This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Foundations in Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences 1
UndergraduateMAQ-CHEX10012025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Examine the smallest building blocks of matter in this exploration of molecular science. You’ll learn basic theories and methods of chemistry—online and in the lab. Discover how biomolecular science tackles challenges in health, sustainability, and more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $1,195
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Foundations in Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences 1
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Use the language and principles of chemical science to explore the composition and properties of matter and discuss how molecular sciences are important in our lives.
- Name and write (or describe) the chemical structures for representative inorganic and organic compounds, including peptides, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
- Analyse the chemical structure of chemical compounds to predict their function, reactivity and physical properties.
- Calculate the physical quantities that characterize chemical composition, including solids and solutions, as well as chemical reactions.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills used for the preparation, separation and analysis of chemical compounds, including an understanding of general laboratory safety procedures.
- Record and analyse scientific data, as well as communicate conclusions using the basic elements of scientific report preparation.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Foundations of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences 1 introduces students to the principles and practical aspects of the molecular sciences, from the smallest of chemical substances through to the molecules of life - the biomolecules. This subject does not assume prior knowledge of chemistry or biology and is ideal for any student that wants to understand the atomic and molecular world within and around them. It will commence with the language of chemistry by introducing atoms and molecules and elements and compounds and using representative inorganic and organic compounds, including biomolecules, to show how their structures, functions and reactions are described. It will build on this language to allow prediction of the reactivity, behaviour and function of different classes of compounds, with a focus on acids and bases and organic compounds including biomolecules. Contemporary applications will be highlighted to show the role of chemical and biomolecular sciences in our lives, now and in the future, including in helping to achieve a sustainable environment, understanding health and disease, and advancing new molecular technologies. Practical and workshops at the 5 days of compulsory on campus sessions reinforce learning throughout this subject.
Laboratory class (In-person). Please note that participation in the practical classes is a hurdle and that you must attend all four practical classes to pass CHEX1001.
- In-Session Test (20%)
- Final Exam (40%)
- Weekly Quizzes (20%)
- Practical classes exercises (20%)
- Practical classes (0%)
- Workshop Contribution (0%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- 10
Entry requirements
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units): CBMS107, CBMS103
NCCW (2020 and onwards): CHEM1001 Foundations of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences 1
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Practical classes are available over a number of weeks, so that if a class is missed the student can catch up at a later time. For those cases where the practical is no longer in the schedule special repeat classes at the end of session may be offered. Attendance is required at the Macquarie University Campus in North Ryde (Sydney, NSW). The session dates will be confirmed.
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA subjects offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in subjects through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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