Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: BIOL5245C
Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
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
Dr Vinita Chaudhary
vinita.chaudhary@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 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.
Sem 1, 2023: Perform Chemical Tests and Procedures Teaching Schedule
Week No. |
Week starting |
Theory (2hr) |
Lab (3hr) |
Assessment |
1
|
6th Feb |
Introduction and welcome
Assessment requirements and outline of course. Topic 1 Metrology: Sig figs, Exp. Notation, SI Units
|
Lab safety induction Flow charting methods Lab activities Introduction to pre-labs Lab 1a: Mass - Pre-lab |
Mandatory Laboratory safety declaration
|
2 |
13th Feb |
Topic 2 Matter: classification & Structure
|
Lab activities Lab 1a: Lab safety Lab 1b: Mass - Using balances |
Mandatory Lab Safety Induction Quiz Lab activity records |
3 |
20th Feb |
Topic 3 Periodic table & Electron configuration of atoms
|
Lab activities Lab 2: Volume – Glass pipettes |
|
4 |
27th Feb |
Topic 4 Chemical bonding: types & properties
|
Lab activities Lab 3: Volume – Micropipettes & Centrifuges
|
AT1: Quiz 1 (Topics 1-3) |
5 |
6th March |
Topic 5 Electronegativity & molecular shapes
|
Lab activities Lab 4: Prepare Standard solutions & Dilutions Lab 5 a: Introduction to spectrophotometer Calibration and equipment logs |
Lab activity records
|
6 |
13th March |
Topic 6 Polarity
|
Catch up Lab (Only with approved special cons)
|
|
7 |
20th March |
Topic 7 Molecular weight, mole concept and concentration
|
Lab 5b: Chemical Test 1 - Spectrophotometry of CuSO4 |
|
8 |
27th March |
Topic 8 Spectrophotometry: Calibration & Logs
|
Lab 6: Chemical Test 2 - Spectrophotometry of Red Soft Drink |
AT1: Quiz 2 (Safety & Topics 4-6)
AT2: Logbook submission – Chemical Test 1 |
9 |
3rd April |
Topic 9 Balancing Chemical Equation |
7th April part of midterm break, Catch up Lab (Only with approved special cons)
|
AT2: Logbook submission – Chemical Test 2 |
7th April -16th April Mid -Term Break | ||||
10 |
17th April |
Topic 10 Stoichiometry
|
Lab 7: Chemical Test 3 - Spectrophotometry of Green Food Dye |
|
11 |
24th April |
Topic 11 Intermolecular bonding & Solubility
|
Catch up Lab 7 (Only with approved special cons)
|
AT2: Logbook submission - Chemical Test 3 |
12 |
1st May |
AT 1: Quiz 3 (Topics 7-9) First attempt in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory
|
AT3 Practical Skills Test |
AT1: Quiz 3 (Topics 7-9)
|
13 |
8th May |
Topic 12 Limiting and Excess Reagents; % Yields; Ionic Equations |
Catch up Lab for AT 3 Practical skill test (Only with approved special cons)
|
AT3Practical Skills Test |
14 |
15th May |
Revision/ help with theory/log book corrections |
|
|
15 |
22nd May |
AT 1: Quiz 4 (Topics 10-12) First attempt in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory |
Final corrections and Catch up if required |
AT1: Quiz 4 (Topics 10 - 12) |
16 |
29th May |
AT 1: Quiz 3 and 4 (Topics 7-9 and 10-12) (Second attempt, Only, for those who have taken first attempt) in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory |
Final corrections |
|
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
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 includes
online quizzes
observation of laboratory tasks,
folio of laboratory results,
analysis of experimental results
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.
Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates
Assessment Summary:
Week starting:
Week 1 6th Feb Mandatory Laboratory Safety declaration
Week 2 13th Feb Mandatory Lab Safety Induction Quiz
Week 4 27th Feb AT* 1: Quiz 1
Week 8 27th March AT 1: Quiz 2 and AT 2: Logbook chemical test 1
Week 9 3rd April AT 2: Logbook chemical test 2
Week 11 24th April AT 2: Logbook chemical test 3
Week 12 1st May AT 1: Quiz 3
Week 13 8th May AT 3: Practical Skills Test
Week 15 22nd May AT 1: Quiz 4
AT* Assessment Task
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.
If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) to the course coordinator/teacher. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.
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
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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview