sci3aat advanced analytical techniques
ADVANCED ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
SCI3AAT
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject is undertaken in the final year of a science program and contains capstone experiences for students in the laboratory based sciences. In this subject, students will be introduced to the common component parts of modern instrumentation and the science underpinning their operation. A general review of the operation of a selection of research instruments currently available at La Trobe University will be undertaken. Each student will undertake a further in-depth introduction to the operation, sample preparation and data analysis techniques associated with two major analytical techniques or instruments leading to possible independent operation of the instrument in a subsequent science project. Capstone experiences complement those in SCI3PRJ.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorMichael Angove
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Satisfactory completion of at least 120 credit points towards B.Science
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHY3EM
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Analyse major analytical instrumentation in terms of its component parts, the relationship between the parts and the science underpinning its operation.
- Activities:
- Foundation science underpinningmajor instrumentation and its component parts will be available on-line. Students will discuss the application to instrumentation in classes and will undertake 4 short written assignments in weeks 1 - 6.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
02. Articulate an experimental research issue and select a suitable analytical technique for its investigation.
- Activities:
- Workshop discussion will be used to introduce a variety of major analytical instruments and their current research uses, currently available at La Trobe Univerity. Students will be guided in small teams, to undertake an in-depth study of two distinct analytical techniques, including relevant sample preparation and data analysis.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Describe the basis of sample preparation for a variety of different analytical instruments.
- Activities:
- Sample preparation techniques will be available on-line and discussed and demonstrated in classes. Students will present an example of sample preparation in at least one area of in-depth investigation.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
04. Analyse the data available from a variety of analytical instruments to obtain relevant and meaningful information and articulate the veracity of the results.
- Activities:
- Analysis of data will be discussed in general. Students will present an example of data analysis in at least one area of in-depth investigation
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
05. Collaborate and critically compare research undertaken with a small team.
- Activities:
- During the in-depth studies, small teams of students will report weekly and be required to listen and contribute to group discussions. The final oral presentation will include a discussion of comparative outputs and results.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKatherine Legge
Class requirements
Lecture
One 2.0 hours lecture per week during the day and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory Class
Two 6.0 hours laboratory class per study period and delivered via face-to-face.
"2 x 6 hour block mode after week 6"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 1500 word written assignments - in depth technique (Individual) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| 2 x 30 minute oral presentation (Team) | 20 | 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| 4 x short on-line assignments covering foundation science of instruments | 20 | 01, 04 |