MSL50122 - Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Assessment Overview 

The objective of this assessment is to assess your knowledge and performance in describing the skills and knowledge to perform scientific calculations, analyse trends and uncertainty in data and report results within the required timeframe.

This assessment is in 4 parts:

• Part 1: Perform scientific calculations
• Part 2: Process control and improvement
• Part 3: Determine variations in data
• Part 4: Report findings.

And is supported by:

• a submission checklist
• a checklist
• assessment feedback

Note: This assessment may contain links to external resources. Access to the long URL is provided via the section located at the end of this document.

Task Instructions

The assessor will use the criteria outlined in the following tasks to determine if you have satisfactorily completed this assessment event. Follow these instructions to ensure you demonstrate the required knowledge and skills.

Part 1: Perform Scientific Calculations

Read all instructions carefully and complete all requirements of the assessment. In addition, refer to the checklist that your assessor will use to assess your performance and record your results.

You have recently started working as a laboratory technician at AllSci which specialises in testing different types of samples.

Every day, the lab receives multiple types of samples from various local authorities and institutions. The laboratory technicians at AllSci then conduct a series of tests on these samples and record their results.

Task 1: Chemical Analysis and Quantification

1. You have been provided with the following raw data of some fresh samples. Using the correct scientific formulas calculate the H⁺(M) and OH^-(M) for each sample and complete the table below.

You will use the following formulas to calculate [H⁺] and OH^-

• pH = −log [H⁺]
• [H⁺] [OH^-] = 10^-14

1. You have been provided with raw data of a sample of Aqueous solution of Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH), which is as follows:

• Concentration of CH₃COOH: 0.1M
• Volume of solution: 100mL
• Estimation of pH: 4.9
• Dissociation constant (K_a): 1.8x10^‐5

To complete this part of the assessment, you will:

• Verify the raw data consistency by ensuring that the given concentration and volume of acetic acid solution are within reasonable ranges for a dilute aqueous solution.
• Calculate the strength of acetic acid (pKa), given that the dissociation constant for acetic acid (K_a) is 1.8X10^-5. Formula for calculating dissociation constant: pK_a = log K_a
• Calculate the pH of the solution using the correct formula and given that the concentration of sodium acetate is 0.2M.
• Determine the OH- concentration using the relationships, [OH^-] = K_w/[H⁺], where K_w (the ion product of water) is 1.0x10^‐14 at 25⁰C
• Ensure consistency with estimations by comparing the calculated pH value with the estimated pH value and discuss any discrepancies.

Task 2: Optical Property Analysis

Evaluate the relationship between absorbance, transmittance, path length, extinction coefficient and concentration using Beer’s Law. Assess the uncertainty in measurements and report your results.

1. You have been provided the following information:

• ɛ - (Molar Extinction coefficient/molar absorptivity): 50 L/molcm
• b - (Path length/length of the light path): 1cm
• c - Concentration of samples in mol/L
• Beer’s Law: A = ɛbc

Calculate the expected absorbance (A) for each concentration using Beer’s Law and complete the Sample concentrations table provided:

2. Plot a concentration and absorbance graph using spreadsheet software and provide your conclusion of the relationship between concentration and absorbance, that you observe from the graph. You will provide a screenshot of your graph in the following space and then write your conclusion.

3. Absorbance of the unknown sample 1 (concentrations provided in the table – Sample concentrations is 0.75). Using Beer’s law calculate the concentration of sample 1 using the given extinction coefficient and path length provided in Task 2 Activity 1.

4. Calculate the absorbance for each of the samples provided. You have been given the following transmittance values for each sample:

Absorbance formula: A = 2 – log (%T)

5. Following your completion of activity 3 in Part 1, Task 2, use spreadsheet software to analyse the trend and comment on the relationship between absorbance and transmittance.

Part 2: Process Control and Improvement

Scenario:

AllSci has received some food samples from an orange juice processor called XYZ Juices. The company has requested AllSci to analyse the food composition of different orange juice varieties that they use for juicing purposes.

Task 1: Calculation of % food Composition for Orange Juice Varieties

The following data was collected from an analysis of two orange varieties: Valencia and navel.

Calculate the percentage composition of each variety for moisture, ash, fat, protein, fibre and total sugars. Report results as g/100g and as mg/100g sample for Vitamin C. Report to 2 significant figures.

Task 2: Trends and Relationships in Data

You have been provided with the following data (Table – Moisture and acid content of blood oranges) that shows the moisture content, in oranges, as the independent variable (X) and acid content as the dependent variable (Y).

1. Determine the relationship between moisture content and acid content of the different varieties of blood oranges provide in the table – Moisture and acid content of oranges. Use Microsoft Excel and its regression function in Data Analysis. Your answer will be in terms of the value of regression coefficient.

Assessment Requirements Brief Summary

The assessment aims to evaluate a student’s ability to apply scientific calculations, analyse data trends, identify variations, and report findings effectively. It is divided into four parts:

1. Perform Scientific Calculations

   • Verify raw data consistency.
   • Calculate pKa, pH, [H+], and [OH–].
   • Apply Beer’s Law for optical property analysis.
   • Plot concentration vs absorbance graph, analyse transmittance, and assess uncertainty.

2. Process Control and Improvement

   • Calculate percentage composition of food samples (moisture, ash, fat, protein, fibre, sugars, Vitamin C).

   • Use Excel regression analysis to determine relationships in given data sets.

3. Determine Variations in Data

   • Identify and interpret variations in the experimental data.

   • Apply statistical and graphical tools to validate results.

4. Report Findings

   • Present results clearly, with calculations, graphs, and discussions.

   • Highlight discrepancies, possible causes of errors, and implications.

Academic Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guidance

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

The mentor first explained the structure of the assessment, ensuring the student understood each part: calculations, data analysis, process improvement, and reporting. The focus was on how each section built upon the previous one.

Step 2: Scientific Calculations

• The mentor guided the student through verifying the raw data for acetic acid, ensuring the values provided were realistic.
• Explained how to calculate pKa from Ka and derive the pH of the solution using given concentrations.
• Step by step, they used the formula [OH–] = Kw / [H+], checked consistency with the estimated pH, and discussed why discrepancies may occur.

• For Beer’s Law, the mentor showed how to apply A = εbc, guided plotting concentration vs absorbance in Excel, and demonstrated how to interpret the trend line.

Step 3: Process Control and Improvement

• The mentor demonstrated how to calculate the percentage composition of nutrients in orange juice varieties, teaching how to express results in g/100g and mg/100g formats.

• They then walked through regression analysis in Excel, showing how to set up independent (moisture content) and dependent (acid content) variables and interpret the regression coefficient to determine the relationship.

Step 4: Analysing Data Variations

• The mentor explained how to spot variations in datasets, evaluate reliability, and calculate possible uncertainties.

• Emphasis was placed on using graphs and statistical methods to validate patterns.

Step 5: Reporting Findings

• Finally, the mentor guided the student in structuring a scientific report:

  • Present calculations and results clearly.
  • Insert tables and graphs with proper labels.
  • Discuss discrepancies, potential errors, and scientific reasoning.
  • Summarise findings in a concise conclusion.

Final Outcome & Learning Objectives Achieved

By the end of the assessment:

• The student successfully performed accurate scientific calculations for pH, [H+], [OH–], absorbance, and sample compositions.
• Applied Beer’s Law and regression analysis to analyse experimental data.
• Understood the concept of data variation, uncertainty, and error analysis.
• Produced a well-structured scientific report, including calculations, graphs, and conclusions.

Learning Objectives Covered:

• Mastery of core scientific calculation methods.
• Ability to apply data analysis tools such as Excel.
• Understanding of process control, improvement, and variability in experimental settings.
• Skills in reporting findings professionally within scientific and academic standards.

Get Access to Reliable Academic Solutions

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