Australian National Chemistry Analysis Competition

Titration is an important analytical technique used by chemists to determine the concentration of an unknown solution. It requires focus, a steady hand, patience and a good eye. Each year the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) holds the Australian National Chemical Analysis Competition, more commonly known as the Titration Competition.

“The RACI titration competitions are designed to encourage those students who enjoy Chemistry, particularly its practical side, to develop their skills and to reward those who attain a high level of proficiency,” said Chemistry teacher Dr Fiona Thompson.

“Students compete in teams of three. The members of the team titrate individually, and the judging is on the basis of the overall values each team reports. Teams must first qualify for the State Finals, and the top teams from each State competition are invited to represent themselves, their school and their state in the National Finals. Here the best teams are recognised for their achievements.”

“Each year at Eynesbury, a number of teams compete to qualify for the State Finals with the aim of getting through to the National Finals. This year we had three teams qualify for the State Finals. Around the state, 30 teams qualified from 19 different schools. Twelve teams qualified for the National Finals from 8 schools. One of those teams was Maria Tran, Jarred Scaffidi-Muta, and John Kalyvas, who proudly represented Eynesbury Senior College,” said Dr Fiona Thompson.

“The titration for the National Finals is much more involved and uses a more difficult technique than that used to qualify or those taught as part of the Year 12 course. Although surprisingly nervous on the day, the team approached the state competition with vigour and with a great level of support. Each member of the team has different solutions and is working independently, but the final outcome is combined. Supporting each other through the process on the day can make a big difference to the final result,” said Dr Fiona Thompson.

“Eynesbury has consistently done well at the Titration Competition, having been in the National Finals every year that I have had students competing. This year, the ESC team excelled, with John and Jarred receiving individual gold and Maria just missing out to receive silver. Their overall score was excellent, achieving recognition as a highly commended team, a much sought-after status. The team made the National League table achieving 26th out of 177 teams invited to compete in the National Finals.”

“Well done to all in the team! I am very proud of all the students that competed throughout the whole competition,” said Dr Fiona Thompson.