BTEC Level 3 Applied/Forensic Science
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Learning Aim D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work.
Matthew Howard (9360)
Throughout the year I have completed lots of research and practical investigations to
complete unit 2. I have developed and improved a range of practical skills that have helped
me feel more confident when I am doing any laboratory work. These skills that I have
learned are helpful when it comes to applying to university because I have a better
knowledge of the subject. Employers in this industry will expect a certain basic level of
laboratory skills which I feel like I have developed successfully over unit 2. In unit 2 I
investigated titration, chromatography, colorimetry and calorimetry which have a required me
to gain a level of competence in the atmosphere of the laboratory. When I started to evaluate
unit 2, I have learned that I have gained a wide range of skills from when I started, however
there are various skills that I still need to improve on. These skills that I have gained will help
me feel more confident with the other units to come, for example the skills are transferrable
to unit 3 which will require me to justify the use of equipment, standard procedures and
techniques.
I have created a few tables to show how my skills have developed over time.
Assignment A: Titration
Skills when I started the Skills gained after What I need to improve
course completing unit 2 on/ develop further
Carrying out titrations using Carrying out titrations using To develop these skills
an indicator solution. a PH meter. further I could use more
than one probe (like a
temperature probe).
Working under the Being able to work Being able to work
supervision and help of the independently in scientific independently with complete
teacher. investigations with minimal confidence in my skills and
guidance. knowledge.
Being able to make dilutions Do my own calculations for Making serial dilutions from
following instruction. making dilutions. a starting solution other than
1M.
Basic safety precautions: The important of the various One thing that I could work
Tucking in chairs, wear apparatus that are in a on further is working more
safety goggles / lab coat, laboratory and how to use slowly and precisely to stop
standing up, tucking away them safely. For example, the chance of an accident
anything loose. how to safely handle happening.
substances like acid.
Perform colorimetry under To perform colorimetry with To perform colorimetry
close instruction. minimal guidance. independently.
Assignment B: Calorimetry
Skills when I started the Skills gained after unit 2 What I need to improve
course on/ develop further
Dissolving solids Dissolving solids to make Dissolving solids to make
standard solution serial standard solutions
Measuring temperature Using digital thermometers To develop these skills, I
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Learning Aim D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work.
Matthew Howard (9360)
Throughout the year I have completed lots of research and practical investigations to
complete unit 2. I have developed and improved a range of practical skills that have helped
me feel more confident when I am doing any laboratory work. These skills that I have
learned are helpful when it comes to applying to university because I have a better
knowledge of the subject. Employers in this industry will expect a certain basic level of
laboratory skills which I feel like I have developed successfully over unit 2. In unit 2 I
investigated titration, chromatography, colorimetry and calorimetry which have a required me
to gain a level of competence in the atmosphere of the laboratory. When I started to evaluate
unit 2, I have learned that I have gained a wide range of skills from when I started, however
there are various skills that I still need to improve on. These skills that I have gained will help
me feel more confident with the other units to come, for example the skills are transferrable
to unit 3 which will require me to justify the use of equipment, standard procedures and
techniques.
I have created a few tables to show how my skills have developed over time.
Assignment A: Titration
Skills when I started the Skills gained after What I need to improve
course completing unit 2 on/ develop further
Carrying out titrations using Carrying out titrations using To develop these skills
an indicator solution. a PH meter. further I could use more
than one probe (like a
temperature probe).
Working under the Being able to work Being able to work
supervision and help of the independently in scientific independently with complete
teacher. investigations with minimal confidence in my skills and
guidance. knowledge.
Being able to make dilutions Do my own calculations for Making serial dilutions from
following instruction. making dilutions. a starting solution other than
1M.
Basic safety precautions: The important of the various One thing that I could work
Tucking in chairs, wear apparatus that are in a on further is working more
safety goggles / lab coat, laboratory and how to use slowly and precisely to stop
standing up, tucking away them safely. For example, the chance of an accident
anything loose. how to safely handle happening.
substances like acid.
Perform colorimetry under To perform colorimetry with To perform colorimetry
close instruction. minimal guidance. independently.
Assignment B: Calorimetry
Skills when I started the Skills gained after unit 2 What I need to improve
course on/ develop further
Dissolving solids Dissolving solids to make Dissolving solids to make
standard solution serial standard solutions
Measuring temperature Using digital thermometers To develop these skills, I
