Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: BIOL5245C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.  

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4397 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Course Contact: Rauha Quazi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277

Course Contact Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Renu Shankar

renu.shankar@rmit.edu.au

Available via appointment

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

None

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests. These tests will involve several measurement steps.
The unit includes basic data processing and interpretation of results.
This unit applies to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators in all industry sectors.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL974019 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 and instruments involved 1.2 Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation and test methods, reagents and/or equipment 1.3 Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples

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

Element:

3. Check equipment before use

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Set up equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements 3.2 Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures 3.3 Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures 3.4 Inspect reagents required for quality issues including visual checks and expiry 3.5 Maintain equipment log in accordance with workplace procedures

Element:

4. Test samples to determine chemical species or properties

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

5. Process and interpret data

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Record test data noting atypical observations and anomalies 5.2 Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs 5.3 Check calculated values for consistency with expectations 5.4 Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures 5.5 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 (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 6.2 Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 6.3 Safely collect and dispose of laboratory and hazardous waste 6.4 Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Element:

7. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 7.2 Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include virtual theory classes, virtual/face-to-face laboratory exercises, group discussions, worksheets.


Teaching Schedule

Week #

Date week of

Theory (2hr)

Lab (3hr)
in 51.8.10

Purpose

Assessment

1

 

8-Feb

Topic 1

1.Outline of course

2. Metrology: SigFigs, Exp. Notation, SI Units

Online Lab safety induction

L21A, L21B, L21C

Meet the class, Sign safety rules, Lab records, Flowcharting lab methods

Safety induction 1

Show knowledge

Labskills 

2

15-Feb

Topic 2

Classifying matter,
atomic theory, atomic number & atomic weight, subatomic particles

Lab 1

1hr: L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1 

And

1hr: L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Lab Tour

Mass 

Using balances

Safety induction 2

Skill building

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

3

22-Feb

Topic 3

Periodic table, Electron configuration of atoms - shells, subshells & orbitals, Ions

Lab 2

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1

Volume

Lab glassware 

Glass pipettes

Mixing solutions

 

Skill building

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

 

 

4

1-Mar

Topic 4

Chemical bonds:
ionic & covalent bonding, properties of ionic & covalent compounds, naming compounds

Lab 2

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Volume

Lab glassware 

Glass pipettes

Mixing solutions

Skill building

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

AT1 - Part 1 quiz (Topics 1-3)

5

8-Mar

Topic 5

Review bonds, Electronegativity, classifying bonds, molecular shapes

Lab 3

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1

Volume

Micropipettes

Prepare Samples: Centrifuges (cover safety & calcs here)

Skill building

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

Lab Records Review (upto Lab 3)

 6

  15-Mar

Topic 6

Polar/Non-Polar molecules

Calibration, Equipment and Calibration Logs

Lab 3

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Volume

Micropipettes

Prepare Samples: Centrifuges (cover safety & calcs here)

 

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

7

22-Mar

Topic 7

Formula weight, the mole,

Avogadro's number, Concentration:
Molarity & % solutions

Lab 4

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1

Calibration 1/Chemical Test 1

pH of urine using a pH meter 

Make stock solution (CuSO4)

 

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 1: pH meter (Calibration 1)

AT1 - Part 2 quiz (Topics 4-6)

 

8a

 29-Mar

NO THEORY THIS WEEK

Logbook catch up during theory session for L21B & L21C

 

Lab 4

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Calibration 1/Chemical Test 1

pH of urine using a pH meter

Make stock solution (CuSO4)
Incl. Chem Labels & SDS

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 1: pH meter 

 

  

 

Thurs 1 Apr – Wed 7 Apr Student vacation (Easter)

 

 

8b

5-Apr

NO THEORY THIS WEEK (Easter)

Logbook catch up during theory session for L21A

NO LAB THIS WEEK (Easter)

 

 

 

 

 

9

12-Apr

NO THEORY THIS WEEK 

Final catch up for:

  • Logbook ( Labs 1-4)
  • AT1 quizzes 1 & 2

Lab 5

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1 and

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Lab Records Review

Prepare Dilutions (1 hour)

Incl. Chem Labels & SDS

Formal Feedback

Perform chemical test (preparation)

Show knowledge

 
  • Finalise AT1  Quizzes Parts 1 & 2
  • Final Logbook Review  (Labs 1 -4)

10

19-Apr

Topic 8

 Spectrophotometry: Energy levels and absorption/emission spectra,  Basic troubleshooting - equipment and methods

Topic 9

Balancing Chemical Equations

Lab 6

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1

Chemical Test 2

Spectrophotometry of CuSO4

Skill building

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 2: CuSO4 spectro 

 

11

26-Apr

Topic 10

Intermolecular bonding, Solubility, Miscibility

Topic 11

Chemical Reactions - Stoichiometry 

 

Lab 6

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Chemical Test 2

Spectrophotometry of CuSO4

 

Skill building

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 2: CuSO4 spectro 

AT1 - Part 3 quiz (Topics 7-9)

 

12

3-May

Topic 12

Limiting and Excess Reagents; % Yields; Ionic Equations

 

 

Lab 7

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1

Calibration 2/Chemical Test 3

Spectrophotometry of Red soft drink

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 3: Red drink spectro  

 

13

10-May

Topic 13

Reaction Rates & Equilibrium

Lab 7

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Calibration 2/Chemical Test 3

Spectrophotometry of Red soft drink

Formal Feedback

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 3: Red drink spectro  

 

14

17-May

NO THEORY THIS WEEK 

Lab Records Review

 

Lab 8

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1

Calibration 3 (Online)
Calibrate a thermometer

Chemical Test 4

Spectrophotometry of Green food dye

Final Logbook review

Formal Feedback

Perform chemical test

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 4: Green dye spectro  

 

15

24-May

NO THEORY THIS WEEK 

Lab Records Review

 

Lab 8

L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Calibration 3 (Online)
Calibrate a thermometer

Chemical Test 4
Spectrophotometry of Green food dye

Final Logbook review

Formal Feedback

Perform chemical test 

Show knowledge

 

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 4: Green dye spectro  

AT1 - Part 4 quiz (Topics 10 - 13)

16

31-May

Final Logbook review 

AT3 (Practical Test )

1 hour long

L21A-1, L21B-1, L21C-1 &
L21A-2, L21B-2, L21C-2

Spectrophotometry of Blue food dye

 

Formal Feedback:
Show knowledge & skills

Finalise AT1  Quizzes Parts 3 & 4

AT3 (Practical Test)

Final Logbook Review (Labs 5 -8)

17

7-Jun

Assessment & Logbook catch ups (Special consideration only)

AT3 (Practical Test) catch up

Calibration catch ups 

 Finalise assessment

AT3 (Practical Test) catch ups

 


Note: This schedule may be subject to change


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include observation of laboratory tasks, folio of laboratory results, theory tests and analysis of experimental results


Assessment Tasks

 

Assessments

When

Grading

Assessment 1: AT1 (Knowledge Quizzes)

AT1 Part 1 quiz – Topics 1-3

AT1 Part 2 quiz – Topics 4-6

AT1 Part 3 quiz – Topics 7-9

AT1 Part 4 quiz – Topics 10-13

 

Week 4

Week 7

Week 11

Week 15

Satisfactory/NYS

 

Assessment 2: AT2 (Labskills & logbook)

Lab Skills

To meet labskills assessment requirements (shown below) you must complete:

  • At least 2 chemical tests to a satisfactory standard of performance and safety 
    • pH of urine / pH meter
    • Spectrophotometry of CuSO4
    • Spectrophotometry of Red soft drink
    • Spectrophotometry of Green food dye
  • Get your Lab skills checklist signed off for the 2 chemical tests performed

 

Log Book

To meet lo Logbook assessment requirements (shown below) you must: 

  • Write up the logbook for at least 80% of labs (you must attend 80% of labs)

AND

  • Have records evaluated as follows:
    • Get logbook & checklist signed off each week,
    • Get your logbook and checklist assessed at mid-semester and end of semester.

 

To achieve satisfactory records and evidence of knowledge:

  • you need to keep timely and satisfactory records for all attended labs ( Only labs where a student was present are assessable.)  
  • answer Prelab questions, all experimental records including calibration and equipment logs, AND analysis questions must be completed. Additionally results are to be reported to the proforma or LIMS as shown in the Lab Manual.

 

 

 

 

Perform 2 chemical tests

See the course schedule for dates when Chemical tests sessions are available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complete logbook record, results reports and required logs for all attended labs

 

Get logbook reviewed by assessor in Lab class time:

Mid semester: - week  9 

AND

End of semester: - week 16

Satisfactory/NYS

 

Assessment 3: AT3 (Practical Test) 
Spectrophotometry

Lab skills must be demonstrated to a satisfactory standard

This is the 3rd chemical test required to pass the course.

See class schedule for specific dates for each lab. 

Week 16

Satisfactory/NYS

 

NYS = Not yet satisfactory

 

NOTE: Calibrations done in this course are required for BIOL5239C/MSL934004. Safe work practice during Labs in this course will be assessed for OHTH5992C/MSL944002. Refer to individual courses for assessment requirements.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment

CA Competency Achieved  
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

To pass the course you need achieve a satisfactory result for all assessments. Students may be given additional opportunities to demonstrate competence. 

Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.

APPLICATION FOR 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 (http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application should be emailed to the program Coordinator (rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au). Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.

• For missed assessments you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence prior to, or within, 5 days of the scheduled time of the assessment http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

• Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.

What does “all assessments must be passed” mean exactly?

This means you need to satisfactorily complete the following:

  • All the knowledge quizzes, AND
  • Logbooks for at least 80% of attended labs, AND
  • Lab skills for at least 2 chemical tests  (including one pH meter &  one spectrophotometry test) AND
  • Practical test 
     If you miss a lab you should provide a copy of your medical certificate or other evidence (court appearance, funeral notice, statutory declaration) to the teacher.
   

Course Overview: Access Course Overview