Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: BIOL5230C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

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

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5363 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)

Course Contact: Amber Mitton

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8053

Course Contact Email: amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Kirsten Balding - Teacher - Theory & Lab kirsten.balding@rmit.edu.au 9925 4283

Michael Allnutt - Lab Teacher michael.allnutt@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

None

Course Description

 

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL974003 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

2.4 Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results

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 Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel

3.4 Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures

3.5 Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment and instruments

3.6 Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements

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

5.2 Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs

5.3 Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations

5.4 Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures

5.5 Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures

5.6 Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

5.7 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 Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal

6.4 Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Element:

7 Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS)

7.2 Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data

7.3 Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Theory classes
Lab classes
Worksheets
Groupwork
Tutorials
Online quizzes
Exams
Assignments


Teaching Schedule

 

 

 

 

 Week       Date       Theory  Prac  Assessment
 1  6 Feb  Topic 1

Outline of course
Metrology: SigFigs, Exp. Notation, Units

Lab safety induction  
 2  13 Feb

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

Lab 1:
Lab Safety
Mass: Using balances
 
 3  20 Feb Periodic table, Electron configuration of atoms - shells,
subshells & orbitals,
Ions

Lab 2:

Volume: Lab glassware Volume: Glass pipettes

 
 4  27 Feb Chemical bonds: ionic & covalent bonding, properties of ionic &
covalent compounds, Lewis dot diagrams, naming compounds
Lab 3:
Volume: Micropipettes
Prepare Samples: Centrifuges
 
 5  6 March Review bonds, Electronegativity, classifying bonds,
bond angles,
molecular shapes
 Lab 4: Mixing solutions

Chemical Test 1: Conductivity of aqueous solutions 

 
 6  13 March

Formula weight, the mole,
Avogadro's number, Concentration:
Molarity & % solutions

 No lab class  
 7  20 March  

Spectrophotometry
Balancing Chemical Equations

Lab 5

Prepare Solutions
Chemical Labels

 
 8  27 March  Revision  Prac exam 1: Balances & pipetting  Prac exam 1
 9  3 April

Exam week- 6 April- 12 April

Easter break 13 April- 19 April

Prac Exam Retests & LOGBOOK REVIEW  
10 a 10 April    
10b 17 April    
11 24 April

Stoichiometry
Solubility,
Types of solutions

Lab 6
Chemical Test 2: Spectrophotometry of CuSO4
 
12 1 May

Limiting & excess reagents,% yields,
Ionic reactions & equations (net & ionic), Solubilities of ionic compounds

Lab 7
Chemical Test 3:
IDH enzyme timecourse assay
 
13 8 May

Reaction rates, Reversible reactions, Chemical equilibrium,
Le Chatalier's principle, Equilibrium constants

Lab 8
Chemical Test 4: Precipitation of BaSO4

 

 
14 15 May

Serial Dilutions
Polar/Non-Polar molecules

Lab 9

Chemical Test 5:
Explore Equilibrium

 
15 22 May

Revision

Lab Skills Exam 2
Make a solution,
Measure diluted solution in spectrophotometer
Prac exam 2
16 29 May

Theory exam 2

  Theory exam 2


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Bettelheim, Brown, Campbell, Farrell and Torres (2016) Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry 11th Edition

Perform Chemical Tests and Procedures Lab Manual


References


Other Resources

1. Students require a lab coat, safety goggles, gloves and a permanent marker pen for Laboratory classes. 
2. An exercise book for the logbook.This should be a bound book, not spiral. 30 pages is sufficient.


Overview of Assessment

Online quizzes

written tests

written practical reports

laboratory skills tests

laboratory logbook


Assessment Tasks

Assessments

When

Satisfactory work will be graded

(Value as %)

Assessment 1: Theory Exams x 2 (graded)

All ‘critical competency questions’ must be passed AND both exams passed on average (at least 50% overall)

 

Mid semester: 
week of 3/4/17

End of semester:
week of 29/5/17

 

Satisfactory/NYS
(Not yet satisfactory)

2 x 25% = 50%

Assessment 2: Lab Skills

(Satisfactory/ Not yet satisfactory)

 

 

 

 

All labs

See class schedule for specific dates for each lab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

week of 27/3/17

week of 22/5/17

 

 

 

 

Satisfactory/NYS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Satisfactory/NYS

Satisfactory/NYS, 10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satisfactory/NYS

Satisfactory/NYS

(a)   Assessor observations checklists (all labs)

To meet skills assessment requirements (shown below) you must complete certain labs to a satisfactory standard of performance and safety.

You must attend 80% of labs.

    

 

(b)   Lab Skills Exams

  • Exam 1: Balances & Glass pipettes
  • Exam 2: Making solutions and Spectrophotometry

 

Assessment 3: Lab Records (Logbook)

Students must write up their logbook for at least 80% of labs (experimental records AND analysis questions)

Only labs where a student was present are assessable.

AND have records evaluated

·       

 

Complete logbook record AND get it peer reviewed within 2 weeks of each lab for ALL attended labs

 

Submit to assessor

· Mid semester: 
week of 27/3/17

AND

· End of semester:
week of 22/5/17

 

 

Satisfactory/NYS20%

 

Marks are given for

· Completed peer feedback

and

· Self assessment and

· Assessor review

Assessment 4: Report Results

Report results to LIMS and/or report sheet as required for at least 2 out of:

(a)   Report 1: Conductivity

(b)   Report 2: CuSO4 Spectrophotometry

(c)   Report 3: IDH time-course assay

 

Complete in each class

See class schedule for dates

 

 

Satisfactory/NYS

2 x 10% = 20%


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment information
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilises graded assessment. Grades are as follows:

  • CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
  • CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
  • CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
  • CAG Competency Achieved – Graded  (50 – 59%)
  • NYC Not Yet Competent (0 – 49%)
  • DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs, and assignments etc.) For example, if there are two exams you need to have an average of 50% to pass and you also need to have passed the other assessment types. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component).


• 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 (available online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.


• For missed assessments such as exams- 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, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

• A minimum of 80% attendance at practical classes is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to 6th floor office addressed to the Program Coordinator. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write up you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and arrange an alternative report with your teacher

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. 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview