Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: ONPS5658C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5282 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)

Course Contact: Amber Mitton

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8053

Course Contact Email: amberlee.mitton@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Kirsten Balding - Teacher

kirsten.balding@rmit.edu.au

9925 4283

Nominal Hours: 100

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites for this course

Course Description

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL974003A Perform chemical tests and procedures

Element:

1. Interpret and schedule test requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
1.2. Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment
1.3. Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples, if appropriate

Element:

2. Receive and prepare samples

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)
2.2. Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
2.3. Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements
2.4. Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results

Element:

3. Check equipment before use

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
3.2. Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures
3.3. Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel
3.4. Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures, if applicable
3.5. Quarantine out of calibration equipment/instruments
3.6. Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements

Element:

4. Test samples to determine chemical species or properties

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
4.2. Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
4.3. Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures

Element:

5. Process and interpret data

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Record test data noting atypical observations
5.2. Construct calibration graphs, if appropriate, and compute results for all samples from these graphs
5.3. Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations
5.4. Record and report results in accordance with enterprise procedures
5.5. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
5.6. Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
5.7. Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

Element:

6. Maintain a safe work environment

Performance Criteria:

6.1. Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
6.2. Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
6.3. Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
6.4. Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Element:

7. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

7.1. Enter approved data into laboratory information management system
7.2. Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data
7.3. Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures


Learning Outcomes


This is a competency based program


Details of Learning Activities

Reading
Lectures
Lab classes
Practical exams
Projects
Worksheets
Groupwork
Tutorials
Presentations
Online quizzes
Exams
Assignments


Teaching Schedule

Term Dates        
Wk  Date (week of)  Theory (2hr)
Tues am (BIO)
Tues pm (PT)
 Prac (3hr)
Mon (PT)
Wed (Bio)
 Assessment Task  Value (%)
1  10/2  Outline of course
Atomic theory,
Safety
 Lab safety intro    
2 17/2  Classification of matter, atomic theory, atomic number & atomic weight, electron structure & configuration  Lab safety
Using balances

 Theory online quiz

 


Report – write up ‘Using Balances’ in communication class

 
Total of 10% for all quizzes


Satisfactory completion required
3 24/2  Periodic table, Electron configuration of atoms - shells, subshells & orbitals, Ions Laboratory glassware
OHS: MSDS & Chem Labels   
 Theory online quiz  Total of 10% for all quizzes
4 3/3  Chemical bonds:  ionic & covalent bonding, properties of ionic & covalent compounds, Lewis dot diagrams, naming compounds, bond angles& molecular shapes    Glass pipettes   Theory online quiz Total of 10% for all quizzes
5 10/3  Review bonds, Electronegativity, classifying bonds, shapes of molecules - Lewis structures, Polar/Non-Polar molecules, Types of solutions & solubility no prac class
(Labour day)    
Theory online quiz Total of 10% for all quizzes
6 17/3  Formula weight, the mole, Avogadro’s number, Concentrations – Molarity & % solutions 

Conductivity of aqueous solutions

Theory online quiz

Prac report 1 - conductivity of aqueous solutions

Total of 10% for all quizzes

Prac Report:
15%

7 24/3  Revision          Prac Exam 1: Using pipettes/balances  Prac Exam 1: Using pipettes/ balances   must be competent
 8 30/3 Theory Exam 1 
 No prac  Theory exam 1  30%
 9 7/4  Spectrophotometry  Preparing solutions

Lab Safety:
Chem Labels

  Theory online quiz

 

Total of 10% for all quizzes
10 14/4  

Chemical equations, balancing equations  

Centrifuges

 Spectrophotometry I  Theory online quiz  Total of 10% for all quizzes
    Student Vacation 18/4-25/4      
           
11 28/4 Stoichiometry Spectrophotometry II  

Theory online quiz


Prac Report 2 - Spectrophotometry

 Total of 10% for all quizzes

15%

12 5/5   Limiting & excess reagents,% yields, Ionic reactions & equations (net & ionic), Solubilities of ionic compounds Micropipettes
Using Centrifuges
Theory online quiz Total of 10% for all quizzes
13 12/5   Reaction rates, Reversible reactions, Chemical equilibrium, Le Chatalier’s principle, Equilibrium constants     Balanced chemical equations   Theory online quiz Total of 10% for all quizzes
14 19/5  Serial Dilutions  Effect of concentration changes on equilibrium yields     Theory online quiz Total of 10% for all quizzes
15 26/5  Revision    Prac Exam 2: Making solutions     Prac Exam 2: Making solutions     must be competent
16 2/6  Theory exam 2     No prac     Theory exam 2

Submit Logbook   
  30%

must be competent
17 9/6  Alternative assessments
(Special consideration only)
Prac exam resits    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Bettelheim, Brown, Campbell, Farrell and Torres (2013)
Introduction to General, Organic & Biochemistry, 10th Edition. Cengage Learning, Australia

Chemistry Practical Manual semester 1
Download and print the practical manual from Blackboard:Go to myRMIT and login in. Then choose the link to the Blackboard for this course


References


Other Resources

1. Students require a lab coat, safety goggles and gloves for Laboratory classes. Some safety goggles are available in the lab, but it is recommended that students buy their own for best comfort.  These can be purchased from the bookshop.
2. An exercise book for the logbook.This should be a bound book, not spiral. 30 pages is sufficient.
3. A permanent marker pen, fine or medium, for labelling tubes etc.


Overview of Assessment

Assessments for this course typically consist of:
• Class activities
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Exams


Assessment Tasks


Assessment 1.
Theory Online quizzes (Each week)
(Best 10 quiz scores count)
10% AND must get average pass for all quizzes


Assessment 2.
2 Theory Exams (end of terms 1 and 2)
30% + 30% = 60%


Assessment 3. Laboratory practice.

a. 2 Prac Reports
1: Conductivity of aqueous solutions (term 1)
2: Spectrophotometry (term 2)
15% + 15% = 30%

b. 2 Prac Exams
1: Balances & Glass pipettes (term 1)
2: Making solutions (term 2)
Competent/Not competent

c. Logbook:
Signed off each week by teacher and submit at end of semester.
Students must write up their logbook for at least 80% of classes.
Only labs where the student was present will be signed off.
Competent/Not competent


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

**Students must attend at least 80% of practical classes AND pass all assessments to pass the course**.
If you miss a prac class you should provide a copy of your medical certificate or other evidence (court appearance, funeral notice, statutory declaration) to the teacher.

Assessment Information
• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exam, prac reports, and assignments etc.). For example, if there are two tests you need to have an average of 50% to pass. But you also need to have passed the other assessments as well. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the tests but fail the prac reports).

• Extension of time for submission of assessable work- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available on the web http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf ) at least the day before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form available on the Web). For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.

• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected

• If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.

Theory Online Quizzes
Students are expected to do the set readings each week. Powerpoint slides are also available for your review. The powerpoints summarise the readings. Each week the quiz tests you on key concepts from the readings. In theory classes there will be discussion based around the questions, and any questions or difficulties you are having with the topic. Each quiz will be available for a limited time only. If you are ill for the whole time the quiz is available, you will need to provide a medical certificate or else you will not get any marks for that week’s quiz. Each quiz can be submitted twice only.
If you have network difficulties or don’t submit the quiz properly you will not get marks for that quiz. Make sure you use a reliable network connection to submit the quiz! It is your responsibility to ensure your quiz is submitted properly. Please check with the teacher if you are unsure if you are submitting the quiz correctly. There are no extensions available for quizzes.
 

Logbook
Results from each practical need to be recorded in your logbook. This is an important aspect of developing your record-keeping skills. Logbooks are to be submitted at the end of semester.

Practical Reports
Practical reports are indicated in the Practical Manual. These pracs must have a formal report submitted as part of your assessment. Reports must be typed. Each practical report is due two weeks after the prac has been done.

Time Allowance for this course
The 100 nominal hours for this unit are allocated as follows:
Preparation for class/ Research work/ Report completion 16x 1hour/week = 16
Theory Class 14 x 1 hour/week = 14
Theory at home/Online Quiz/Revision 14 x 1 hour/wk+ 2 x 2hr revision = 18
Practical Activities & Prac Exams 16x3 hours = 48
Theory Tests 2 x 1.5 hours + 1 hour alternate assessment (if required) = 4
Total 100

Course Overview: Access Course Overview