Key facts

UNE unit code: CHEM220

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

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

Unit information

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Are you interested in learning more about the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry? Extend your understanding of the ways we can use and manipulate chemical compounds to uncover new innovative chemistry and or application.

The unit offers you preliminary insights into the fascinating areas of chemical kinetics, organometallic chemistry, transition metal chemistry and electrochemistry.

Developing a broad understanding of the key inorganic chemical concepts, the unit will help you to extend your capacity for independent learning and problem solving – invaluable skills for flexible scientific thinking in the rapidly changing world.

These concepts are central to all areas of chemistry, including materials and forensic science, medical and biological sciences, and earth and environmental sciences.

Your knowledge will be consolidated through laboratory-based learning, guided by our experienced and friendly academic staff.

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

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA4 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 2, OnlineThe 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 and CHEM120 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
CHEM202 or CHEM202A

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

Siew Chong

Learning outcomes

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

  1. understand how to describe the rate of a chemical reaction using a rate law, and to interpret that rate law in terms of a mechanism, using a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of physical chemistry;
  2. understand the principles and applications of organometallic chemistry, including the structures, bonding, and reactivity of organometallic compounds, and be able to rationalise important catalytic processes;
  3. understand the principles and applications of coordination chemistry of the d-block elements, including their structures, bonding, magnetism and reactions, using a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of inorganic chemistry;
  4. interpret and apply the relationship between the cell potential and the Gibbs energy change of the cell reaction;
  5. analyse numerical and chemical problems using a broad range of cognitive and technical skills; and
  6. demonstrate greater autonomy, judgement and defined responsibility in performing laboratory work and report writing.

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 QuizYes5%All offerings

Online quiz.

No. Words: approx 250

Assessment 2Yes15%All offerings

Written assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations.

No. Words: 500

Assessment 3 - Online Quiz Yes5%All offerings

Online quiz.

No. Words: approx 250

Assessment 4Yes15%All offerings

Written assignment requiring short answers and/or calculations.

No. Words: 500

Assessment 5 - Practicals - Assurance TaskYes25%All offerings

This is a Hurdle Task. Seven (7) experiments are to be completed in the laboratory. There are five (5) short  written reports, one (1) full written report and one  (1) data analysis, which must be completed. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit. Students will be assessed on their laboratory skills and their demonstrated ability to connect theoretical concepts with laboratory practice. Students will need to demonstrate professional conduct in the laboratory, including the ability to work safely, collegially, and productively in a shared setting.

No. Words: 2500

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes35%All offerings

Hurdle Task.

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.

Chemical Structure and Reactivity: An Integrated Approach

ISBN: 9780199604135

Keeler, J. and Wothers, P., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2013

Text refers to: All offerings

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