Studying applied science in the UK comes with lots of benefits for the students. From diverse career opportunities to gaining hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges, they can truly understand the potential of science. Now, although there are different course programs, the BTEC National Diploma is the most preferred one here in the UK. Students can refine their domain knowledge in the core concepts and acquire significant technical prowess for a better future. But the main challenge arises when they have to work on applied science university assignments along with their coursework.
Unit 2 is more challenging for a Level 3 BTEC course as it requires students to showcase their understanding of practical scientific procedures and techniques. It’s not just about writing any lab experiment on titration or calorimetry. Instead, students are often assigned the tasks of conducting the scientific experiments and preparing detailed reports. That being said, we have created a detailed guide on the Unit 2 applied science assignment. Here, we will explain the various scientific experiments students have to learn and the steps to carry them out like a pro.
Unit 2: Practical science experiments and techniques
Task 1: Conducting titration to determine solution concentrations
Scenario
If you are studying a BTEC Level 3 course in applied science, you will be asked to determine a solution’s concentration using the titration technique.
Preparing solutions and equipment setup
The necessary elements should be consolidated first. These will include an indicator, a standard solution, a burette, a pipette, and a conical flask. Ensure all the equipment pieces are clean, sterile, and properly calibrated to prevent interference with the experimental results.
Performing titration
- First, rinse the burette with the standard solution you have taken and fill the tube as per the experimental necessity.
- You have to measure a precise solution volume and pour it into the conical flask using the pipette.
- Add the indicator into the conical flask and start titrating it with the standard solution in the burette. You will have to continue until you reach the endpoint where the color will change in the conical flask.
- Now, record the volume of the standard solution used from the burette.
Calculating concentration
You need to use the titration data to calculate the concentration of the given sample solution. The formula to be used is:
(Volume of the standard solution X Concentration of the standard solution)/ Volume of the unknown solution
Task 2: Using colorimetry to determine solution concentration
Scenario
In this task, you will have to use the colorimeter to deduce the concentration of a colored solution.
Preparation of the calibration curve
- First, you have to prepare different standard solutions with known concentrations.
- Now, measure the absorbance of each prepared solution by using a colorimeter.
- Use the absorbance levels deduced to plot a calibration curve.
Measurement of the absorbance level
Now, you will have to measure the absorbance level of the unknown colored solution you have been given. The calibration curve you prepared earlier will help you determine the concentration of this solution. You will have to plot the absorbance on the curve to know the accurate concentration value.
Report preparation
The report you will prepare should be comprehensive and must include all the details relevant to the experiment conducted. You will also have to present a clear background and objective as to why the experiment was conducted, along with a clear result interpretation. If you haven’t written any lab reports previously or aren’t quite confident enough, seeking a professional report writing service is the best option.
Task 3: Conducting chromatography techniques
Scenario
This applied science Unit 2 assignment will cover the use of different chromatography techniques for the identification of compounds present in a mixture. The two methods involved are thin-layer chromatography and paper chromatography.
Paper chromatography
- The chromatography paper needs to be prepared first, along with the solvent system.
- Now, apply the mixture sample to the prepared paper.
- Wait till the chromatogram is developed, after which you can calculate every component’s Rf value.
Thin layer chromatography
- Here, a TLC plate has to be prepared along with the concerned solvent system.
- Apply the mixture sample onto the plate and wait till you get the chromatogram.
- Only then can you calculate the Rf values for every component involved in the mixture.
Reporting
Your report should have a detailed analysis of both the paper and thin layer chromatography techniques, interpretation of the results, and the limitations and effectiveness of the experiment.
Task 4: Using calorimetry to measure changes in enthalpy
Scenario
Heat exchange is always involved in chemical reactions. Sometimes, heat is necessary as a catalyst for initiating the chemical reaction, while sometimes, it can be released as a by-product. That’s why students of the BTEC applied science Level 3 course often need to conduct a calorimetry experiment to measure enthalpy changes.
Setting up the calorimeter
- The calorimeter needs to be calibrated properly so that the experimental results won’t have any inaccuracy.
- Prepare all the reactants necessary for conducting the chemical reaction. Measure the initial temperature of the compounds, as it will be needed in further analysis.
Performing the chemical reaction
Now, initiate the chemical reaction and start monitoring the temperature changes of the reactants. Measure the maximum temperature reached during the reaction.
Calculating the enthalpy changes
To calculate the enthalpy changes, you will need the temperature-related data and the calorimeter constants. Use the formula ΔH=qn\Delta H = \frac{q}{n}ΔH=nq for calculation. Here, “q” is the heat energy absorbed, and “n” is the quantity of the reactants you have used for the reaction.
Report preparation
The report that you will prepare should have:
- Objective and context of the chemical experiment conducted, i.e., to measure the enthalpy changes associated with a chemical reaction.
- Methodologies used to set up and conduct the experiment.
- Calculation techniques for the enthalpy changes and the interpretation of the experimental results.
- Analysis of the experimental errors and presentation of the areas of further improvements.
Task 5: Preparation and purification of a compound
Scenario
This assignment will cover the preparation and purification methodologies for a given chemical compound.
Compound preparation
- A proper protocol has to be followed based on the university standards to prepare or synthesize the compound of interest.
- The steps and observations during synthesis should be clearly documented, outlining the techniques involved.
Purification techniques
- The correct purification technique has to be used depending on the chemical and physical properties of the synthesized compound. It can be distillation or recrystallization.
- You need to evaluate the yield and purity percentage of the purified compound derived through the experiment.
Reporting
Your main assignment will be to prepare a comprehensive report, including details like:
- Step-by-step processes for the synthesis and purification of the chemical compound.
- Context and objective of the scientific experiment.
- Analysis of the compound yield and purity.
- Discussion about the limitations and effectiveness of the chosen purification technique.
Follow this guide to know more about the chemistry itsry lab report writing protocols for UK university students.
Task 6: Laboratory safety and ethical considerations
Scenario
This Unit 2 applied science assignment will cover the importance of safety protocols in laboratory setups and the ethical considerations for scientific experiments.
Laboratory safety protocols
- You need to outline the safety standards and protocols for handling scientific equipment units, chemicals, personal protective equipment, and other types of emergency procedures.
- Also, include the significance of risk assessments and different types of mitigation strategies in lab settings.
Ethical considerations
As an applied science student, you need to address the ethical concerns related to different types of scientific research. These may include human subject research, animal testing, and the environmental impacts. Additionally, explore the rules and regulations implemented by the government to prevent malpractice in lab experiments and research studies.
Task 7: Analyzing experimental data and drawing conclusions
Scenario
Students can be asked to analyze experimental data sets using different scientific procedures and techniques. This will help them generate accurate and precise reports on the findings in a consolidated manner.
Data analysis
- To analyze data, you must first collect it from recent scientific experiments. It can be titration, colorimetry, or chromatography. Ensure the datasets are arranged and compiled in the correct formats based on the necessary variables for accurate analysis.
- Graphical representations or statistical methods can be used to draw proper conclusions from the compiled datasets. These will help you detect the underlying patterns, relationships, or trends in the scientific experimental data.
Drawing conclusions
- You need to interpret the results derived from data analysis. Ensure you are paying proper attention while writing the conclusions. They should be backed by science-based evidence and theories.
- You also need to provide clear descriptions of how the experimental results align with the scientific concepts and theories.
Reporting
- While writing the reports, ensure they are comprehensive and have all the necessary details of the experiments, data sources, analytical methods used, and the interpretation techniques.
- Your report needs to have the data trends and relationships you have analyzed.
- Also, include your conclusions from the interpretation of the experimental data, along with reflecting on potential areas for further research.
Conclusion
Writing an applied science Unit 2 assignment isn’t an easy walk in the park. Not only do you need to interpret the experimental data thoroughly, but you also need to follow the proper reporting protocols. Most often, managing the coursework and lab assignments becomes challenging for students. This is where Digi Assignment Help comes into play! Our experts will help compile all the necessary experimental information and prepare a quality report backed by evidence.
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