Course Title: Perform chemical tests and procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 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: C4397 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
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
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: |
1.1Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment and instruments involved 1.2Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation and test methods, reagents and/or equipment 1.3Plan 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
Sem 2, 2023: Perform Chemical Tests and Procedures Teaching Schedule
Week No. |
Week starting |
Theory (2hr) |
Lab (3hr) |
Assessment |
|
1
|
10th July |
Introduction and welcome Assessment requirements and outline of course. Topic 1 Metrology: Sig figs, Exp. Notation, SI Units
|
NO LAB in week 1 |
Mandatory Laboratory safety declaration
|
2 |
17th July |
Topic 2 Matter: classification & Structure
|
Lab activities Lab safety induction Introduction to pre-labs Lab 1a: Mass - Pre-lab, Lab 1b: Mass - Using balances |
Mandatory Lab Safety Induction Quiz Lab activity records to be signed in class, no uploading required yet |
3 |
24th July |
Topic 3 Periodic table & Electron configuration of atoms
|
Lab activities Lab 2: Volume – Glass pipettes |
Lab activity records to be signed in class, no uploading required yet |
4 |
31st July |
Topic 4 Chemical bonding: types & properties
|
Lab activities Lab 3: Volume – Micropipettes & Centrifuges
|
Lab activity records to be signed in class, no uploading required yet |
5 |
7th August |
Topic 7 Molecular weight, mole concept and concentration
|
AT1: Quiz 1 (Topics 1-3)
|
AT1: Quiz 1 (Topics 1-3) |
6 |
14th August |
Topic 5 Electronegativity & molecular shapes Topic 6 Polarity
|
Lab activities Lab 4: Prepare Standard solutions & Dilutions
|
Lab activity records to be signed in class, no uploading required yet |
7 |
21st August |
Topic 8 Spectrophotometry: Calibration & Logs AT 1: Quiz 1 (Topics 1-3) (Second attempt, Only, for those who have taken first attempt) in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory |
Lab 5 a: Introduction to spectrophotometer Calibration and equipment logs
|
Lab activity records Upload on CANVAS |
|
28th August -3rd September Mid -Term Break
| ||||
8 |
4th Sep |
Topic 9 Balancing Chemical Equation
|
AT1: Quiz 2 (Safety & Topics 4-6)
|
AT1: Quiz 2 (Safety & Topics 4-6)
|
9 |
11th Sep |
Topic 10 Stoichiometry
|
Lab 5b:Chemical Test 1 - Spectrophotometry of CuSO4 |
AT2: Logbook submission – Chemical Test 1 |
10 |
18th Sep |
Revision/ help with theory/log book corrections
AT 1: Quiz 2 (Topics 4-6) (Second attempt, Only, for those who have taken first attempt) in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory
|
Lab 6: Chemical Test 2 - Spectrophotometry of Red Soft Drink |
AT2: Logbook submission – Chemical Test 2 |
11 |
25th Sep |
AT 1: Quiz 3 (Topics 7-9) First attempt in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory
|
Lab 7: Chemical Test 3 - Spectrophotometry of Green Food Dye |
AT2: Logbook submission - Chemical Test 3 AT1: Quiz 3 (Topics 7-9)
|
12 |
2nd Oct |
Topic 11 Intermolecular bonding & Solubility
|
AT3 Practical Skills Test |
AT3Practical Skills Test |
13 |
9th Oct |
Topic 12 Limiting and Excess Reagents; % Yields; Ionic Equations |
Catch up Lab (Only with approved special cons)
|
|
14 |
16th Oct |
Revision/ help with theory/log book corrections AT 1: Quiz 3 (Topics 7-9) (Second attempt, Only, for those who have taken first attempt) in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory |
Catch up Lab (Only with approved special cons)
|
|
15 |
23rd Oct |
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 |
30th Oct |
AT 1: Quiz 4 (Topics 10-12) (Second attempt, Only, for those who have taken first attempt) in THEORY CLASS Attendance mandatory |
Final corrections |
|
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.
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 may include observation of laboratory tasks, folio of laboratory results, theory tests and 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 (usually within two weeks of assessment submission).
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
To successfully complete this course you need to be satisfactory in all of the following assessments:
Week starting:
Week 1 14th July Mandatory Laboratory Safety declaration
Week 2 21st July Mandatory Lab Safety Induction Quiz
Week 5 AT* 1: Quiz 1 ON CAMPUS IN PRACTICAL CLASS
Week 8 AT 1: Quiz 2 ON CAMPUS IN PRACTICAL CLASS
Week 9 AT 2: Logbook chemical test 1 please refer to assessments for specific dates for your group
Week 10 AT 2: Logbook chemical test 2 please refer to assessments for specific dates for your group
Week 11 AT 2: Logbook chemical test 3 please refer to assessments for specific dates for your group
Week 11 AT 1: Quiz 3 ON CAMPUS IN THEORY CLASS
Week 12 AT 3: Practical Skills Test, please refer to assessments for specific dates for your group
Week 15 AT 1: Quiz 4 ON CAMPUS IN THEORY CLASS
AT* Assessment Task, all assessments on campus therefore attendance mandatory.
AT* Assessment Task
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. Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.
If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to the program coordinator and course coordinator/teacher. If you miss an assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence), if you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.
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