Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Analytical Science

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CHEM1257

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

CHEM1257

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2022

Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Rajesh Ramanathan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2887

Course Coordinator Email: rajesh.ramanathan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 3.2.15

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment, by e-mail


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

You will have acquired the knowledge and capabilities normally developed in year-12 VCE (or equivalent level) chemistry or that you will be able to provide evidence of equivalent capabilities.


Course Description

Analytical science is the study of the determination of the chemical composition of natural and artificial materials using both classical and modern instrumental techniques. This course examines what analytical scientists ’actually do’ using a series of lectorials and practical work. You will gain a deep understanding of the chemical principles, especially those relevant to the chemistry of chemical analysis.

Analytical Science covers the following areas: The analytical and scientific processes; sample preparation; volumetric analysis; gravimetric analysis; calibration methods; vibrational spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR and Raman); fluorescence spectroscopy; separation science; and data analysis and treatment. There is also a laboratory program designed to extend aspects of the theory and introduce basic chemical laboratory techniques.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of university level Chemistry suitable as a foundation for learning and understanding the theory and applications of analytical chemistry.

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes:(PLOs)

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.

3.1 You will be able to investigate and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the chemical sciences, both individually and in teams, by synthesizing and evaluating information from a range of sources, including traditional and emerging information technologies and methods.

 


The objectives of this course are to develop your knowledge and capabilities in areas of chemistry that are particularly relevant to the analysis of a range of sample types. Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. State the key principles of different analytical techniques and apply this knowledge to perform chemical calculations and analyse data (Assessments 1, 2 and 3)
  2. Apply analytical chemistry techniques including and discuss experimental results using tables, plots, and interpret them using knowledge acquired through lectures, tutorials and private study (Assessment 2 and 3)
  3. Adhere to protocols and procedures, take appropriate precautions to ensure laboratory processes are followed with regard to environmental, occupational health and safety, and ethical standards and regulations (Assessment 2)
  4. Work independently and in teams in the laboratory and in tutorial-based exercises through practical classes and observations (Assessment 2)

 


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

  1. You will listen to lectures either face-to-face or online (recorded lectures will be available) where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples. Students will have opportunities to ask questions and contribute to lecture discussions.
  2. You will complete a series of quizzes and laboratory-based assessments. You will be given feedback on their progress and actively identifying knowledge gaps which will be addressed during subsequent lectures/practicals.
  3. You will be provided with knowledge on scientific writing, data generation and interpretation (conceptual and numerical problems) to generate high quality reports relevant to analytical chemistry industries during prac sessions. The prac sessions will be taught either on campus or virtually online.
  4. You are expected to complete independent study, working through the course materials and prescribed reading to build the knowledge required to satisfy the requirements of the course


Overview of Learning Resources

Many good references on Analytical Chemistry at 1st year university level are available in the RMIT Library.

You will also be able to access course information and additional learning materials via the CANVAS shell.

Laboratory Practical Manuals will available online.


Overview of Assessment

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 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).

To pass CHEM1257, you must pass the laboratory/practical component of this course; this is a hurdle requirement that you must get over to pass the course overall. If you do not pass prac then you do not pass CHEM1257.

Assessment tasks:

Assessment 1: Quiz (x4)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLO 1

Assessment 2: Practical Reports (x6)
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

Assessment 3: Analysis of course concepts (x1)
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-2