66067 Environments and Analytical Chemistry
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Environments and Analytical Chemistry provides the tools and techniques necessary to make quantitative measurements of the extent of environmental alteration by natural or anthropogenic activities. Students explore the key concepts underlying the chemical evaluation of environmental samples including soils, sediments, and water in natural, agricultural, and urban settings. Students learn relevant methods through a blended laboratory-based practical program and online learning. This allows students to understand and practice key technical skills including correct sample collection procedures, sample storage, quality assurance and quality control protocols, the use of modern instruments including atomic spectrometric and IC instruments for inorganic elemental analysis, GC, GC-MS and HPLC instruments for organic components. Experience gained in this subject is essential for diverse careers in chemical testing laboratories, environmental protection agencies, and environmental consultancy firms.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply the fundamental principles and concepts in environmental and analytical chemistry, encompassing the intricate processes involved in environmental analysis and sustainability. |
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| 2. | Compare and contrast the latest advancements in analytical techniques and instrumentation in environmental and analytical chemistry, critically evaluating the impact of recent advancements on established methods and considering transformative trends in laboratory practices. |
| 3. | Critically analyze and interpret experimental environmental data, identifying patterns and correlations to contribute to relevant evaluations and assessments of environmental conditions/ |
| 4. | Critically evaluate complex environmental scenarios, enhancing the ability to develop hypotheses and practical solutions within the area of environmental and analytical chemistry. |
| 5. | Communicate scientific information, experimental findings, and their interpretations to professional audiences effectively, both verbally and in written formats, ensuring clear dissemination of insights from environmental and analytical chemistry studies. |
| 6. | Explain ethical communication strategies to engage with Indigenous peoples and communities to conduct scientific research, recognizing how Indigenous knowledges in Australia are diverse according to people and place. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically evaluate information in the investigation of complex real-world problems relevant to analytical chemical technologies. Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to independent research adopting techniques from a variety of sources such as scientific literature in order to develop solutions to complex problems. (.1)
- Critically reflect on Indigenous Australian contexts to inform professional cultural capability to work effectively with and for, Indigenous Australians within Chemistry. (.1)
- Demonstrate critical engagement with advanced knowledge and application of in-depth and up to date Analytical Chemical Technologies within a range of professional contexts. (.1)
- Engage in work practices that demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements, ethical conduct and risk management principles associated with analytical chemical sciences. Design, construct, collaborate and execute appropriately judged professional solutions to chemical problems that can impact society. (.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas effectively and professionally. Judge and adapt interpersonal communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with chemists, scientists, industry, and the general public across all mediums. (.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has developed a set of key graduate attributes (GA’s) and course intended learning outcomes (CILO’s). Environments and Analytical Chemistry contributes to the development of the following GAs and CILO’s:
1 - Disciplinary knowledge
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, role, and application of analytical chemistry in environmental contexts through online activities, independent learning, and practical classes. Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to diagnostically analyze and assess results of environmental analytical tests, with an understanding of data collection and analysis, quality control and assurance, and investigative methods and aspects. Students should be able to critically evaluate various environmental cases and hypotheses and take a flexible methodology to approach the environmental investigation. Students are expected to have a good understanding of what is required from experts in the field of environmental analytical chemistry and to identify the best practices. Students will be assessed on their knowledge across assessment tasks 1, 2, and 3.
2 - Research, inquiry, and critical thinking
Build a foundation of theoretical environmental knowledge, incorporating research techniques and evidence analysis from scientific literature. Apply this knowledge to case studies and practical examples, using reflective inquiry and collaborative problem-solving skills to investigate, interpret, and find solutions. Students will be assessed on their research, inquiry, and critical thinking across assessment tasks 1, 2, and 3.
3 - Professional, ethical, and social responsibility
Throughout this subject, students will acquire, develop, and integrate technical, practical, and professional skills within ethical boundaries. The students will also acquire experience with a range of different analytical techniques used in environmental analytical chemistry in hands-on laboratory sessions. You will develop the skills needed to apply your knowledge through data acquisition and interpretation both in industry and research contexts. There will also be opportunities to work collaboratively and autonomously during the practical classes, applying knowledge and consolidating your understanding of the interpretation process, which is a key professional competency. Students will be assessed on their professional, ethical, and social responsibility across assessment task 2.
5 - Communication
Effective communication of your results is crucial in research and industrial settings. Students will be able to enhance their written communication skills through preparation of concise and logical laboratory reports. They will also develop scientific vocabulary, receive feedback on writing proficiency, and deliver oral presentations to effectively communicate environmental analytical chemistry knowledge to professional audiences. Students will be assessed on their communication across assessment tasks 2 and 3.
6 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Connection with Country
Being a scientist or science graduate in our current world means working in a world with many cultural perspectives and knowledge systems. Scientists who are open minded, culturally aware, critical thinkers who can respond to call to action are highly desired by employers. Investigations and discussions during Inquiry Modules and workshops will help you to develop knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts to inform professional cultural capabilities to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians within scientific contexts, to address global issues and create a sustainable future.
Teaching and learning strategies
The theoretical content of this subject in Environments and Analytical Chemistry will be delivered through asynchronous online self-paced learning, designed to provide students with essential knowledge and understanding in the field. Active engagement with online material is crucial for effectively completing the practical component and developing a strong foundation. Immersing in online activities ensures proficiency in theoretical concepts, keeping students updated with the latest advancements, and making their knowledge current and applicable in real-world environmental scenarios. Embracing online learning opportunities contributes significantly to overall competence and success in this subject, preparing students to become well-rounded professionals with the necessary skills for the dynamic field of Environments and Analytical Chemistry.
Online quizzes remain an integral component, serving multiple purposes to enhance the learning experience. Students receive valuable early formative feedback, allowing them to gauge their understanding of the online learning materials. Ongoing feedback throughout the session assesses students' knowledge acquisition on each topic.
Practicals will be conducted on campus, requiring student participation to gain hands-on experience. These sessions, totalling seven three-hour sessions, reinforce theoretical concepts learned online. Through collaborative group work, students engage in laboratory-based activities, applying subject material understanding and acquiring practical expertise. Individual laboratory reports demonstrate comprehension and mastery of the concepts, with immediate verbal feedback and written feedback guiding continuous improvement.
Students will engage in case studies within environmental chemistry, focusing on analytical techniques. Working collaboratively in groups, they will analyze environmental data, drawing upon their theoretical understanding and practical skills. This assessment involves a short written report covering a summary, introduction, methodologies, discussion, conclusions, and references. This approach aims to deepen their understanding of the complexities involved in environmental analysis and encourages critical thinking about the interplay between various factors within the analytical process
Content (topics)
Environmental analytical chemistry is a multidisciplinary field that integrates principles from environmental science, chemistry, and analytical techniques. This subject will impart knowledge and technical skills in fundamental analytical methods, instrumentation, and data processing specific to environmental contexts. It will explore advanced analytical techniques and their application in modern environmental laboratories, covering areas such as reference standards, laboratory safety, quality control and assurance, the role of analytics in environmental diagnostics, error sources, and specimen handling practices.
By bridging environmental, and analytical competencies, the course aims to provide insights into the application of analytical aspects and techniques for the detection, monitoring, and assessment of environmental conditions. The curriculum includes the following components:
1. Foundations
- Introduction to environments and analytical chemistry
- Environmental standards and quality assurance/control
2. Sampling and Preparation Techniques
3. Analytical Techniques
4. Focus Areas
- Atmospheric chemistry and pollution
- Climate change
- Water chemistry and water pollution
- Toxic organic compounds
- Soil, sediment, and waste
5. Cultural and Ethical Considerations
- Indigenous Perspectives
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Activities
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 40 mins |
| Criteria: | The online quizzes in this subject serve will assess students' mastery of fundamental principles and concepts in environmental analytical chemistry, as well as their proficiency in interpreting environmental analytical data. Through multiple-choice questions and short answer responses, students are evaluated on their ability to provide accurate and informed responses, demonstrating both comprehension and critical thinking skills. |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory Reports
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1-2 pages. Templates will be provided for the short laboratory reports. |
| Criteria: | The students will be assessed on their ability to effectively apply their knowledge to the analysis of the practical analytical results and effectively answering related questions. They will be evaluated on their aptitude in using statistical calculations in conjunction with test outcomes, accurately interpreting experimental findings, and drawing appropriate conclusions based on analytical environmental data supported by relevant literature. The reports serve as a platform for students to showcase their critical understanding in result interpretation, ultimately providing diagnostic outcomes derived from their analysis. Through these assessments, students demonstrate their proficiency in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, reinforcing their ability to make informed and relevant judgments based on their findings. Further information on criteria on how the reports will be assessed will also be provided in Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Case Study Reports and Presentation
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical, and social responsibility 5. Communication 6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Connection with Country |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 5.1 and 6.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Presentations 15 Minutes (+ 5 Minute Question Time) Reports will involve population of template provided on Canvas. Consult canvas for details. |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to
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Minimum requirements
Minimum requirements: Students must obtain at least 50% of the available marks to pass this subject. Practical classes in subjects offered by the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences are an essential and integral part of each subject in which they run. In addition to assisting students’ understanding of concepts, practical classes develop laboratory skills and experience, including safety skills, that are essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled practical classes. Failure to attend a class that is associated with a submitted assessment task will attract a mark of Zero for that assessment unless an acceptable reason for their absence, supported by relevant evidence is provided to the subject coordinator.