Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: BIOL5245C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

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

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5388 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology

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

Kirsten Balding

Kirsten.balding@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 face-to-face/virtual theory classes, face-to-face/virtual laboratory exercises, group discussions, worksheets.


Teaching Schedule

Class schedule

The class will be split into 2 groups - L21M-1 and L21M-2.
Both groups need to come in Week 1 for the Lab induction and first Lab class on how to use Analytical balances.
You must come to your assigned session as class numbers are strictly limited. 

Week #

Semester 2 Dates
(Week of)


Theory (2hr)

Lab (3hr)
in 51.8.10

Purpose

Assessment

1


12 July

Topic 1

1.Outline of course

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

Lab 1:
GROUP: L21M-1 & L21M-2
1.5 hour session each

Lab safety induction

Mass 

Using balances

Meet the class, Sign safety rules, Lab records

Safety induction

Skill building

Show knowledge

Labskills 

2

19 July

Topic 2

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

Lab 2

GROUP: L21M-1

Volume

Lab glassware 

Glass pipettes

Mixing solutions

Safety induction

Skill building

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

3

26 July

Topic 3

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

Lab 2

GROUP: L21M-2

Volume

Lab glassware 

Glass pipettes

Mixing solutions

Skill building

Record keeping

Show knowledge


AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

 

4

2 Aug

Topic 4

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

Lab 3

GROUP: L21M-1

Volume

Micropipettes

Prepare Samples: Centrifuges (cover safety & calcs here)

Skill building

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

AT1 - Part 1 quiz (Topics 1-3) 

5

9 Aug

Topic 5

Review bonds, Electronegativity, classifying bonds, molecular shapes

Lab 3

GROUP: L21M-2

Volume

Micropipettes

Prepare Samples: Centrifuges (cover safety & calcs here)

Skill building

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

 6

16 Aug

Topic 6

Polar/Non-Polar molecules

Calibration, Equipment and Calibration Logs

Lab 4

GROUP: L21M-1

Prepare for Chemical Test 1:

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

 

B. Prepare Dilutions

Incl. Chem Labels & SDS

 

Lab Records Review

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge


AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

7

23 Aug

Topic 7

Formula weight, the mole,

Avogadro's number, Concentration:
Molarity & % solutions

Lab 4

GROUP: L21M-2

Prepare for Chemical Test 1:

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

 

B. Prepare Dilutions

Incl. Chem Labels & SDS

 

Lab Records Review

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook)

AT1 - Part 2 quiz (Topics 4-6)


30 Aug

Student vacation
No classes

Student vacation
No classes


 

8

6 Sept

Logbook catch up during theory session

Lab 5

GROUP: L21M-1

Chemical Test 1

Spectrophotometry of CuSO4

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge


AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 1: CuSO4 spectro 

 

L21M-1
SUBMIT SIGNED OFF (COMPLETE) LOGBOOK PART 1 TO CANVAS

9

 13 Sept

Topic 8

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

Lab 5

GROUP: L21M-2

Chemical Test 1

Spectrophotometry of CuSO4

Skill building Perform chemical test (preparation)

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 1: CuSO4 spectro 

 

L21M-2
SUBMIT SIGNED OFF (COMPLETE) LOGBOOK PART 1 TO CANVAS

10

20 Sept

Topic 9

Balancing Chemical Equations

 

Logbook catch up during theory session

Lab 6

GROUP: L21M-1

Chemical Test 2

Spectrophotometry of Red soft drink

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge


AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 1: CuSO4 spectro 

11

27 Sept

Final catch up for:

Logbook & LIMS (Labs 1-4)

AT1 quizzes 1 & 2

AFL Holiday on Friday 24th Sept - No class


Finalise AT1 Quizzes Parts 1 & 2

Final Logbook Review  (Labs 1 -4)

12

4 Oct

Topic 10

Intermolecular bonding, Solubility, Miscibility

Lab 6

GROUP: L21M-2

Chemical Test 2

Spectrophotometry of Red soft drink

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge

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


AT1 - Part 3 quiz (Topics 7-9)

13

11 Oct

Topic 11

Chemical Reactions - Stoichiometry 

Lab 7

GROUP: L21M-1

Chemical Test 3

Spectrophotometry of Green food dye

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 3: Green dye spectro

14

18 Oct

Topic 12

Limiting and Excess Reagents; % Yields; Ionic Equations

Lab 7

GROUP: L21M-2

Chemical Test 3

Spectrophotometry of Green food dye

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 3: Green dye spectro

15

25 Oct

Lab Records Review

Skills Test - All students

Spectrophotometry of Blue food dye

 

Final Logbook review

Formal Feedback

Perform chemical test

Record keeping

Show knowledge

AT1 - Part 4 quiz (Topics 10 – 12 13)

 

SUBMIT SIGNED OFF (COMPLETE) LOGBOOK PART 2 TO CANVAS

16

1 Nov

No theory – Cup Day holiday

Skills Test – Last chance

Spectrophotometry of Blue food dye

Formal Feedback

Perform chemical test 

Show knowledge

AT2 (Labskills & Logbook) - Chemical Test 3: Green dye spectro

*Subject to change depending on the COVID situation.  



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment includes 

online quizzes
observation of laboratory tasks,
folio of laboratory results,
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 10-12


As shown in class schedule

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 
    • Spectrophotometry of CuSO4
    • Spectrophotometry of Red soft drink
    • Spectrophotometry of Green food dye


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 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  8/9 

AND

End of semester: - week 15

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 15/16

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