Key facts

UNE unit code: CHEM120

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
  • Trimester 3 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

A solid grounding in the fundamental concepts of chemistry is essential for almost all scientific disciplines.

This unit, the second half of an introduction to chemical principals, equips you for further study, whether your focus is chemistry, or one of the other disciplines in the physical, life or earth sciences.

Building on your foundation from CHEM110, you will explore further aspects of physical chemistry, including atomic structure and bonding, and reaction kinetics, before moving to coordination chemistry.

You will also learn key concepts in organic chemistry with broad applications. These include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and arenes, oxygen-containing organics, organic spectroscopy and bioorganic chemistry.

The unit also offers opportunities to refine your practical skills and extend your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities – invaluable attributes for science-based degrees.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online
Trimester 3Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA4 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 2, OnlineTrimester 2 Intensive School - Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale.
TBATBA5 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 3, OnlineTrimester 3 Intensive School - Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for online students only. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
CHEM110 or (candidature in DipSc or BScStud or BPharm(Hons) and CHEM100 and/or CHEM110)

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Michelle Taylor
Rosanna Murphy

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. describe, interpret and explain introductory physical chemistry concepts - bonding and molecular structure and kinetics;
  2. describe, interpret and explain introductory inorganic chemistry concepts - coordination chemistry;
  3. describe, interpret and explain introductory organic chemistry concepts - alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and arenes, oxygen-containing organics, organic spectroscopy and bioorganic chemistry;
  4. analyse and solve simple mathematical and conceptual chemistry problems;
  5. apply the theory and demonstrate practical skills in simple chemical experiments; and
  6. demonstrate skills in oral, written, graphical and numerical communication, social responsibility within the laboratory and for the environment, information literacy and team work.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1 - Online QuizzesYes10%All offerings

Four (4) online quizzes worth 2.5% each. Quizzes provide practice for learning objectives from Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Assessment 2 - Mid-trimester Exam - Assurance TaskYes30%All offerings

Hurdle Task. You must achieve a weighted average of 50% across all Hurdle Tasks.

Assessment 3 - Practicals - Assurance TaskYes20%All offerings

This is a Hurdle Task. Seven (7) laboratories, including preliminary questions, labwork and extension questions. On-campus students complete weekly practicals throughout the trimester and online students complete practicals during the Intensive School. You must pass this assessment AND you must achieve a weighted average of 50% across all Hurdle Tasks. 

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes40%All offerings

Hurdle Task.  You must achieve a weighted average of 50% across all Hurdle Tasks in order to pass this unit.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

SI Chemical Data 7E

ISBN: 9780730302469

Aylward, G.H. and Findlay, T.J.V., John Wiley and Sons 7th ed. 2013

Text refers to: All offerings

Chemistry: Human Activity, Chemical Reactivity (International Edition)

ISBN: 9780170459198

Mahaffy, P. et. al, Nelson Rev 2nd ed. 2014

Note: Includes printed access card (12 months) for Premium Website.

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Molecular Visions Molecular Modeling Kit #3

ISBN: 9780964883741

Darling, Wiley 2001

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.