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