Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2010

Course Code: ONPS5201C

Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5182 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)

Course Contact: Kirsten Balding

Course Contact Phone: (03) 9925 4283

Course Contact Email: Kirsten.balding@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff


Dinah van Ruyven runs the lab classes. Contact by email at dinah.vanruyven@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

Students must demonstrate the underpinning knowledge and practical skills of Prepare, standardise & use solutions (ONPS 5200C) by gaining a satisfactory pass in first semester. If these requirements are not met, additional classes may be provided to students.

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:

PMLTEST404A 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/instruments involved
1.2

Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment
1.3

Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples (if appropriate)

Element:

2. Receive and prepare samples

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Log samples using standard operating procedure
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/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
3.2

Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise 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 (if applicable)
3.5

Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment/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/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
4.2

Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards (if appropriate) in accordance with specified methods
4.3

Shut down equipment/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 (if appropriate) 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 enterprise procedures
5.5

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 'out-of-specification' or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
5.6

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 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
7.2

Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data
7.3

Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures.


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Reading
Lectures
Lab classes
Projects
Worksheets
Presentations
Online quizzes
Exams


Teaching Schedule

Term
1

   
Wk  Date (week of)  Theory (2hr)
Tues am (BIO)
Tues pm (PT)
 Prac (3hr)
Mon (PT)
Wed (Bio)
 Assessment Task  Value (%)
1  8-Feb
 Outline of course
Atomic theory,
Safety
 Lab safety intro    
2  15-Feb  Classification of matter, atomic theory, atomic number & atomic weight, electron structure & configuration
 Lab safety
Using balances
 Theory online quiz (practice)

Report – write up ‘Using Balances’ in communication class
 (0%)



Satisfactory completion required
3  22-Feb  Periodic table, Electron configuration of atoms - shells, subshells & orbitals, Ions
  Glass pipettes     Theory online quiz 1    (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
4  01-Mar  Chemical bonds:  ionic & covalent bonding, properties of ionic & covalent compounds, Lewis dot diagrams, naming compounds, bond angles& molecular shapes   

  Laboratory glassware MSDS & Chem Labels -->OHS    Theory online quiz 2

  Report -
(1)    MSDS Q’s (submit hardcopy)
(2)    Chem Labels (submit online)
 
   (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)






Satisfactory completion required
5  08-Mar  Review bonds, Electronegativity, classifying bonds, shapes of molecules - Lewis structures, Polar/Non-Polar molecules, Types of solutions & solubility   
 
  

  no prac class
(Labour Day)
   Theory online quiz 3   (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
6  15-Mar  Formula weight, the mole, Avogadro’s number, Concentrations – Molarity & % solutions 

 Conductivity of aqueous solutions    
Theory online quiz 4

 Prac report (write up in pairs) - conductivity of aqueous solutions   
(best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)




10%
7 22- Mar Centrifuges  

 
Preparing solutions    
Theory online quiz 5
    
 (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
8 29- Mar  Revision        
 Prac Exam 1: Using pipettes/balances
  Prac Exam 1: Using pipettes/ balances 
 must be competent
  2-7 Apr Student Vacation      
9 12-Apr  Theory exam 1       
 No prac     Theory exam 1  30%
           
Term
 2        
Wk  Date (week of)  Theory (2hr)
Tues am (BIO)
Tues pm (PT)
Prac (3hr)
Mon (PT)
Wed (Bio)
 
 Assessment Task  Value (%)
10 19-Apr  Serial Dilutions Chemical equations, balancing equations     micropipettes     Theory online quiz 6  (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
11 26-Apr  Spectrophotometry     Using Centrifuges/ Serial Dilutions     Theory online quiz 7
 (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
12 03-May  Classes of reactions,  Chemical equations Stoichiometry      

Spectrophotometry I 
Theory online quiz 8

 Prac Report - Spectrophotometry
(best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)


10%
13 10-May  Limiting & excess reagents,% yields,  Ionic reactions & equations (net & ionic), Solubilities of ionic compounds     
 Spectrophotometry II 
 Theory online quiz 9  (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
14 17-May  Reaction rates, Reversible reactions, Chemical equilibrium, Le Chatalier’s principle, Equilibrium constants    
 Balanced chemical equations     Theory online quiz 10  (best 5 quizzes worth 2% each=10% total)
15 24 May  Sustainability Tutorial: Internet Research - in the library            
   Effect of concentration changes on equilibrium yields     Prac Report - Effect of concentration changes on equilibrium yields     10%
16 31-May  Revision  
  Prac Exam 2: Making solutions     Prac Exam 2: Making solutions     must be competent
17 07 Jun  Theory exam 2   
 No prac    
 Theory exam 2

  Submit Logbook   
  30%

must be competent
18 14-Jun  Alternative assessments/  prac exam resits    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

•    Bettelheim, Brown & March (2007) Introduction to General, Organic & Biochemistry,
8th Edition.

•    Chemistry Practical Manual semester 1 (available from RMIT online (ie the “DLS”))

Recommended Texts:  

For “Serial Dilutions”
(Relevant to the prac class in week 10.

Linné, Jean Jorgenson & Ringsrud, Karen Munson. Clinical laboratory science: the basics and routine techniques, (p. 177-180). 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby, 1999.

Available at eReserve @ RMIT Library – click on this link to open the document:
http://digital.lib.rmit.edu.au/ereserve/notes06/onps5200-5201c/31259007735496.pdf
(You will need to login).


References


Other Resources

1. Students require a lab coat and gloves for Laboratory classes.
2. An exercise book for the logbook.


Overview of Assessment

: Assessments for this course typically consist of:
• Class activities
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Exam


Assessment Tasks

**You must pass all assessment tasks to pass this course**

Theory Online quizzes
*Best 5 weekly quizzes are worth 2% each (i.e. 10% of total grade), you must attempt ALL quizzes and get an average pass mark (av=50% correct) to pass this component)

Assignment 1 –  lab safety report
Competent/Not competent


Assignment 2 – MSDS & Chem Labels
Competent/Not competent


Test 1
 30%

Prac 1 –  conductivity of aqueous solutions
 10%

Prac Exam 1 – Balances & Glass pipettes
Competent/Not competent


Prac 2 –  spectrophotometers
 10%

Prac 3 –  effect of concentration changes on equilibrium yields
10%

Prac Exam 2 – Making solutions
    Competent/Not competent


Test 2
30%

Logbook:
Signed off each week by teacher
Competent/Not competent

Class attendance:
Students must attend at least 80% of classes
   
Competent/Not competent

Satisfactory Participation* in Introductory Chemistry
(if required ie. If VCE Chemistry score is not ≥ 20, or equivalent)
   
Competent/Not competent
Total     100%
**You must pass all assessment tasks to pass this course**

*Satisfactory Participation in Introductory Chemistry means:

Class attendance:
Students must attend at least 80% of classes    Competent/Not competent
Completion of at least 4 Quizzes    Competent/Not competent

Introductory Chemistry goes for Semester 1 only.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

**You must pass all assessment tasks to pass this course**

Theory Online Quizzes
Students are expected to do the set readings each week. Powerpoint slides are also available for your review. The powerpoints summarise the readings. Each week the quiz tests you on key concepts from the readings. In theory classes there will be discussion based around the questions, and any questions or difficulties you are having with the topic. Each quiz will be available for a limited time only. If you are ill for the whole time the quiz is available, you will need to provide a medical certificate or else you will not get any marks for that week’s quiz.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SUBMIT THE QUIZ PROPERLY. If you do not submit it properly, so that a score is achieved, you will not get the marks for that quiz. It is your responsibility to ensure your quiz is submitted properly. Please check with the teacher if you are unsure if you are submitting the quiz correctly.

Logbook
Results from each practical need to be recorded in your logbook. This is an important aspect of developing your record-keeping skills. Logbooks are to be submitted at the end of semester.

Practical Reports
Practical reports are indicated in the Practical Manual. These pracs must have a formal report submitted as part of your assessment. Each practical report is due two weeks after the prac has been done. Late reports will incur loss of marks for each day late, up to one week after the due date. Prac reports will not be accepted after this time.

If you are absent for a practical that is to be written up, a medical certificate must be provided and special consideration applied for. In this case another practical exercise needs to be written up – as negotiated with the teacher. If you are absent when the prac is to be written up but do not / cannot apply for special consideration, another prac may not be written up. No marks will be allocated in this case.

Class attendance
Students must attend at least 80% of classes to pass the course.
A medical certificate must be provided and special consideration applied for if you are absent.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview