UWA+ STARTER

Think Like a Chemist

From forensics to the environment, to new materials for a sustainable future, we need to know how “things” are made and work. This micro credential will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to think and solve problems like a chemist.

This micro credential introduces knowledge essential to the understanding of matter, atomic structure, the bonding of elements to form compounds, the mole concept and intermolecular forces. The micro credential include an introduction to organic chemistry, their structure and nomenclature.

There will be an on campus laboratory component which will expose you to the most advanced analytical techniques that are used to solve chemical structures. This micro credential supports Unit 1 and 2 of the ATAR Year 11 curriculum and will prepare you for success in Year 12.

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, you'll receive:

  • Two PD Points
  • A Certificate of Achievement
  • A UWA Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Online (asynchronous) with a required on-campus activity
On-campus: Laboratory workshops will be held at UWA, Crawley in the 1st Year Chemistry Laboratory, Room 1.15, Bayliss Building.
Aspirin Synthesis Laboratory - Tuesday 1 July 2025, 4pm-6pm and
Flash Chromatography Laboratory
- Thursday 3 July 2025, 4pm-6pm
       Students must attend both workshops
Course dates
2 June 2025 - 6 July 2025

There are limited spaces available in this micro-credential.

Applications close
Friday 21 March 2025
Duration
4 weeks
Total effort
50 hours
Academic lead:  Dr Dino Spagnoli

Cost

UWA Starter fees for 2025 –

Broadway Schools

$82.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students
from participating partner schools (register via your school)

$165 (inc GST) per micro-credential for individual
students  from non-partner schools

Non-Broadway Schools

$247.50 (inc GST) per micro-credential for students
from  participating partner schools (register via your school)

$495 (inc GST) per micro-credential for individual
students from non-partner schools

 

Critical information summary
CHEMM100 - Think Like a Chemist  (PDF 244KB)
Laboratory test-tube 

What you'll learn

Understand principles and concepts related to the structure of matter, chemical bonds and chemical reactions.

Perform basic calculations involving the mole concept.

The origins of intermolecular forces.

Use basic practical skills in the manipulation and use of chemicals and standard laboratory apparatus and the interpretation of data.

two girls reading a document 

Why study this course?

  • Gain the fundamental skills and knowledge to think and solve problems like a chemist.
  • Undertake a hands-on laboratory experience involving cutting-edge techniques used in chemistry laboratories worldwide.

How does it work?

This micro credential will involve online material and assessments as well as a hands-on laboratory experience involving cutting-edge techniques used in chemistry laboratories worldwide.

What's next after this course?

Future study
Students who successfully complete this micro-credential will: 
  • Receive a UWA Professional Development Transcript at the end of your studies, listing all completed UWA micro-credentials – great for uni entry and your resume!
  • Earn 2  stackable  PD Points -  complete two more UWA Starter micro-credentials to earn 6 PD Points and gain credit for one unit towards selected UWA bachelor degrees.
  • Gain points that can contribute towards admission to UWA via Experience-based entry.
 

Contact

Contact your secondary school for more information or to register for UWA Starter micro-credentials.