Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

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: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4837

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Seb Buckingham

Jocesebastian.buckingham@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

learning activities will include face-to-face theory classes, laboratory exercises, group discussions, worksheets


Teaching Schedule

 

 

TERM 1

Week #

Date week of

Theory (2hr)

Lab (3hr)

Purpose

Assessment

1

 

5-Feb

Topic 1

1.Outline of course

2. Metrology: Significant Figures, Units

No Lab

  

 

2

12-Feb

Topic 2

Lab 1

 

 
   

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

Lab Safety induction

(Compulsory)

Mass: Using balances

safety induction

Lab Records & Labskills

 

skill building

3

19-Feb

Topic 3

Lab 2

 

 
   

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

Volume: Lab glassware Volume: Glass pipettes

skill building

Lab Records & Labskills

 

4

26-Feb

Topic 4

Lab 3

 

 
   

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

Volume: Micropipettes

Prepare Samples: Centrifuges 
(cover safety & calcs here)

skill building

Lab Records & Labskills

 

 

5

6-Mar

Topic 5

Lab 4

 

 
   

Review bonds, Electronegativity, classifying bonds, 
bond angles, 
molecular shapes

Mixing solutions

Chemical Test 1: Conductivity of aqueous solutions (Incl. MSDS)

instrumental chemical test

Lab Records & Labskills

REPORT 1

multiple measurements

sample prep: 
mix & decant

6

12-Mar

Topic 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formula weight, the mole,

Avogadro's number, Concentration:
Molarity & % solutions

(Labour Day-mon) No Class

Lab Class TBA

 

 

Complete Quizzes Worksheeets

online

7

19-Mar

Topic 7

Lab 5

 

 
   

Spectrophotometry,

Balancing Chemical Equations

Prepare Solutions

Incl. Chem Labels

skill building;

Lab Records & Labskills

(Prepare solutions for REPORT 2)

sample prep: dissolve, dilute & mix

8

26-Mar

Revision

Lab Skills Exam 1
Pipettes & Balances

PATH (Tues) BIO (Wed) **

skill building; formal feedback

Lab Skills Exam 1

Lab Records: 
SUBMIT: 
LOGBOOK, Self & Peer Assessments
   

Thurs 29th March – Wednesday 4th Apr Student vacation (Easter)

8

2-Apr

Theory exam 1**

 

skill building; formal feedback

Theory exam 1

9

  

Theory exam 1

Bio:

Path: **

Prac Exam Retests & LOGBOOK REVIEW**

skill building; formal feedback

Theory exam 1

9-Apr

*Subject to change. **To be confirmed

Program: Chem Tests: Semester 1, 2018. 
Biotechnology & Pathology Testing: Theory & Laboratory Classes

TERM 2

We
e
k #

Date week of

Theory

Lab

Purpose

Assessment

10

16-Apr

Topic 8

Lab 6

 

 
   

Stoichiometry

Solubility,
Types of solutions

Chemical Test 2: Spectrophotometry of CuSO4

 

instrumental chemical test

Lab Records & Labskills

11

23-Apr

 

  

 

 
 

No theory classes

No lab classes (ANZAC Day 25th April)

 

 

12

30-Apr

Topic 9

Lab 7

 

 
   

Limiting & excess reagents,% yields, 

Ionic reactions & equations (net & ionic), Solubilities of ionic compounds

Chemical Test 3: 
Spectrophotometry of Coloured Solutions

instrumental chemical test

Lab Records & Labskills

REPORT 2 

multiple measurements

sample prep:

dissolve, dilute, mix

13

7-May

Topic 10

Lab 8

 

 
   

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

Chemical Test 4: Precipitation of BaSO4 
(Complete Part B to achieve multiple measurements requirement)

(NON-instrumental chemical test)

Lab Records & Labskills

 

sample prep:

dissolve, dilute, centrifuge

multiple measurements

14

14-May

Topic 11

Lab 9

 

 
   

Serial Dilutions

Polar/Non-Polar molecules

Chemical Test 5:

Explore Reaction Rates  and Equilibrium

(NON-instrumental chemical test)

Lab Records & Labskills

 

sample prep: 
grind & centrifuge

15

21-May

Revision

Lab Skills Exam 2
Make a solution, 
Measure diluted solution in spectrophotometer

Solution making

Spectrophotometry

Lab Skills Exam 2

FINAL Lab Records: 
SUBMIT: 
LOGBOOK, Self & Peer Assessments

16

Week of 28/5

Theory exam 2

Lab Skills Exam Retests & LOGBOOK REVIEW

 

Theory exam 2 

17

Week of 4/6

Prac exam retests

Alternative assessments (Special consideration only)

 

*Subject to change.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Online quizzes

written tests

written practical reports

laboratory skills tests

laboratory logbook


Assessment Tasks

Satisfactory/Not yet satisfactory

Assessment Value Due Date
Theory Exam 1  25% Week 8 & 9
Theory Exam 2 25% Week 16
Lab Records 20% Week 15
Lab Report 1 15% Week 6
Lab Report 2 15% Week 13
Prac Exam 1 satisfactory/not yet satisfactory Week 8 & 9
Prac Exam 2 satisfactory/not yet satisfactory Week 15
Demonstration of Lab Skills

satisfactory/not yet satisfactory
minimium 80% attendance

 Weekly


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment Information
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilise graded assessment
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 form should be emailed to the Program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au) 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

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