Unit Outline
ZAS226
Separation Principles and Processes
Semester 1, 2025
Jodie Lee
University College
University College
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Jodie Lee
Email: Jodie.Lee@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
Chemical and physical separation principles underpin many industries of the modern world. In this unit you will extend your knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of substances and their interactions. Through laboratory-based and other activities you will investigate separation principles and how they apply to processes such as distillation, extraction, adsorption and filtration in a variety of industries. You will consider complex problems as well as the challenges and opportunities relevant to the application of these processes in industry.
In conjunction with the discipline theory, this unit builds on concepts of learning through practice in Year 1 of study by introducing you to more complex learning experiences. You will be introduced to:
  • discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations. This will include authentic and purposeful, industry-related experiences
  • concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others
  • the development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice
  • the nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills, and creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice.
You will exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage yourself and professional relationships effectively. The application of tacit knowledge and capabilities will be reflected in a Practice Manual.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Explain the chemical and physical principles and processes relating to the separation industries
2
Apply chemistry knowledge, relevant to industry, in a practical setting
3
Analyse industry relevant separation principles and processes such as adsorption, distillation, filtration and extraction
4
Evaluate industry challenges and opportunities to propose improvements and innovations
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
ZAS115 Applied Chemistry or ZAS123 Applied Chemistry or ZAS233 Applied Chemistry
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To Be Determined.
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Online
Tutorial (Online)
1-2 hours per week; Week 10 tutorial is compulsory to attend for your presentation and question session for Assessment Task 2.
2
Weekly
Workshop (On Campus)
Compulsory 2-day Laboratory Workshop in Launceston
15
Study Period 1 time
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Separation in the Laboratory
Week 6
30 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:
Separation Process Investigation and Explanation
Week 10
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Separation Industry Problem (Wicked Problem)
Week 14
40 %
LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Separation in the Laboratory
Task Description:
SEPARATION IN THE LABORATORY

Chemical and physical separation principles and processes underpin many industries of the modern world. Understanding these separation principles and processes are key to the success of a separation industry practitioner.

You will complete a two (2) day laboratory workshop or equivalent which will involves conducting and observing chemical and physical separation experiments. You must complete and pass the compulsory safety inductions to participate in any laboratory experiments or their equivalent.

You are expected to participate in practical chemistry techniques and skills including 'good laboratory practice' and record keeping. You will record observations, complete calculations and answer questions relating to fundamental chemistry and physical principles you have observed and demonstrated.
Task Length:
Variable, as required in 'Workshop Laboratory Report Book'
Due Date:
Week 6
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Work safely and efficiently within a laboratory
LO2
2
Apply chemistry knowledge to industry relevant practical techniques
LO2
3
Record data including calculations using correct formats
LO2
4
Identify and explain concepts and principles of fermentation and separation chemistry techniques
LO1
 
Assessment Task 2: Separation Process Investigation and Explanation
Task Description:
The ability to understand an industry process is an important skill for those working in industry. The purpose of this assessment task is to give you the opportunity to investigate and explain to others an ‘industry separation process’ of your choosing. You are to also identify where simple problems could occur in the process and how you could go about addressing them.

You will research and investigate your chosen separation process identifying and analysing the process steps and the overall process. You will identify any resulting product/s from the process including unwanted or by products.

As part of your explanation of the separation process you will highlight and explain the chemical and physical separations that are occurring in the process (e.g. distillation, extraction, adsorption and filtration).

To demonstrate industry understanding, you will also identify and explain any particular characteristics or 'nuances' that may occur in or as a result of the process, for example challenges, problems or limitations.

Separation Process Investigation Report
You will prepare a succinct report documenting your chosen industry separation process, the problems you identified that could occur in the process and how you could go about addressing them.

Five Minute Verbal Separation Process Explanation
You are also required to explain your chosen separation process to your peers and teachers creatively and informatively. You are to ensure you include an explanation of the chemical and physical separations within the process. You will have 5 minutes to complete your explanation followed by time to answer questions from the audience.
Task Length:
1/ Separation Process Investigation Report 1000 words maximum (plus diagrams, graphs, process charts) 2/ Five Minute Verbal Separation Process Explanation 5 minutes + question time
Due Date:
Week 10
Weight:
30 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Explain the chemical and physical principles and processes relating to a separation process
LO1
2
Analyse and explain an industry separation process using a process chart example
LO2
3
Use evidence to support arguments and conclusions
LO3
4
Identify and apply oral presentation skills
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Separation Industry Problem (Wicked Problem)
Task Description:
The perfect single solution to a problem in industry is a rarity. This assessment task on a separation industry process or product problem is designed to challenge you. You will determine the best possible solution faced with a separation industry process or product problem.
In analysing the separation process or product problem you will identify and analyse the chemical and physical separation principles and processes related to the separation process or product you have chosen. You will analyse the problem, possible options for addressing the problem and provide a justification for your final recommended solution.
Task Length:
2000 words max (plus diagrams, graphs, process charts)
Due Date:
Week 14
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Apply problem solving strategies
LO4
2
Use evidence to support arguments and conclusions
LO3
3
Evaluate innovative solutions
LO4
4
Communicate ideas and information
LO3
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 

Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
Blackman, A 2018, Chemistry: Core Concepts, 2nd Edition, Wiley, Melbourne. Available from: ProQuest Ebook Central. [22 December 2022].
  • Ch 1 The nature of matter p7 to 35
  • Ch 2 The language of chemistry p40 to 48
  • Ch 7 State of matter p367 to 380
 
Recommended reading materials
N/A
 
Other required resources
You are required to have a laboratory coat and safety glasses for the laboratory.
Safety requirements for entry into the lab also include enclosed shoes, long trousers, and long hair tied back.