OLET1670: Intensive March - April, 2025
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Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

OLET1670: Modern Alchemy: Lotions and Potions

Intensive March - April, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

What exactly is in your paraben-free, organic plant-extract, cleanse and replenish shampoo and conditioner, and what does it do for you? What is a paraben and are they a problem? Why is it better to make shampoo from an 'organic plant-extract' than a non-organic one, or something else entirely? This unit will lift the lid on shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, and related household products, and uncover the roles played by the different ingredients. You will learn to identify broad structural features of important molecules and gain an appreciation of how their structure relates to their function. You will gain a historical perspective on the discovery and invention of new molecules and relate this to their use in familiar, everyday products. You will explore some molecules that can be problematic, consider their drawbacks, and the development of better alternatives. You will develop skills in communicating your knowledge of these molecules, their context and properties to others and produce resources suitable for the general public. By doing this unit, you will become a more informed consumer, better able to interpret the branding and creative marketing used to promote chemical products that you use every day and you will be able to communicate what you've learnt to your friends, family and community.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chemistry Academic Operations
Credit points 2
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This is an introductory level unit, no prior knowledge is required

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Cassandra Lee Fleming, cassandralee.fleming@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Peter Rutledge, peter.rutledge@sydney.edu.au
Cassandra Lee Fleming, cassandralee.fleming@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 4 April 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Early Feedback Task AI Allowed Part 1 Quiz
Online MCQ to test understanding of Part 1 material. #earlyfeedbacktask
7.5% Week 01
Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59
15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task AI Allowed Part 2 Quiz
Online MCQ to test understanding of Part 2 material.
7.5% Week 02
Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59
15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Online task AI Allowed Part 3 Quiz
Online MCQ to test understanding of Part 3 material.
7.5% Week 03
Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59
15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task AI Allowed Part 4 Quiz
Online MCQ to test understanding of Part 4 material.
7.5% Week 04
Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59
15-20 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task AI Allowed Video
Video highlighting different aspects of chemicals in cleansing products.
35% Week 04
Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 28 Apr 2025
90-120 second video
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
Assignment hurdle task AI Allowed Written Report
Written assignment on the chemicals used in personal cleansing products.
35% Week 06
Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 12 May 2025
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Online MCQ (x 4): Consisting of no more than 10 multiple choice questions, these quizzes will test your understanding of the material covered in each module. 
  • Video: Create a video that explains some of the chemical ingredients of a selected cosmetic(s) or personal cleansing, grooming or hygiene product(s).
  • Written Report: Report on the history of a chemical or class of chemicals used in cosmetic, personal cleansing, grooming or hygiene products.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. 

Assessment criteria

This unit is marked on the basis of Pass / Fail where students are awarded a grade of Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements as set out in this table.

Result name

Mark range

Description

Satisfied requirements 

50 - 100

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard. 

All hurdle assessments have been completed to a satisfactory standard.

Failed requirements

0 - 49

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Part 1: Hair Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Part 2: Body Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Part 3: Face Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Lotions and Potions Workshop Online class (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Part 4: Teeth Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Identify common chemical ingredients in cosmetics and household products
  • LO2. Understand the history of their discovery and reason for their inclusion
  • LO3. Apply these concepts to categorise molecules according to key structural elements and physical properties
  • LO4. Reflect on the origins of modern products in traditional knowledge of flora and fauna
  • LO5. Create learning resources that explain the chemical ingredients of household products and so communicate scientific information appropriately.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Restructured online workshop and have further streamlined the final assessment. This year we are switching the unit to SR/FR ("pass/fail") grading.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 22 Jan 2025.

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