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Aduchem Pty Ltd

Introductory course for Chemistry

11th to 22nd February 2008

The course is an introduction to the University of Adelaide chemistry course (Foundations of Chemistry) that is available to those who have not taken SACE Stage 2 Chemistry. It is also a source of the chemistry needed for the Biology 1 course,  at the University and is a help for those taking chemistry courses at other institutions.

Aim of the Course

The course is designed for those enrolling in first year chemistry or biology courses at the University of Adelaide who have never studied chemistry at Stage 2 (Year 12) or who have attempted Stage 2 Chemistry but have not obtained a very satisfactory result.

The first year chemistry course, Foundations of Chemistry, assumes a knowledge of Stage 2 Chemistry but you may enrol in the course with no previous knowledge if chemistry.

The introductory course will help to overcome some of the difficulties which are experienced by less well prepared students who enrol in Sciences, Engineering and Health Sciences degree courses (including courses in agriculture, food science, oenology, viticulture and environmental sciences) and in the first year courses in Biology.

We cannot in a short course of this kind give you the same experience as Stage 2 chemistry, but it is possible to cover a great deal of the background assumed by the first year chemistry courses. If you take the course you will find that you will have to spend more time on the university chemistry course than if you had studied Stage 2 chemistry at school, but having taken the Introductory Course should make it easier.

Over 2 weeks the course will cover the elementary ideas of chemistry to the level assumed by the textbooks used in Level I chemistry courses at the University of Adelaide.

Although the course is designed as an introduction to a first year chemistry course at the University of Adelaide, in the past it has been helpful to those taking chemistry courses at other institutions. If you are taking a course at another institution  to consult us to check that the Introductory Course is suitable for you.

The Nature of the Course

Students are guided through the early chapters of the first year chemistry textbook used at the University of Adelaide, and will be exposed to the elementary ideas, language and concepts of chemistry. This is done through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials (about 10 people per class) and classes in simple chemical calculations and some of the mathematical ideas commonly used in chemistry. The course involves between 40 and 45 hours of lectures and tutorials.

The course is intensive and you will have to spend time working on your own if you are to gain the maximum benefit from the course but by concentrating the teaching in small groups each student should receive the maximum personal assistance.

A set of notes is included in the course. The textbook for the Foundations of Chemistry course at the University of Adelaide in 2008 is Atkins & Jones, "Chemical Principles". You should consult Dr Laurence about the need for the textbook when you enrol for the course.

Is the course for me?

If you have never studied chemistry or have only done Stage 1 Chemistry (Year 11) you should find the course of considerable benefit. If you did Stage 2 Chemistry some time ago this course may help you by revising the ideas important for university chemistry.

If you are uncertain about the possible benefits of the course please contact us for advice.

When will the course be given?

The course is over 2 weeks in the summer vacation and will be given in the Badger and Johnson buildings of the University of Adelaide (North Terrace campus map). The course will probably commence on February 4th and run from 9am to 3pm each day. It will consist of a mixture of lectures and group tutorial sessions.

Who will be teaching the course?

The course is managed by experienced staff who are associated with the teaching of Chemistry at the University of Adelaide and who are aware of the difficulties that less prepared students have with first year chemistry.

How much will it cost?

The course will cost about $470 including GST. The full fee is normally paid when you enrol. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, or credit card (MasterCard or Visa)

It is expected that all potential students will be able to take the course.

What must I do to enrol in the course?

Contact us by phone or email (details below) with your name and address even if you are not yet sure that you will take th course, so that we can contact you in December with further details.

We are always willing to discuss any aspect of the course with prospective students.

I have recieved a late offer, what must I do to enrol into the course?

You may not know until after 11th February that you have been offered a place at the University. If this is the case contact us immediately you receive your offer and we will try to make special arrangements.

Further information

If you require further information or advice about the course please call

Dr Gerald Laurence
Phone (08) 8379 6839
Mobile: 0411 444 895
Email: course@aduchem.com.au

Corri Baker
Phone (08) 8303 5711
Mobile 0417 890 523
email: corri.baker@adelaide.edu.au

Renee Darcy
Phone (08) 8303 5711
Mobile 0400 953 900
email: renee.darcy@adelaide.edu.au