Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: ONPS7807C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4433 - 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

Tina Currie

tina.currie@rmit.edu.au

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

Nil

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:	MSL974032 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 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 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee 2.2 Match sample provided to accompanying documentation and report any discrepancies in accordance with workplace procedures 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 workplace 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, interpret and record data
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Record test data noting atypical observations and anomalies 5.2 Interpret calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs 5.3 Check calculated values for consistency with expectations 5.4 Record data and results in accordance with workplace procedures 5.5 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 5.6 Follow procedures to ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of 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 in accordance with workplace procedures

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

Students are expected to participate actively in all learning activities that include:

- working individually or in groups to complete pre-class preparation by utilising the video/interactive resources provided

- participating in class discussions and quizzes  reviewing the topic

- working individually or in groups to understand theoretical concepts by  attempting worksheets

- working individually or in pairs in the lab to to conduct experiments, analyse data, and interpret results,

 

Teaching Schedule

Sem 1, 2025: Perform Chemical Tests and Procedures Teaching Schedule

Week No.	Week starting	Theory (2hr)	Lab (3hr)	Assessment due
1	10 Feb	Introduction to the course and assessment requirements	Lab safety induction	“Mandatory Laboratory safety induction quiz” complete by end of week 1.
2	17 Feb	Topic 1: Lab safety and Environmental sustainability	Learning activity 1: Mass: Using balances	Learning activity records to be signed in class
3	24 Feb	Topic 2: Purpose and principles of chemical testing, calibration requirements, analytical errors and troubleshooting	Learning activity 2: Volume – Glass pipettes  Learning activity 3: Volume – Micropipettes	Learning activity records to be signe in class
4	3 Mar	Topic 3: Concepts of metrology: Precision, accuracy, significant figures and SI units	Learning activity 4: Preparing solutions and dilutions Learning activity 5: Sample reception and barcoding	Learning activity records to be signed in class
5	10 Mar	AT1: Quiz 1 (Topic 1-2)		AT1: Quiz 1 (Topics 1-2)
6	17 Mar	Topic 4: Basic aspects of chemical principles and concepts: Part 1 Matter, Periodic table and chemical properties	Learning activity 6: Introduction to spectrophotometry	Learning activity records to be signed in class and upload all learning activities (1 to 6) in canvas
7	24 Mar	Topic 4: Basic aspects of chemical principles and concepts: Part 2 Ions and chemical bonding, electronic configuration	Catchup lab to complete lab activities	AT1: Quiz 1 second attempt
8	31 Mar	Topic 5: Moles, concentration & dilution	AT2: Lab 1-  Sample preparation and dilutions: CuSO4
9	7 Apr	Topic 6: Principles and concepts of spectrophotometry	AT2: Lab 2- Spectrophotometry of CuSO4	AT2: Logbook submission lab 1
10	14 Apr	AT1: Quiz 2 (Topics 3-5)	NO LAB THIS WEEK	AT1: Quiz 2 AT2: Logbook submission lab 2
Mid semester Break: 18 – 25 April: no classes
11	28 Apr	Topic 7: Naming of compounds chemical formulae	AT2: Lab 3-  Spectrophotometry of Red Soft Drink
12	5 May	Topic 8: Chemical formulae and balancing equations	AT2: Lab 4-  Spectrophotometry of Green Food Dye	AT2: Logbook submission lab 3 AT1: Quiz 2 second attempt
13	12 May	Revision/ Corrections/logbooks	AT3 Practical Skills Test – subgroup 1	AT2: Logbook submission lab 4
14	19 May	AT 1: Quiz 3 (all topics with main emphasis on topics 6-8)	AT3 Practical Skills Test – subgroup 2	AT1: Quiz 3 AT3 Practical Skills Test subgroup 1
15	26 May	Corrections/logbooks	Catch up Lab*	AT3 Practical Skills Test subgroup 2 AT1: Quiz 3 second attempt
16	2 Jun	Corrections/logbooks	Catch up Lab*

 

*Catch up labs:  Only with approved special consideration

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed text for this course

References

Two internet resources you can use for basic information about each topic, Choose what is relevant. Chemistry for Non-Majors Chemistry: Libretexts

Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through: 

The Learning Lab 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab 

The Study Support Hub  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub 

English for uni workshops 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops 

Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

• knowledge tests
• practical skills test
• practical logbooks
• presentations
• group work
• research
• lab reports
• assignments

 

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.  

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task (usually within two weeks of assessment submission).

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.

 You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

To successfully complete this course you need to be satisfactory in all of the following assessments:

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Weeks
Task 1: Knowledge quizzes x 3	5, 10, 14
Task 2: Labskills and logbook x 4	8, 9, 11, 12
Task 3: Practical skills test	13 or 14

 

Assessment attempt policy:

For each assessment you will be given up to two (2) attempts, however, to be granted the second attempt at any assessment, your first attempt must be an appropriate attempt to try and gain a satisfactory outcome. For example, you must appropriately attempt each question or aspect of the assessment task.If your first attempt fails to meet the above standard, you may not be eligible for a second attempt at that task.A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are: 

CA: Competency Achieved 
NYC: Not Yet Competent 
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment 

     

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required

Other Information

Attendance: 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises  

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

Information about your studies: 

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. 

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students 

 

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this applicationplease visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsiderationor speak to your Program Coordinator.

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:  

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity 

Use of AI has certain restrictions in this course. Please refer to assessment instructions for guidelines on the conditions for the use of AI tools in assessments. 

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:  

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

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Course Overview: Access Course Overview