention of new molecules and relate this to their use in familiar, everyday products. You will explore some molecules that can be problematic, consider their drawbacks, and the development of better alternatives. You will develop skills in communicating your knowledge of these molecules, their context and properties to others and produce resources suitable for the general public. By doing this unit, you will become a more informed consumer, better able to interpret the branding and creative marketing used to promote chemical products that you use every day and you will be able to communicate what you've learnt to your friends, family and community.

Unit details and rules

Unit code OLET1670
Academic unit Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points 2
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This is an introductory level unit, no prior knowledge is required.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alice Motion, alice.motion@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Module 1 quiz
Online quiz
7.5% Week 05 15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Tutorial quiz Module 2 quiz
Online quiz
7.5% Week 06 15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Tutorial quiz Module 3 quiz
Online quiz
7.5% Week 07 15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Module 4 quiz
Online quiz
7.5% Week 08 15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Infographic/Video
Assignment
35% Week 08 1500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assignment
Assignment
35% Week 09 1500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Module 1 Quiz – answer 10-15 multiple choice questions 
  • Module 2 Quiz – answer 10-15 multiple choice questions 
  • Module 3 Quiz – answer 10-15 multiple choice questions 
  • Module 4 Quiz – answer 10-15 multiple choice questions
  • Infographic/Video – prepare and submit an infographic or video explaining chemical ingredients of selected product(s)
  • Final Assignment – write and submit assignment on history of chemicals in cosmetics

Assessment criteria

Result Name Mark Range Description
HD 85-100 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
D 75-84 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school
C 65-74 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
P 50-64 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
F 0-49 When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF 0-49 When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 05 Chemistry of 'Lotions and Potions' - this weeks focus on products used on human hair Independent study (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Chemistry of 'Lotions and Potions' - this weeks focus on products used on the human body Independent study (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Chemistry of 'Lotions and Potions' - this weeks focus on products used on the human face Independent study (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Chemistry of 'Lotions and Potions' - this weeks focus on products used on human teeth Independent study (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5

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 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

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.

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

  • LO1. Identify common chemical ingredients in cosmetics and household products
  • LO2. Understand the history of their discovery and reason for their inclusion
  • LO3. Apply these concepts to categorise molecules according to key structural elements and physical properties
  • LO4. Reflect on the origins of modern products in traditional knowledge of flora and fauna
  • LO5. Create learning resources that explain the chemical ingredients of household products and so communicate scientific information appropriately.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Clarified and streamlined final assignment and refined workshop content

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: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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