Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is also recommended for beginning chemistry students to assist them in laboratory calculations.

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Carry out calculations needed to prepare solutions, make dilutions, interpret protocols and evaluate data in a bioscience laboratory or manufacturing environment.

Assessment will include multiple in-class exams in each unit as specified below (Course Content/Skills). The testing and scoring method will reflect consistent competency of computational demands
Additional assessment measures may include, but are not limited to, take-home examinations, graded worksheets/homework, in class participation and attendance.

 COURSE CONTENT:
THEMES, CONCEPTS, ISSUES
 

1. Attention to detail
2. Consistency, accountability and integrity
3. Calculation for solution and media preparation
4. Analysis and manipulation of biological molecules and cells
5. Interpretation of data

COMPENTENCIES AND SKILLS:
Unit 1 Manipulation of Scientific numbers and Units

1. Manipulate mathematical calculations using the SI (Systeme International)
2. Transform numbers into and out of scientific notation
3. Carry out conversions between scientific notation and SI with appropriate prefixes
4. Recognize the difference between exact and measured numbers
5. Identify the correct number of significant figures and apply appropriately
6. Follow the rules for rounding used internationally by scientists
7. Express the differences between accuracy and precision
8. Collect and utilize pertinent information from the Periodic Table of the Elements
9. Execute calculations using powers of ten
10. Determine the number of moles, molecules and grams in a given amount of a specific chemical solution
11. Compute g/mole conversions using dimensional analysis
12. Label mathematical calculation s during all stages of solution process with SI units/prefixes
     

Unit 2: Calculations for solution Preparation Ë different expressions for concentration
 

1. Distinguish between amount and concentration and use these terms appropriately
2. Calculate weight to volume concentrations using dimensional analysis and/or proportion
3. Define Molarity and its abbreviations, and use appropriately
4. Execute calculation to determine the number of moles or grams in solutions of specified volume and Molarity
5. Distinguish between the three types of percent concentration, (w/w, w/v, and v/v)
6. Define BTV and QS (quantum sufficient) and apply them appropriately
7. Interpret and manipulate solution preparations given in parts
8. Execute comparisons/solutions using ppm and ppb
9. Distinguish between Molarity, molality and normal solutions
10. Identify acid and base equivalents for Normal solutions
11. Solve for various preparation amounts for Molar and Normal solutions
12. Calculate water of hydration intro formula weight
13. Define density and apply to solution methods when appropriate

Unit 3: Calculations for Dilutions
 

1. Execute mathematical calculations for dilutions of concentrated solutes
2. Grasp the divers terminology used to express dilutions and adjust mathematical calculations accordingly
3. Calculate solutions for stocks
4. Interpret a dilution problems by setting up an appropriate as C1V1 = CFVF equation to solve for any one of the values
5. Use multi term CV equations (C1V1 + C2V2 = CFVF) to solve problems in which multiple solutions containing a single molecular species are combined
6. Inter convert expressions of concentrations: M, % mg/mL , ppm etc
7. Interpret labeling of multi-component solutions that are expressed as fold concentrates (e.g., 10X PBS)
8. Correctly interpret and apply the terms "fold" and volumes in relation to concentration solutions (e.g., dilute 10-fold, or add 9 volumes)

Unit 4 Data Presentation and Graphic Analysis
 

1. Plot given points on a rectangular coordinate system.
2. Graph linear relationships between two variables
3. Establish and interpret appropriate scale
4. Distinguish between and designate dependent and independent variables
5. Determine the slope of a line an locate the x and y intercepts
6. Transform linear data into the expression equation Y= mX+b (where m= slope and b = y intercept
7. Determine whether a n equation describes a straight line
8. Interpret limitation of linear equation applied to non-linear data (thresholds)
9. Describe the benefits and limitations of least squares analysis as compared with estimating best fit of a line to a set of data points.
10. Establish the mean of a given set of numbers
11. Obtain standard deviation (sample and population) for a set of measurements with and without a calculator
12. Calculate the coefficient of variation from the mean and standard deviation
13. Construct and interpret error bars based on standard deviation
14. Estimate and predict data from a graph
15. Plot, graph and interpret exponential relationships using logs transformation and semi log paper
16. Predict doubling times using graphic approach