1
Pearson Edexcel NFQ BTEC Level 3 National
Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Unit 2D : Practical Scientific Procedures and
Techniques
Name: Isbat Uddin
ID: 11208069
Learning aim D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory
work.
Scenario:
I am a newly appointed technical assistant at a large chemical plant, Chemicalequip.
In order to complete my induction period and progress within the company I have to
review and evaluate my performance of the procedures and techniques that I have
been involved in using so far (titration, colorimetry, calorimetry and chromatography).
I need to identify the key practical and personal competencies I have shown whilst
developing and using these skills. I must evaluate my own performance,
interpersonal skills and professional practice. The report I produce will be assessed
by a senior technician.
Introduction:
In this assignment, I am going to analyse the methods of scientific procedure that
were covered during Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques. In this
unit, I was involved in various practical tasks which included preparation of standard
solutions, titration, colorimetry, calorimetry (cooling curves), and chromatography.
The purpose of these activities was to enhance scientific and personal skills
necessary for performing laboratory tasks in professional practice.
During the process of experiments, I gained various practical skills which consisted of
measuring volume and mass of sample, handling equipment in the laboratory,
calibration, data collection and data analysis. Moreover, I gained some useful
transferable skills which include communication, teamwork, organisational abilities,
problem solving and individual responsibility. Collaboration with other students
enabled me to provide feedback to each other and see where I had succeeded and
what should be improved.
Isbat Uddin
ID:11208069
, 2
In this evaluation report, the performance of scientific skills in the various practical
activities performed under learning aims A, B, and C will be evaluated. This will
include an assessment of the scientific skills that have been developed and the
application of proper conduct during such activities.
Standard Solution Skills
During preparation of the standard solution of sodium carbonate, several practical
skills as well as personal scientific skills were acquired that are useful in laboratory
work. For example, the ability to weigh chemicals and prepare solutions in volumetric
flasks using an electronic balance, while transferring solutions carefully, as well as
precision during measurement by aligning meniscus to the calibration line when
preparing the solution up to 250cm 3. All these skills are very critical since precise
preparation of standard solutions ensures reliable experiments in the future such as
titration and colorimetry.
While doing this practical, safety was maintained through use of Personal Protective
Equipment such as goggles, gloves, lab coats among others. Careful handling of
chemicals and glassware to prevent spillages, irritations and breaking was also
observed, calibration of apparatus used such as the electronic balance and pipette
was also done to enhance accuracy.
Accuracy was one of my strengths while measuring and preparing the solutions. I
calculated the amount of sodium carbonate correctly, and thus got accurate results in
the titrations. In addition, I assumed accountability over the quality of my work
through making sure that the measurements were accurate and the apparatus had
been cleaned in order not to introduce contaminants. If there was any problem like
residues left on the weighing bottle, I solved the problem by reweighing the bottle and
recalculating the amount of the substance transferred.
Based on the comments from my peers, I was identified as being meticulous and
sure-footed in preparing the standard solution. Nevertheless, it was mentioned that
there was inefficiency since I was spending much time checking my measurements
several times. As a result, I worked on developing my efficiency by formulating an
action plan before embarking on the practical. Moreover, I gave feedback to my
partner to ensure he was rinsing his volumetric glassware properly.
Although the practical was successful, there were still weaknesses in my
performance. Small parallax errors may have occurred when reading measurements
and slight transfer errors could have affected the concentration. To improve my
practice in future experiments, I would continue practicing volumetric techniques, use
more precise equipment where possible and repeat experiments more often to
improve reliability and confidence.
Isbat Uddin
ID:11208069
Pearson Edexcel NFQ BTEC Level 3 National
Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Unit 2D : Practical Scientific Procedures and
Techniques
Name: Isbat Uddin
ID: 11208069
Learning aim D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory
work.
Scenario:
I am a newly appointed technical assistant at a large chemical plant, Chemicalequip.
In order to complete my induction period and progress within the company I have to
review and evaluate my performance of the procedures and techniques that I have
been involved in using so far (titration, colorimetry, calorimetry and chromatography).
I need to identify the key practical and personal competencies I have shown whilst
developing and using these skills. I must evaluate my own performance,
interpersonal skills and professional practice. The report I produce will be assessed
by a senior technician.
Introduction:
In this assignment, I am going to analyse the methods of scientific procedure that
were covered during Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques. In this
unit, I was involved in various practical tasks which included preparation of standard
solutions, titration, colorimetry, calorimetry (cooling curves), and chromatography.
The purpose of these activities was to enhance scientific and personal skills
necessary for performing laboratory tasks in professional practice.
During the process of experiments, I gained various practical skills which consisted of
measuring volume and mass of sample, handling equipment in the laboratory,
calibration, data collection and data analysis. Moreover, I gained some useful
transferable skills which include communication, teamwork, organisational abilities,
problem solving and individual responsibility. Collaboration with other students
enabled me to provide feedback to each other and see where I had succeeded and
what should be improved.
Isbat Uddin
ID:11208069
, 2
In this evaluation report, the performance of scientific skills in the various practical
activities performed under learning aims A, B, and C will be evaluated. This will
include an assessment of the scientific skills that have been developed and the
application of proper conduct during such activities.
Standard Solution Skills
During preparation of the standard solution of sodium carbonate, several practical
skills as well as personal scientific skills were acquired that are useful in laboratory
work. For example, the ability to weigh chemicals and prepare solutions in volumetric
flasks using an electronic balance, while transferring solutions carefully, as well as
precision during measurement by aligning meniscus to the calibration line when
preparing the solution up to 250cm 3. All these skills are very critical since precise
preparation of standard solutions ensures reliable experiments in the future such as
titration and colorimetry.
While doing this practical, safety was maintained through use of Personal Protective
Equipment such as goggles, gloves, lab coats among others. Careful handling of
chemicals and glassware to prevent spillages, irritations and breaking was also
observed, calibration of apparatus used such as the electronic balance and pipette
was also done to enhance accuracy.
Accuracy was one of my strengths while measuring and preparing the solutions. I
calculated the amount of sodium carbonate correctly, and thus got accurate results in
the titrations. In addition, I assumed accountability over the quality of my work
through making sure that the measurements were accurate and the apparatus had
been cleaned in order not to introduce contaminants. If there was any problem like
residues left on the weighing bottle, I solved the problem by reweighing the bottle and
recalculating the amount of the substance transferred.
Based on the comments from my peers, I was identified as being meticulous and
sure-footed in preparing the standard solution. Nevertheless, it was mentioned that
there was inefficiency since I was spending much time checking my measurements
several times. As a result, I worked on developing my efficiency by formulating an
action plan before embarking on the practical. Moreover, I gave feedback to my
partner to ensure he was rinsing his volumetric glassware properly.
Although the practical was successful, there were still weaknesses in my
performance. Small parallax errors may have occurred when reading measurements
and slight transfer errors could have affected the concentration. To improve my
practice in future experiments, I would continue practicing volumetric techniques, use
more precise equipment where possible and repeat experiments more often to
improve reliability and confidence.
Isbat Uddin
ID:11208069
