CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHEM13080 Analytical Science
Analytical Science
All details in this unit profile for CHEM13080 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will apply fundamental principles of analytical science and study analytical techniques, such as quantitative molecular spectrophotometry; atomic spectrometry; chromatographic methods; mass spectrometry, and the use of ion-selective and gas-sensing electrodes. You will interpret analytical data; examine error analysis, data handling and manipulation; and understand quality assurance. During a compulsory residential school you will use state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and apply your learnt theoretical techniques and methods.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: CHEM 11041 - Chemistry for the Life Sciences, knowledge of mathematics and formula manipulation are essential.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2018

Distance
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Presentation and Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
2. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 10%
3. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 15%
4. Examination
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say

Feedback

Study guide missing units for some equations

Recommendation

We will update the study guide with newer examples and also replace the missing equations.

Feedback from Have Your Say

Feedback

Assessment 3 needs additional page limits

Recommendation

We will update this page limit to include an additional page for the bonus task.

Feedback from Have Your Say

Feedback

Research Plan assessment could be clearer

Recommendation

We will update this assessment to include a tutorial video as well as the supporting text for students in the latest offering of analytical science.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the theory and applications of contemporary techniques in analytical science.
  2. Demonstrate practical laboratory skills in the use advanced analytical instrumentation to make reliable analytical measurements.
  3. Demonstrate problem solving and analytical skills in the fundamentals of analytical science.
  4. Research the developments and trends in analytical science for a diverse range of chemical and biomedical science applications.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 10%
3 - Practical Assessment - 15%
4 - Examination - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 10%
3 - Practical Assessment - 15%
4 - Examination - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Exploring Chemical Analysis

Edition: 5th edn (2012)
WH Freeman and Co
New York New York , NY , USA
ISBN: 9781429275033
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information


IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Word processing
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Catherine Jones Unit Coordinator
c.e.jones@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to analytical science: measurements, concentration units and basic analytical tools

Chapter

Textbook: 0-2

Study guide: 1-2

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Reliability of analytical data

Chapter

Textbook: 3-5

Study guide: 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Sampling and sample preparation

Chapter

Study guide: 4

Web resources

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Quality Assurance

Chapter

Text book: 5

Study guide: 3

Web resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Chemical equilibria in analysis


Chapter

Textbook: 8-10, 16

Study guide: 5


Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Molecular and atomic spectroscopy

Chapter

Textbook: 18-20

Study guide: 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written component of Assessment 1 is due


Research assignment - optimising analytical methods Due: Week 6 Monday (20 Aug 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Electrochemical Analysis

Chapter

Textbook: 14,15,17

Study guide: 7

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 8 Begin Date: 03 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Analytical Separations

Chapter

Textbook: 21-22

Study guide: 8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School: 6-8 September 2018

Oral presentation for Assessment 1 due (to be given on the first day of Res. School)

Week 9 Begin Date: 10 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Analytical Separations (continued)

Chapter

Textbook: 21-22

Study guide: 8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Mass spectrometry

Chapter

Text book: 21

Study guide: 9

Web resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Practical work and write-up Due: Week 10 Friday (21 Sept 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 24 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Automation and flow analysis

Chapter

Study guide: 10

Web resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

All resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Treatment of analytical data using Excel Due: Week 12 Monday (1 Oct 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Research assignment - optimising analytical methods

Task Description

Analytical scientists are required to use a variety of sophisticated instrumentation to investigate and analyse known and unknown samples with precision and accuracy. Method optimisation is often required to account for particular sample matrices or the specific reagents and equipment at hand - problem solving and adaptability are integral skills for analytical scientists to hold.

In Assessment Task 1 you will consult the scientific literature to find examples of published methods that utilised an analytical instrument (from the list provided on Moodle). You will research the method development, optimisation and validation that was required for the new or novel methods. You will prepare a written report detailing these findings and you will give an oral presentation (using PowerPoint) at the residential school that outlines the key approaches to method optimisation for your particular instrument. This will aid you and your peers leading into the residential school (where you will gain hands on experience with advanced instrumentation, including method optimisation).

A list of suitable instrumentation and any additional details of the written and oral presentation structures will be provided on Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Monday (20 Aug 2018) 11:45 pm AEST

Written report to be submitted through Moodle by the due date. Oral presentation due (and to be given) on the first day of the Residential School


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Monday (10 Sept 2018)

Feedback will be given via Moodle after both written and oral components have been completed


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
40% of the toal marks allocated for the assessment task

Assessment Criteria

Written report:

Presentation and organisation of material – 5%

Clarity of writing – 10%

Relevance, reliability and depth of reviewed literature – 15%

Detailed discussion of required content – 40%

Correct referencing style including in-text references –10%

Oral presentation:

Content and presentation of slides – 10%

Delivery and responses to questions – 10%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the theory and applications of contemporary techniques in analytical science.
  • Research the developments and trends in analytical science for a diverse range of chemical and biomedical science applications.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical work and write-up

Task Description

In addition to understanding theory and techniques; working in a laboratory requires you to have good planning and organisational skills, and to be able to work efficiently as part of a team of analysts to produce high quality results. In Assessment 2 you will work in pairs or groups (depending on numbers) to prepare samples and standards; to carry out experiments; and utilise a variety of analytical instrumentation during the residential school. You will then answer a series of question relating to each of the experiments you have carried out, and you will write a full laboratory report for one practical (identified by the teaching staff at completion of the residential school). Marks for the practical component will be awarded for evidence of planning and team work.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Friday (21 Sept 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (28 Sept 2018)

Feedback will be given via Moodle


Weighting
10%

Minimum mark or grade
40% of the toal marks allocated for the assessment task

Assessment Criteria

Practical component:

Planning, effort and teamwork - 10%

Written component Part A - Discussion Questions:

Completion of questions – 10%

Written component Part B - Lab Report:

Clarity, completeness and presentation – 5%

Appropriate treatment of experimental data and correct calculations – 40%

Sound interpretation of data – 30%

Evidence of research and correct referencing – 5%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical laboratory skills in the use advanced analytical instrumentation to make reliable analytical measurements.
  • Demonstrate problem solving and analytical skills in the fundamentals of analytical science.
  • Research the developments and trends in analytical science for a diverse range of chemical and biomedical science applications.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Treatment of analytical data using Excel

Task Description

Data treatment and analysis are essential skills for all scientists. In Assessment 3 you will use and manipulate specific functionalities within Excel using real data obtained from previously conducted experiments. An instruction booklet, Excel templates and details of how to present your results as a report will be available on Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (1 Oct 2018) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Monday (8 Oct 2018)


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
40% of the toal marks allocated for the assessment task

Assessment Criteria

Clarity, completeness and presentation – 10%

Appropriate treatment of experimental data and correct calculations – 40%

Sound interpretation of data – 40%

Evidence of research and correct referencing – 10%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical laboratory skills in the use advanced analytical instrumentation to make reliable analytical measurements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
50%

Length
120 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
40

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Calculator - all non-communicable calculators, including scientific, programmable and graphics calculators are authorised
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?