Program Overview

Introduction to CHEM 191

The CHEM 191 course is a summer bridging course that provides basic chemical concepts and laboratory skills as a preparation for the study of chemistry at university level. It is designed for those with little or no background in chemistry or to be a refresher course for those who have studied chemistry in the past.

Course Details

• Course Code: CHEM 191
• Course Name: Introductory Chemistry
• Academic Year: 2025
• Trimester: Trimester 3
• Duration: 17 Nov 2025 to 8 Feb 2026
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$1,033.20
  • International students: NZ$4,771.80
• Campus: Kelburn
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 12.5 hours per week for 12 weeks
• Points: 15

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: Students who have already passed CHEM 113, CHEM 114, CHEM 121, or CHEM 122 cannot take this course.

Course Structure

The course consists of eight modules and an introductory unit, which provides an overview of the big ideas of science and chemistry. The modules cover topics such as:

• Atoms, ions, and molecules
• Quantitative chemistry
• Energy and chemical reactions
• Different types of reactions
• Organic molecules and reactions

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Recognise the role of science and chemistry in society.
2. Identify and use chemical concepts to answer chemistry-related questions and solve chemistry-related problems.
3. Use the language and symbols of chemistry in their discussions and explanations.
4. Use basic chemistry laboratory skills.

How the Course is Taught

The course is taught online, with a compulsory 3-day block of labs in the beginning of February that must be completed in person at the Kelburn Campus. Weekly tutorials are also available on campus, but are recorded for students who live out of town.

Assessment

• Module Assignments: 30%
• Laboratory: 15%
• Online Tests: 55%

Mandatory Requirements

To pass the course, students must:

1. Achieve an overall pass mark of at least 50%.
2. Show satisfactory performance in the laboratory course and assignments.

What You'll Need to Get

• All modules will be available online as pre-recorded videos, accompanying worksheets, and additional reading links.
• A laboratory notebook (preferably a hard-covered book).
• Safety glasses and laboratory coats are provided, but students may wear their own 100% cotton laboratory coat if they have one.