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 electrodes. You will interpret analytical data; examine error analysis, data handling and manipulation; and understand quality assurance. During a compulsory residential school, you will apply analytical theory, use advanced analytical instrumentation and enhance your laboratory skills.

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

CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter or CHEM11041 Chemistry for the Life Sciences

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 - 2021

Mixed Mode

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
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
3. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
4. Online Test
Weighting: 40%

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 Unit evaluation survey, email, and in-person at residential school.

Feedback

Students commented that the assesment tasks were good and they commended the residential school content.

Recommendation

Continue with a similar format of assessments and residential school in 2021.

Feedback from Unit evaluation survey.

Feedback

Students commented that the lectures were straightforward and informative.

Recommendation

Continue with the same approach to lectures in 2021.

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 of 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 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 - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 20%
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Online Test - 40%

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 - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 20%
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Online Test - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Quantitative Chemical Analysis

Edition: 10th (2020)
Authors: Daniel C. Harris; Charles A. Lucy
Macmillian
ISBN: 9781319274023
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

Both paper and eBook versions can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
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
Elius Hossain Unit Coordinator
m.hossain5@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction to analytical science; Review of measurements, concentration units and basic analytical tools

Chapter

0-2

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Reliability of analytical data

Chapter

3-5 (sections as directed in lectures)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Sampling and sample preparation

Chapter

28

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Quality Assurance

Chapter

5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Acid-base equilibria and EDTA titrations

Chapter

10 and 12 (sections as directed in lectures)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Research presentation - review of new or novel analytical methods Due: Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 12:00 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Electrochemical Analysis

Chapter

Lecture slides are standalone (see cpt 14-17 of text for further reference)


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Molecular and atomic spectroscopy

Chapter

18 and 21 (sections as directed in lectures)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Compulsory residential school: Thursday to Saturday,  0900 - 17:00, 02/09/2021 - 04/09/2021. Rockhampton North Campus. ROK08/1.18 (Chemistry Laboratory).


Data processing, calculations and questions Due: Week 7 Monday (30 Aug 2021) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Analytical Separations Part 1

Chapter

23-25 (sections as directed in lectures)

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Analytical Separations Part 2

Chapter

23-25 (sections as directed in lectures)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Mass spectrometry

Chapter

22

Events and Submissions/Topic

Scientific laboratory report Due: Week 10 Monday (20 Sept 2021) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Automation and flow analysis

Chapter

19-4 and other references as directed by lecturer

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

All resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Item 4 - Online Test - End of Term Assessment - this week or next  (exact date TBC)

Exam Week Begin Date: 18 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Item 4 - Online Test - End of Term Assessment - this week or next (exact date TBC)

Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation

Assessment Title
Research presentation - review of new or novel analytical methods

Task Description

Representative sampling, sample preparation, method optimisation, method validation and quality control are key components of Analytical Science. Additionally, analytical scientists are required to use a variety of sophisticated techniques and instrumentation to investigate and analyse, both known and unknown samples, with precision and accuracy.

In Assessment 1, you will conduct research to review (at least three) new and novel scientific methods published in credible scientific journals. In doing so, you will aim to better understand the main aspects of method development and validation. You will then prepare and record a short presentation that summarises your main findings, reviews the selected methods and demonstrates your understanding of key analytical science principles.

Your presentation should be prepared in PowerPoint (or similar) then recorded (use of Zoom Meeting recording option is recommended) and submitted as an .mp4 file.

Additional details and instructions will be provided via the Unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (27 Aug 2021)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50

Assessment Criteria

  • Relevance, reliability and depth of reviewed literature (including correct referencing) 25 %
  • Demonstrated understanding of key analytical science concepts 25 %
  • Slide content and layout – 25 %
  • Presentation delivery – 25%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Presentation slides should be submitted via Moodle as a .pptx file; Presentation video should be submitted via Moodle as an .mp4 file.

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 applications.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Data processing, calculations and questions

Task Description

Analytical laboratories produce large amounts of measurement data. The ability to correctly process, interpret and assess this data is a vital skill for all scientists.

In Assessment 2, you will be provided with sets of real data from the same instruments you will later operate during the laboratory component of your residential school. You will use this data to complete a series of data processing and calculation questions. This will enhance your problem solving, data interpretation and data presentation skills. Completion of Assessment 2 will have the added benefit of familiarising you will the output of the various measurement techniques you will later utilise during the residential school

Additional details and instructions will be provided via the Unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Monday (30 Aug 2021) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Monday (13 Sept 2021)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50 %

Assessment Criteria

  • Data interpretation 25 %
  • Data processing and presentation 25 %
  • Correct calculations 25 %
  • Correctly addressing questions 20 %
  • Correct use of referencing to answer questions 5 %


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The assessment should be submitted via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate problem solving and analytical skills in the fundamentals of analytical science


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

3 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Scientific laboratory report

Task Description

Working in a laboratory requires you to understand scientific theory and be able to correctly execute and troubleshoot techniques to obtain useful, valid data. Additionally, laboratory work requires you to have good planning and organisational skills, often to work as part of a team of analysts, to produce high quality results.

During the laboratory component of the compulsory residential school, you will enhance your proficiency in sample and standard preparation; chemical concentration calculations; instrument operation; method validation and overall technical competency as an analytical scientist.

In Assessment 3, you will work in pairs or groups to plan your work, to prepare samples and standards, to carry out experiments, and to utilise a variety of analytical instrumentation. You will then, individually, write a full scientific report for one of the completed practicals. The report should clearly demonstrate your understanding of the analysis and any steps you took to increase data quality or troubleshoot unexpected results.

Additional details and instructions will be provided via the Unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Monday (20 Sept 2021) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Monday (4 Oct 2021)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50 %

Assessment Criteria

  • Planning, effort and teamwork during residential school – 20%
  • Demonstrated understanding of methodology and accurate sample and standard preparation; evidenced by correctly calculated results and/or description of procedural error - 30%
  • Sound interpretation of data and discussion of results – 30%
  • Correct formatting and presentation of report – 10 %
  • Correct referencing and evidence of research to support conclusions – 10%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The assessment should be submitted via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical laboratory skills in the use of 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 applications.


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

4 Online Test

Assessment Title
(2-hour) Online Test - End of Term Assessment

Task Description

Assessment 4, (2-hour) Online test - End of Term Assessment, will be comprised of short answer, problem solving and critical thinking questions that address the learning outcomes of this unit.

The assessment will be conducted online, through the Moodle Quiz facility and will be timed.

You will have 2 hours to complete the assessment during the allocated 24-hour testing period (within the University Standard Exam weeks) at the end of the term. The exact date will be advised on Moodle.

A scientific calculator and Periodic Table may be required for some questions.

Please ensure you have a good, stable internet connection during the assessment period.

Additional details and instructions will be provided via the Unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

You will have 2 hours to complete the assessment within the allocated 24-hour testing period at the end of the term (during the university's standard exam period). The exact date will be advised on Moodle.


Return Date to Students

Marks will be returned within 14 days of the Online Test being completed


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for correctly addressing:

  • Analytical methodology and data questions 30%
  • Problem solving questions 40 %
  • Instrumentation questions 30%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The online test will be conducted via the Moodle Quiz facility.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the theory and applications of contemporary techniques in analytical science
  • Demonstrate problem solving and analytical skills in the fundamentals of analytical science


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

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?