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

Recommended Prior Study

It is recommended to have satisfactorily completed the following course/s before you commence this course: 

Alternatively, if you have the equivalent skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.  

Please contact your course coordinator for further details.   


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 compound analysis using various Mass Spectrometry techniques. 

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 program learning outcomes for the following programs:

BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Chemistry Major)

PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.

BH101 - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar)(Honours)

PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline
PLO 2.2 You will have advanced knowledge in specialized areas of your chosen discipline
PLO 2.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methodology appropriate to your discipline
PLO 3.1 You will be able to concisely state research questions, and use them to design and plan a research project
PLO 3.2 You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization
PLO 3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively
PLO 3.5 You will possess an ability to accurately record, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your research findings
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills
PLO 4.2 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate terminology for the intended audience

BP229APCH - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)        

PLO 2.1 You have exhibited depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry
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 formualte hypotheses, proposals and predictions and design and undertake4 experiments and projects in a safe and responsible manner
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate chemical knowledge by presenting information, articualte arguments and conclusions, in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, and for a range of purposes
PLO 4.2 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate terminology for the intended audience.

BP229P7 - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)              

PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts
PLO 3.1 You will be able to plan and carry out a research project under supervision, showing the development of some capacity for independent work
PLO 3.2 You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.

BP230P7 Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)
BP230NCH - Bachelor of Science (Nanochemistry)  
BP247ASCDD - Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)        

PLO 1.1 You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.
PLO 1.3 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
PLO 2.2 You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages.
PLO 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO 3.4 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO 5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO 5.2 You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3 You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.

BP305ACDD - Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Business (Management)          

PLO 2.1 Exhibit depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry.
PLO 3.2 Gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO 3.3 Well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 3.4 Ability to accurately record, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your research findings.
PLO 5.1 Take personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning will demonstrate accountability for your own learning and professional conduct.
PLO 5.2 Take personal, professional and social responsibility by demonstrating a capacity for working responsibly and safely
PLO 5.3 Work collaboratively.

BH098SACDD - Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)               

PLO 2.1 Graduates have exhibited depth and breadth of chemistry knowledge by demonstrating a knowledge of, and applying the principles and concepts of chemistry
PLO 3.1 The graduate 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 The graduate will be able to formulate hypotheses, proposals and predictions and design and undertake experiments and projects in a safe and responsible manner
PLO 3.4 The graduate will be able to implement correct methods of collecting, recording and interpreting data when carrying out experiments and incorporate qualitative and quantitative evidence into scientifically defensible arguments
PLO 4 The graduate 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
PLO 4 The graduate will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate terminology for the intended audience.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 


On completion of the course you should be able to:  

  1. Gather, synthesize, and critically evaluate information from a range of sources and then design and plan an investigation.
  2. Select and apply appropriate practical techniques with technical competence in laboratory-based or virtual experiments
  3. Collect, accurately record, organise, interpret and draw conclusions from scientific data.
  4. Effectively work individually, or in a small team and communicate results and argument in writing.
  5. Understand the theory of Mass Spectrometry and apply this to examples.
  6. 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: Mass Spectrometry. 

The learning activities specific to this course are: 

  • participate by engaging with pre-recordings of lectures and face-to-face lectorials, 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 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 Mass Spectrometry. You will be expected to participate in face-to-face 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: Problem-based assessment for Mass Spectrometry (Written) 
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLO 5 

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Reports (Written) 
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4  

Assessment Task 3: Test for Organic Spectroscopy unit (Written) 
Weighting 40% 
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.