CQUniversity Unit Profile.

Representative sampling, sample preparation, method optimization, 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 analyze, both known and unknown samples, with precision and accuracy. In a rapidly-changing world of AI, all of these have become quite fluid as well. Finally, being able to communicate your technical knowledge in a succinct, time-conscious manner is essential. This assessment task combines these attributes and expectations.

You are an analytical scientist presenting findings in video format to a client (industry, court, regulator, or research team). Your task is to explain how two modern analytical methods (one AI-enabled and one conventional) can be used to solve a real-world problem involving an unknown or complex sample. You must critically evaluate the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the analytical workflow and its impact on data quality, reliability, and decision-making.

Your video must:

1. Define the Problem & Constraints
   1. Clearly introduce the scenario and analytical challenge
   2. Include sample complexity (e.g., matrix, contamination, trace levels)
   3. Consider a realistic constraint (e.g., limited budget, time, or instrumentation access)
2. Compare Two Analytical Approaches
   1. One conventional method
   2. One AI-enabled method
   3. Focus on how each solves the problem
3. Apply Core Analytical Science Principles
   Demonstrate how each method addresses (via an integrated discussion, not separate definitions):
   1. Sampling
   2. Sample preparation
   3. Method optimisation
   4. Validation (accuracy, precision, detection limits)
4. Evaluate the Role of AI
   1. Where AI is used in the workflow
   2. Advantages (e.g., data handling, pattern recognition, efficiency)
   3. Limitations (e.g., bias, interpretability, validation challenges)
5. Make a Justified Recommendation
   1. Identify the best method under your constraint
   2. Clearly justify your choice based on:
      1. Reliability
      2. Data quality
      3. Practical limitations
   3. State whether AI enhances or compromises confidence in results
6. Address Quality & Communication
   1. Briefly explain quality control and reproducibility
   2. Communicate clearly and professionally within 5 minutes

Superficial descriptions of AI (e.g., “AI is faster/better”) will not receive high marks. Responses must be linked to analytical performance and data reliability.

Level of GenAI use allowed: 
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use. 

A 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment task.

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

Assessment 2 has been designed to enhance your problem solving, data interpretation, and data presentation skills. You will complete a series of data processing, calculation, and short answer questions, to interpret real datasets generated from analytical instruments that you will later operate during your Residential School. Working through Assessment 2 will familiarise you with some of the measurement techniques you will use during the Residential School. It will also prepare you for data generation, processing, and interpretation aspects of standard analytical laboratory work. 

Handwritten content will not be accepted.

Additional details and instructions will be provided via the CHEM13080 Moodle site.

Level of GenAI use allowed: 
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.

A 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment task.

• Data interpretation 25%
• Data processing and presentation 25%
• Correct calculations 25%
• Correctly answering questions 20%
• Correct use of referencing to answer questions (including DOI links to peer-reviewed literature) 5%

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 CHEM13080 Moodle site.

Level of GenAI use allowed: 
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.

A 72 hour grace period applies to this assessment. 

• 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 (with DOI links) and evidence of research to support conclusions – 10%

Assessment 4 -  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 two hours to complete the test once you begin. The test will automatically close either when the two-hour time limit expires or at the end of the 24-hour availability period, whichever occurs first.

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 CHEM13080 Moodle site.

Level of GenAI use allowed: 
Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

The 72 hour grace period does not apply to this assessment. 

Assessment will be based on the completeness and correctness of the answers provided.