Student
Assessment Guide
Laboratory techniques
2013
This subject is assessed holistically and consists of the following units;
Unit Code
Unit Title
MSL973001A
Perform basic tests
MSL973002A
Prepare working solutions
MSAENV272B
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL952001A
Collect routine site samples
MSL943002A
Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety
Laboratory techniques
SAG
Subject Purpose
This is a large subject that covers the ability to;

perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily
available advice from supervisors.

prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks are suitable for use.
Calculations of quantities, choice of reagent grades and required dilutions will be
specified by the supervisor.

collect samples at field or production sites using specified equipment and standard
or routine procedures.

follow workplace occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures, deal
with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow
emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace
safety.

effectively measure current resource use and carry out improvements including
those reducing negative environmental impacts of work practices.
Assessment
Assessment for this subject will consist of a project based portfolio of evidence constructed
from specific tasks spread out throughout the subject duration that will result in the
following items;

Laboratory Workbook Completed and submitted on time

Theory worksheets

Workplace Health, Safety and Environment Assignment

Open book block release competency check
The assessment weighting for each component will be as follows;
Assessment Task
Weighting
Laboratory workbook
60%
Theory worksheets
10%
WHS&E assignment
15%
Competencies
15%
TOTAL
100%
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Subject content
This subject deals with all aspects of laboratory work, from identifying what needs to be
done through to presentation of results, including the following aspects;

prepare working solutions in compliance with relevant standards, appropriate
procedures and/or enterprise requirements

follow OHS procedures to safely use laboratory chemicals glassware and equipment

make up working solutions according enterprise procedures

check existing stocks of solutions as being fit for purpose.Aspect

accurately interpret enterprise procedures or standard methods

complete all tests within the required timeline without sacrificing safety, accuracy or
quality

demonstrate close attention to the accuracy and precision of measurements and the
data obtained

maintain the security, integrity and traceability of all samples, data/results and
documentation.

correctly follow sampling procedures and plans when collecting samples

collect samples efficiently, safely and with minimal environmental impact

maintain the integrity and security of samples following the traceability
requirements

recognise limitations and seek timely advice.

work safely

recognise potential incidents and hazards and take appropriate corrective action

follow workplace incident, first aid and emergency response procedures

identify and measure resources used in their job

identify situations likely to lead to an environmental incident

follow procedures related to environmental performance.

promptly communicate OHS and environmental issues to designated personnel.
These aspects will be performed using the following tools;

Laboratory protocols

Laboratory equipment including but not limited to;
o Glassware
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o Safety equipment and structure
o Testing equipment
o Computers
Grading
No units in this subject are graded. Students will receive a result of either Achieved
Competence (AC) or Not Yet Competent (NC) on their academic transcript.
Delivery strategy
This subject employs holistic delivery strategies and has been designed to include the
components of five units of study (MSL973001A, MSL973002A, MSAENV272B, MSL952001A,
MSL943002A). Holistic delivery strategies require unit mapping to explain how the units are
related to the subject. Outlined below is the unit map for this subject which is derived from
the Unit Guides.
Elements
Performance
Criteria
Subject
Weighting
Unit
Weighting
MSL973001A
All
All
Ungraded
100%
MSL973002A
All
All
Ungraded
100%
MSAENV272B
All
1.4, 2.1, 3.1
Ungraded
20%
MSL952001A
1, 4
1.4-7, 4.1-3
Ungraded
30%
MSL943002A
All
All
Ungraded
50%
Unit
NOTE: The subject weighting for this subject is not required as the individual units are ungraded. The Unit
Weighting MAY NOT add up to 100% as each unit is weighted differently in each subject it is used in. Refer to
cffet.net/env/assessment for further explanation.
What you will need
To complete this subject successfully you will need;

Learner resource

Laboratory coat (during practical week). Can be provided if necessary.

Safety glasses (you must provide for WHS reasons)

Scientific calculator

Closed in footwear

Long hair must be tied back

You must have completed the laboratory induction prior to starting lab work.
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Where to get help
Contact your teacher if you run into any trouble with this unit. You would be surprised how
flexible we are at accommodating your needs, but communication is key. If you don’t let us
know you are having trouble, we may have trouble trying to help you.
Resources and references
More about assessment
You can access more information about assessment from the following two sites;

http://www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/about/assessment_guide.htm

http://www.cffet.net/env/assessment
Resources

Subject theory manuals

Practical Block Release Laboratory Manual
Submission
Students are to submit all assessments by the due date to the subject teacher by email using
the following filename format;
firstname-surname-assessmentname-duedate
Visit cffet.net/env/assessment for more information on submitting assessments, file names
and available file extensions that you can use.
References
You are not expected to purchase these resources, they are provided for interest only. Note
that the list below may not be complete, and that some of these resources might be
available from your teacher or library. Reference
Ahuja, S. E. (2006). Comprehensive analytical chemistry. Elsevier.
Coyne, G. S. (1998). The laboratory companion: A practical guide to materials, equipment
and technique. New York: Wiley-Interscience.
Jeffery, G. H. (1989). Vogel's textbook of quantitative chemical analysis, 5th Ed. Avon:
Longman Scientific & Technical.
Kealey, D. (2002). Instant Notes: Analytical chemistry. Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers.
Kenkel, J. (2003). Analytical chemistry for technicians, 3rd Ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Krajniak, E. E. (2010). Practical laboratory skills. Newcastle: WHO Publishing.
Meloan, C. (1999). Chemical separations: principles, techniques and experiments. New
Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
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