Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: BIOL5245C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

School: 535T Social Care and Health

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

Renu Shankar

renu.shankar@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 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

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

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. Syllabus is also subject to changing pending pandemic conditions and RMIT & government safety advise.

Week #	Week starting	Theory (2hr)	Lab (3hr)	Assessment
1	7-Feb	Topic 1 Outline of course Metrology: SigFigs, Exp. Notation, SI Units	ONLINE Lab safety induction Flow charting methods Lab 1a: Mass - Pre-lab
2	14-Feb	Topic 2 Matter: classification & Structure	SUBGROUP 1 Lab 1a: Lab safety Lab 1b: Mass - Using balances Lab 2: Volume – Glass pipettes	Lab Records
3	21-Feb	Topic 3 Periodic table & Electron configuration of atoms	SUBGROUP 2 Lab 1a: Lab safety Lab 1b: Mass - Using balances Lab 2: Volume – Glass pipettes	Lab Records
4	28-Feb	Topic 4 Chemical bonding: types & properties	SUBGROUP 1 Lab 3:  Volume – Micropipettes & Centrifuges	Lab Records   AT1: Quiz 1 (Topics 1-3)
5	7-Mar	Topic 5 Electronegativity & molecular shapes   Topic 6 Polarity	SUBGROUP 2 Lab 3:  Volume – Micropipettes & Centrifuges	Lab Records
6	14-Mar (Mon Holiday)	Topic 7 Molecular Weight, Mole Concept & Concentration	No Lab this week (L22B - theory in Lab class)
7	21-Mar	Topic 8 Spectrophotometry: Calibration & Logs	SUBGROUP 1 Lab 4: Prepare Standard solutions & Dilutions	Lab Records    AT1: Quiz 2 (Safety & Topics 4-6)
8	28-Mar	Topic 9 Balancing Chemical Equation	SUBGROUP 2 Lab 4: Prepare Standard solutions & Dilution	Lab Records
9	4-Apr	Topic 10 Stoichiometry	SUBGROUP 1 Lab 5: Chemical Test 1 - Spectrophotometry of CuSO4	AT2: Logbook submission (Labs 1 - 4) AT1: Quiz 3 (Topics 7-9)
10a	11-Apr	Topic 11 (L22B) Intermolecular bonding & Solubility	SUBGROUP 2 Lab 5: Chemical Test 1 - Spectrophotometry of CuSO4
10b	18-Apr	Topic 11 (L22 A & C) Intermolecular bonding & Solubility	No Lab (Easter Break)
11	25-April (Mon Holiday)	Final corrections for Chem Test 1 (L22A & L22C)	Catch up Lab	AT2: Logbook submission – Chemical Test 1
12	2-May	Topic 12 Limiting and Excess Reagents; % Yields; Ionic Equations	SUBGROUP 1 Lab 6: Chemical Test 2 - Spectrophotometry of Red Soft Drink	AT1: Quiz 4 (Topics 10 - 12)
13	9-May	Final corrections for Chem Test 2	SUBGROUP 2 Lab 6: Chemical Test 2 - Spectrophotometry of Red Soft Drink
14	16-May	Final corrections for Chem Test 2	BOTH GROUPS   Lab 7: Chemical Test 3 - Spectrophotometry of Green Food Dye	AT2: Logbook submission - Chemical Test 2
15	23-May	Final corrections for Chem Test 3	SUBGROUP 1 AT3 Practical Skills Test	AT3Practical Skills Test
16	30-May		SUBGROUP 2 AT3 Practical Skills Test	AT3Practical Skills Test

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None (Learning material provided on Canvas)

References

Here is an useful resource to assist with your learning: Chemguide: Helping you to understand Chemistry - http://www.chemguide.co.uk/ You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Assessment includes 

online quizzes
observation of laboratory tasks,
folio of laboratory results,
analysis of experimental results

Assessment Tasks

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 within given time-frame (usually within two weeks of assessment submission) of each assessment task. 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 Task	Week Due
Assessment Task 1 - Knowledge Questions
Quiz 1	Week 4
Quiz 2	Week 7
Quiz 3	Week 9
Quiz 4	Week 12
Assessment Task 2 - Lab Skills & Logbook
Skill building Log Book	Week 9
Chemical Tests	Weeks 9 - 14
Assessment  Task 3 - Practical Skills Test	Weeks 15 - 16

You will be given two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic.

     

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

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment

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

Attendance: 

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 application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism:

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