Requirements and evaluation of knowledge in the Analytical Chemistry II.
for second-year pharmacy students
Signature at the end of the laboratory training on analytical chemistry will only be given if both the theoretical and practical requirements are fulfilled as set forth next.
1. Theoretical requirements:
A satisfactory knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the analytical chemistry (including knowledge of the subject-matter of analytical chemistry covered at lectures and laboratory practices, writing/balancing equations, proven knowledge of stoichiometric and equilibrium calculations, familiarity with the principles of the measurements, etc).
In order to assess the mastery of the course material, two (2) major test-papers are administered during the semester scheduled for weeks 6. and 13. Each test will include a different set of topics on the theoretical background of measurements covered at the lectures or performed at laboratory practices, as well as numerical problems. Opportunities to correct the marks of each major test will be provided (retake), as well as an additional retake at the end of semester (re-retake). Note that, if written, the marks of the retakes will substitute the marks of the major tests in the final grade even if the score of the retake is worse. Shorter oral or written quizzes at the time of the laboratory practices can occur throughout the entire semester.
Performance will be evaluated according to a five-scale grading system. At written exams a minimum of 40% of the total score is required for a passing mark (2).
A non-programmable calculator may be used to complete numerical problems. Calculators may not be shared. Mobile phones, smart watches, tablets, etc. may not be used and present during tests under any circumstances.
Usage of any kind of prohibited aid (e.g. notes, cheat sheets, smart devices described above) during oral or written tests will automatically result in an ”unsatisfactory” signature at the end of semester.
The theoretical requirement for passing the semester is that both marks obtained on the major tests (or that of the retakes) must be at least passing (2).
2. Practical requirements:
Students must be present at minimum of 75% of the total number of laboratory practices scheduled during the semester (i.e. a maximum of 3 absences is allowed). Timeliness is mandatory. Arriving more than 15 minutes late will be considered equivalent to absence from the laboratory practice.
Overcoats, bags etc. must be checked in at the wardrobe of the Faculty of Chemistry, they are not allowed in laboratories. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the laboratory with no exceptions. Laboratory coats must be worn when in the lab at all times.
Exercises and measurements prescribed in the schedule must be completed before the end of semester. A make up (“supplementary lab”) to complete the measurements labs missed will be provided on the 9th week; and at the end of the semester for justified cases.
Individual measurements and exercises is completed at satisfactory accuracy (at most ± 4 % error for quantitative determinations in most cases). Unsuccessful measurements can be repeated once during the “supplementary lab” time.
At most 20 % of the exercises may achieve an “unsatisfactory” mark (~ 3 insufficient or missing measurements are possible), these measurement can be attempted once more during the “supplementary lab” time.
A written report must be prepared upon the completion of each laboratory exercise. The calculated results of the measurements must be presented for evaluation to the supervising teacher within a week after completion of the exercises. Failure to hand in lab reports on time will result in “unsatisfactory” mark for the corresponding measurement and therefore it must be repeated during the “supplementary lab” time.
A final mark for the measurements is produced based on the average of the marks of individual measurements as follows:
Average Measurement final mark
2.51 – 2.99 2
3.00 – 3.49 3
3.50 – 4.24 4
4.25 – 5.00 5
Practical requirements are fulfilled only if the final mark for the measurements is minimum 2 and the number of absences did not exceed the permitted limit (see above).
Requirement for allowing to take the final oral exam is to have the signature.
The final examination consists of 4 parts (graded independently): 2 theoretical questions and 1 “short question” from the „topics of final examination” issued in advance, and numerical problems. The list topics can be downloaded from the Moodle E-learning interface. The numerical problems part include stoichiometric and equilibrium calculations (calculation of the result of analytical measurements, standardization, calculation of titration curves points of various kind etc.) as well as knowledge of principles of calculations related to the analytical measurements, balancing equation, etc.
At the end of semester students have the opportunuty to request the average of the two major tests (or those of the retakes) written during the semester and the final mark for the measurements as the grade for the problem solving part of the final exam.
In order to pass the exam a passing mark (2) must be achieved in all four parts of the exam (two theoretical questions + short question + problem solving).