SLE316 - Analytical Chemistry and the Environment

Unit details

Year

2026 unit information

Enrolment modesTrimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s)1
Previously coded asSBC316
EFTSL value0.125
Unit chairTrimester 1: Paul Francis
Prerequisite

SLE213

Corequisite

SLE010

Incompatible withNil
Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment

3 x 1 hour lectures per week, 4 x 2 hour practical experience (workshops) per trimester, 4 x 4 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester, 3 x 1 hour assessment per trimester (weeks 3, 7 and 10).

Typical study commitment

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Content

This unit builds upon prior chemical knowledge, in relation to spectroscopy and separation science, and introduces the fundamental principles and applications of certain analytical techniques. There is a significant emphasis on solving real problems in chemical measurement in clinical, environmental and industrial applications. Areas of study will include: sample handling, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, molecular spectroscopy, electrochemical detection and automation/miniaturisation of chemical analysis.

Learning outcomes

Each unit in your course is a building block towards Deakin's Graduate Learning Outcomes - not all units develop and assess every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).

ULO These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can:

Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs)

ULO1

Apply advanced knowledge of analytical chemistry and select appropriate methodologies to solve real and challenging problems in chemical measurement.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO2

Use their highly developed practical skills to analyse unknown samples and interpret data to identify the sample, employing effective communication to both conduct experiments with peers, and to clearly and accurately express the outcomes of laboratory work.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication

ULO3

Analyse and interpret current research literature in analytical chemistry, demonstrating critical thinking and information technological literacy.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1
Written tests
Three 1-hour written tests 60% (3 x 20%) Weeks 3, 7 and 10
Assessment 2
Laboratory practicals
Pre-laboratory questions, written reports 25% (5%, 20%) (Pre-laboratory questions, reports)

Pre-laboratory questions are due prior to each practical session.

Reports are submitted at the end of the practical sessions, or for selected laboratory practicals, due two weeks after the practical session.
Assessment 3
Practical test
Results of laboratory practical tasks and data analysis in a short, written report 15%

Week 12

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning resource

The texts and reading list for SLE316 can be found via the University Library.

Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list.

Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.

To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.

Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.

Unit fee information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.