Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Communication processes and the characteristics of good communication
• Language as a tool for good communication
• Grammar, syntax, linguistics, stylistics and graphical tools in Norwegian

• Safety when using equipment and chemicals in laboratories
• The relevant regulations applicable to hazardous substances that are produced, used or sold in Norway
• The use of safety data sheets and chemical databases
• Basic experimental methods for analysing specific samples
• Factors than can affect results in experimental analyses
• Spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques and their operation
• How to conduct a safe job analysis
• How accuracy and precision in measurement results are affected by errors and uncertainties in instrumentation, procedures and work techniques

Skills

The candidate can/has:

• Differentiate between written and oral forms of expression
• Use language as a tool to communicate orally and in writing in various genres
• Structure written and oral presentations

• Focus on safety when working in the laboratory
• Insight into the importance of good planning, precision, order and cleanliness in a laboratory
• Evaluate data and sources of error during chemical analysis
• Document the analysis results in laboratory records and write reports based on standardized methods
• Knowledge of what methods may be used to analyse specific samples
• Work in teams
• Handle chemicals with safety in mind, use safety data sheets and has knowledge of the online catalogue of substances (ECO online)
• Conduct quantitative analyses in accordance with stated procedures

• Use appropriate laboratory equipment correctly

General competence

The candidate:

• Is linguistically aware of how he/she expresses himself/herself in different contexts

• Is aware of the importance of good communication in professional life
• Can acquire knowledge and information through various channels
• Can describe work that has been done in a report and by making an oral presentation in Norwegian
• Can communicate and discuss with other professionals in the field
• Understands environmental issues in relation to handling/emission of chemicals
• Can handle chemicals according to regulations and use safety data

• Has a basic understanding of quality requirements in a chemical laboratory

Course Description

The aim of the course is to develop students’ ability to communicate well, orally and in writing, with professionals in various professional fields, cultures and at all levels.

The main topics are data collection and collaboration, language and communication processes, and written presentations, focusing on technical reports and business correspondence with an emphasis on formality, ethics, style and analysis of target groups. Training in oral presentations is an important part of the course.

The part of the course focusing on laboratory work may be summarized as follows:

• Quantitative chemical analysis, separation techniques, chemical handling and HSE.
• Spectroscopic techniques such as AAS, UV-Vis spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy.
• Chromatographic techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography.
• Group project where the students conduct a chemical analysis and document the work in a technical report.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures in large groups (communication part of the course) and for Chemicals Y-Vei class in the laboratory part of the course.
• Exercises in groups and individually both in classroom and laboratory
• Group project

The part of the course focusing on work in the laboratory:

Roughly 4-5 laboratory exercises will be carried out during the course. Students will submit laboratory reports. The laboratory exercises must be approved in order to pass the course.

Students will carry out a group project (under guidance), where they will conduct a chemical analysis. The group must first document a safe job analysis before conducting the chemical analysis. The work must be documented in a technical report.

If students do not complete the course requirements on time (unless documented valid reasons for this are presented), they will not be entitled to sit the final examination and will consequently not receive a final grade for the course. A laboratory record that is not approved on first submission may be corrected and submitted again. If a record is not approved after the 3rd submission, the exercise will be assessed as being incomplete, resulting in the laboratory course being given a failing grade.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment 40%

• Submission of a report written in Norwegian which will be assessed for both language and content.

Final examination 60%

• Individual, written examination.

The final examination and the report must both receive passing marks in order to be given a final passing grade for the course.

Course requirements: The Lab Record must be approved.

Grade

• The course will be given a single grade.
• The grading scale (A-F) is used.
• The student will receive an individual grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean