Course Title: Analytical Techniques

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Analytical Techniques

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CHEM1053

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

CHEM1053

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023

Course Coordinator: Professor Sylvia Urban

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3376

Course Coordinator Email: sylvia.urban@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 3.2.14

Course Coordinator Availability: By email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course will enable you to identify the structures of simple organic molecules using chemical tests combined with NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry. This is covered in the unit Organic Spectroscopy. 

The course also introduces you to methods of elemental analysis using Atomic spectrometric techniques in the unit Atomic Spectrometry. 

This is a hands-on course and the material covered in the theory component and your laboratory work will be closely associated. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes:

PLO-2 Scientific knowledge

  • PLO-2.1 You will have exhibited depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry

PLO-3 Inquiry, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

  • PLO-3.1 You will be able to investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods
  • PLO-3.2 You will be able to formulate hypotheses, proposals and predictions and design and undertake experiments and projects in a safe and responsible manner 

PLO-4 Communication

  • PLO-4.1 You will be able to communicate chemical knowledge by presenting information, articulate arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes


On completion of the course you should be able to demonstrate that you:  

  1. can gather, synthesize, and critically evaluate information from a range of sources and then design and plan an investigation.
  2. can select and apply appropriate practical techniques with technical competence in laboratory-based or virtual experiments
  3. can collect, accurately record, organise, interpret and draw conclusions from scientific data.
  4. can effectively work individually, or in a small team and communicate results and argument in writing.
  5. understand the theory of Atomic Spectroscopy and apply this to examples.
  6. are able to understand the principles of NMR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry and Infra-red Spectroscopy and apply this fundamental understanding to deduce the structure of some simple organic compounds. 


Overview of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities is planned for this Course.

CHEM1053 consists of two distinct units:

Unit 1: Organic Spectroscopy consisting of Structural Elucidation & Introduction to Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation and Unit 2: Atomic Spectrometry. 

The learning activities specific to this course are: 

  • participate by listening to on-line recordings of lectures , where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the course will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples; 
  • completion of tutorial questions designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to provide feedback on student progress and understanding; 
  • completion of the laboratory practicals which is required to obtain an integrated understanding of the subject matter covered in the theory component of the course; 
  • private study, working through the course and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems 

This is a theory and laboratory-based course. 

Practical classes are undertaken in the laboratory with associated tutorials designed to introduce you to the software packages that will enable you to process NMR data yourself. This will be an interactive virtual structure-solving tutorial. 

Theory component: Recorded lectures and related references/resources will present you with the key concepts and information relevant to the understanding of the two units of Organic Spectroscopy and Atomic Spectrometry. You will be expected to participate in online lectorial sessions that will largely consist of problem-based activities and complete the assessments across the two units.   

Laboratory component: You will be expected to complete the face–to-face laboratory sessions and the associated laboratory assessment component.  

You will be expected to undertake tutorial problems to assist with the development of logical thinking and problem-solving skills. This activity will guide you with the accumulation of a suitable body of knowledge in the topic area, and provide you with an indication of your understanding of the two units covered. 

Self-directed learning: You are expected to undertake self-directed learning activities to develop and consolidate your knowledge across the two units. The activities associated with this course are designed to enable you to better develop independent learning skills to support your commitment to lifelong learning as a science professional and a university graduate. The self-directed learning activities will also support your knowledge of the material covered in the formal learning program and enhance the consolidation and application of that knowledge


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).

This is a Theory and Laboratory based course and assessment will involve assessments across both components. Please note that passing the Laboratory component is a hurdle requirement for this course. If you do not pass the Practical component, you do not pass CHEM1053. 

The assessments across both the Theory and Laboratory components of the course will assess your ability to solve higher level problems in chemistry.

Assessment Task 1: Timed problem-based assessments
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 5 & 6 

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Reports
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4 

Assessment Task 3: Assignment 
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLO 6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.