Ministry of Education

Test Blueprint for National Exit Examination to be held in

2015 E.C

Band: ___2____

Program: - Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry

Compiled By: Dr. Kibrom G/Hiwot (Addis Ababa University)

Dr. Tsegaye Girma (Jimma University)

January, 2023
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia

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Test Blueprint Template Contents

Contents Page
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Objective of test blueprint ................................................................................................................... 4
3. Expected Profile of the Graduates ....................................................................................................... 4
4. General Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 6
5. Specific objectives ................................................................................................................................. 7
6. Themes and list of courses ................................................................................................................... 7
7. Total credit hour of the selected courses ............................................................................................ 7
8. Share of the Themes/Courses/Items in Percentage (%) ..................................................................... 8
9. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 14

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1. Introduction

The Ministry of Education of Ethiopia has announced the implementation of exit exam for all
undergraduate program students (public and private), beginning with the 2022/2023 academic
year, in order to improve the quality of graduates produced by higher learning institutions. The
exit exam aimed at checking whether students have acquired the required knowledge, skills
and attitudes or not. To implement this, it requires determining competency areas for a specific
program, which is already completed. Based on the competency areas prepared, it needs to
plan the construction of tests.

Planning of a test is a first and vital step in the construction of an achievement test. An
achievement test demands very systematic and careful planning, as a fact that good planning
is a symbol of success. Tests are the tools that provide scores that measure level of student
learning and study program learning outcomes. In order to achieve the valid and reliable
measurement of student learning and program learning outcomes, the development of valid
and reliable test is the mandatory. Test should be able to measure student performance in all
dimensions of knowledge, skill and attitude. The carefully planned test construction
contributes to improve the overall quality of the test in terms of test content validity, difficulty
level, discrimination power and test reliability. Test preparation is not an easy task; it requires
a careful planning and guideline to make the task simple. Test construction needs the
preparation of test blue print. Test blueprint is defined as a complete plan that explains how to
develop a test. The term refers to a map or specification of assessment to ensure that all aspects
of the curriculum and educational domains are covered by the assessment programs over a
specified period of time. It helps curriculum developers/test constructors to match various
competencies with the course content and the appropriate modality of assessment.

Generally, test blueprint will help to ensure tests: 1) Appropriately assess the achievement of
instructional objectives of the course; 2) Appropriately reflect key course goals, objectives and
the material learned or covered during the instruction period; and 3) Include the appropriate
item formats along with the knowledge and skills being assessed.

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 Keeping this in mind, the team has prepared this test blueprint document in order to help the
test developers or content specialists in their process of valid and reliable test construction. The
major points considered in the process of preparing this test blue print guideline were the core
competencies that have been already identified for the themes of courses, the course contents,
course credit hours, and the learning outcomes with their corresponding levels of achievement
by learning domains. In line with these, the number of test items that should adequately assess
the performance of students in all the content topics are determined through discussion with
the content specialists who construct the blueprint for their corresponding study program.

2. Objective of test blueprint

Test blueprint preparation is generally opted to assist the preparation of a test that is
representative, broadly sampled, and consisting of complete knowledge domain expected of
the Ethiopian higher education students on completion of their study program. The specific
objectives of test blueprint are to:
 Facilitate the construction of a representative and balanced test items for the
selected courses in accordance with the competencies identified.
 Guide test developers or writers to write or set appropriate test items.

3. Expected Profile of the Graduates

 To provide students with abroad and balanced foundation of chemical knowledge and
practical skills.
 To develop the ability to apply chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of
theoretical r and practical problems in chemistry.
 To instilling students an appreciation of the importance of chemistry in an industrial,
environmental and social context
Cognitive
 Master the fundamentals of chemistry including an understanding of broad conceptual
and theoretical elements
 Possess an understanding and appreciation of the theoretical bases, methodologies and
characteristics of learning of chemistry, research and creative work in chemistry

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  An understanding and appreciation of current issues and debates in chemistry
 Continue further specialized educations
 Work as an industrial chemist in chemical processing industries
 Serve as a research/graduate assistant in research / higher education institutions
 Create job opportunities by the acquired chemical knowledge
 Contribute to the development of chemical industries with other professionals
 Enthusiastic about scientific ideas, discovery and learning
 Analyze and solve complex problems on chemistry issues
 Synthesize, characterize and study chemical compounds
 Have critical understanding of technical and scientific tools
 Manage and perform projects activities

Skill
 Possess critical, conceptual and reflective thinking, intellectual openness and curiosity,
creativity and originality
 Recognize when information is needed and locate, evaluate and use this information
effectively
 An ability to access, identify, organize and communicate chemical knowledge effectively
 An ability to work independently as well as part of a team or group
 An ability to lead in the community, professional associations etc.
 An ability to undertake numerical calculations and understand quantitative information
 Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis in chemical laboratories
 Work as quality controllers in industries
 Knowledgeable in IT and data processing skills in relation to chemical information
 Knowledge about the history, cultural and societal geo-economic integration of the people
of Ethiopia

Attitude
 Value intellectual integrity, respect for truth and for the ethics of research and scholarly
activity
 Demonstrate environmentally conscious attitude

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  Conduct assigned and professional activities with integrity and professional ethics
 Contribute to the development of chemical industries with other professionals
 Disseminate chemical knowledge
 Enthusiastic about scientific ideas, discovery and learning
 Self-discipline and an ability to plan and achieve personal and professional goals
 Willingness to engage in constructive public discourse and to accept social and civic
responsibilities
 Respect for the values of other individuals and groups, and an appreciation of human and
cultural diversity
 An awareness of international and global dimensions of intellectual, political and
economic activities, and behaving as a responsible citizen

4. General Objectives

The objectives of undergraduate program in chemistry are:

 Produce well trained and skilled chemists capable of taking up positions in the growing
demand of the various sectors of the economy such as various industries, learning
institutions, research institutions, as well as various environmental conservation endeavors
of the country;
 Disseminate knowledge in chemistry and related areas through active participation in
related professional activities, such as Chemical Society of Ethiopia, Regional Networking,
Workshops, Symposia and Publications
 Develop capabilities for the provision of consultancy and technical services as well as short
term specialized training to both public and private sectors
 To produce chemists who create job opportunities by applying the acquired knowledge and
skills.

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5. Specific objectives

 An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical and scientific
problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to
Industrial Chemistry.
 Ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program in chemical
industries to meet desired needs.
 Synthesize, characterize and study chemical compounds
 An ability to develop and conduct experiments analyze and interpret data and use
scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
 An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impacts of
technical and scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal
contexts.
 Ability to demonstrate an understanding of major concepts in all five major disciplines
of chemistry: analytical, Applied, inorganic, organic and physical.

6. Themes and list of courses

 The Applied Chemistry courses are categorized into five thematic areas. They are:
1. Analytical Chemistry
2. Inorganic Chemistry
3. Organic Chemistry
4. Physical Chemistry
5. Applied Chemistry

7. Total credit hour of the selected courses

Total credit hour of the selected courses are 47 Credit hours.

Courses to be included in the Exit Exam

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 Themes Courses Cr hr
1 Analytical Chemistry Analytical Chemistry 3
Instrumental Analysis I 3
Instrumental Analysis II 3
Practical Instrumental Analysis I 1
Practical Instrumental Analysis II 1
Real Sample Analysis 2
2 Inorganic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry I 3
Inorganic Chemistry II 3
Practical Inorganic Chemistry I 1
Practical Inorganic Chemistry II 2
3 Organic Chemistry Organic Chemistry I 3
Organic Chemistry II 3
Practical Organic Chemistry I 1
Practical Organic Chemistry II 1
4 Physical Chemistry Chemical Thermodynamics 3
Kinetic and Electrochemistry 3
Practical Physical Chemistry I 1
Practical Physical Chemistry II 1
5 Applied Chemistry Industrial Chemistry I 3
Industrial Chemistry II 3
Environmental Chemistry and 3
Toxicology/Environmental
Chemistry(ASTU)
Total 47

8. Share of the Themes/Courses/Items in Percentage (%)

o Share of themes (T) = 𝑥100, Where “a” is the credit hour of a theme and “b” is the total

credit hour of the program. Credit hour of a theme is the sum of credit hours of courses in
the theme.

o Share of courses per theme (C) = 𝑥100

o Share of items per course = 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑋 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠

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 Ministry of Education (Table 1)

Higher Education Sub-sector

Test Blue Print Table Specification for BSc in Chemistry

S.N. Themes Shares Names of Cr. Shares General Objectives Specific Objectives Shares of the
of the the Course Hours of Competencies
themes course

Psychomotor
Cognitive

Affective
1. Analytical 28% Analytical 3 23% Understand Mention the different methods of chemical 100%
Chemistry Chemistry chemical analysis analyses;
(qualitative and Describe the properties of solutions and
quantitative) capacity by chemical equilibria
Discuss the application of solubility
using various chemical
product principle and complex ion
analysis techniques formation reactions in chemical analyses;
Apply different statistical tests to
analytical data and indicate the reliability
of experimental results;
Instrumenta 3 23% Know the operational Compare and contrast classical and 100%
l Analysis I principles of Scientific instrumental methods with respect to
Instruments speed, sensitivity, precision, ease of
automation, etc;
Describe underlying principle governing
the chromatographic techniques;
Distinguish the various chromatographic
methods and their applications;
Define electrophoresis and describe its
application in chemical analysis
Instrumenta 3 23% Understand different Use the basic information emanating from 100%
l Analysis spectroscopic techniques for the spectra of different spectroscopic
II structural elucidation of methods;
Compounds Discuss the qualitative and quantitative
applications of different spectral analysis;
Distinguish the similarities and differences
between MS and other spectroscopic
techniques (AAS, UV-Vis, IR and NMR);

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 Elucidate the structure of compounds
using the spectral data (UV-Vis, IR, NMR
and MS)
Practical 1 8% Acquires practical skills in Apply the different qualitative and 75% 25%
Instrumenta carrying out chemical quantitative techniques in their future
l Analysis I analysis using career
chromatographic and Identify different parts of selected
electroanalytical techniques instruments and describe their respective
functions.
Describe the similarities and differences
that exist among various electroanalytical
methods.
Perform different experiments using
electroanalytical techniques for the
quantitative determination of
components in a given sample
Practical 1 8% Develop Operate and run different spectroscopic 50% 50%
Instrumenta the practical skills in instruments and generate spectrum of a
l Analysis carrying out chemical given substance;
II analysis by using Elucidate structure of a compound using
spectroscopic joint spectroscopic techniques.
techniques Interpret quantitative analytical results
from spectroscopic spectra
Utilize UV-Vis spectroscopic methods for
quantitative determinations a given
species from biological samples
Real 2 15% Perform systematic analysis Identify preparation methods for analysis 75% 25%
Sample of real samples of metals by different methods;
Analysis Perform experiments on food, water, and
soil;
Familiarize the students with the
techniques of sampling, storage, and
analysis of real
2. Inorganic 19% Inorganic 3 33% Understand the chemistry of Write & explain the electronic 100%
Chemistry Chemistry I main group elements configurations of representative elements
Explain the basic concepts of chemical
bonding and structure
Describe various acid-base theories
Explain the descriptive chemistry of
representative elements

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 Inorganic 3 33% Understand the chemistry of Describe group properties of the 100%
Chemistry d-block and f-block transition elements;
II elements Explain coordination compounds with
respect to their formation, nomenclature,
geometry, isomerism and bonding
theories (VBT, CFT and MOT)
Describe metallurgical process in
transition elements
Summarize the descriptive chemistry of
transition elements
Practical 1 11% Conduct experiments on Explain the group properties of the 50% 50%
Inorganic selected transition elements selected transition elements
Chemistry I Prepare and identify properties of
compounds of selected transition
elements.
Practical 2 23% Synthesis and Design and prepare inorganic metal 33% 67%
Inorganic characterization of some complexes
Chemistry inorganic metal complexes Characterize inorganic metal complexes
II through physicochemical and
spectrometric techniques
Identify inorganic metal complexes using
their characteristic spectral and physical
properties
3 Organic 17% Organic 3 38% understand the structures, Name common organic compounds 100%
Chemistry Chemistry I reactivities, synthesis Identify various functional groups in
of simple organic organic molecules
compounds and the Devise the preparation and reactions of
relationships between common organic functional groups,
structure and properties Explain importance of stereochemistry
and identify different types of isomers in
organic molecules
Describe mechanisms of addition,
substitution, elimination and
rearrangement reactions.
Organic 3 38% Know the chemistry of Elaborate the concept of the aromaticity 100%
Chemistry aromatic compounds, Describe the mechanism of electrophilic
II amine, and carbonyl and nucleophilic aromatic substitution
compounds reactions
Describe the various chemical properties
and reactions of carbonyl compounds and
amines

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 Explain various preparative methods of
biological molecule
Practical 1 12% Develop basic laboratory Discuss the techniques used to purify 100%
Organic skills in organic chemistry contaminated organic compounds
Chemistry I such as survey of some Carry out survey of organic functional
functional groups groups in laboratories
Synthesize soap and aspirin
Use various techniques to separate
organic. compounds from a mixture
Practical 1 12% Synthesis different organic Carry out small-scale laboratory synthesis 100%
Organic molecules involving basic involving esterification, dehydrations,
Chemistry chemical reactions acetylation, etc
II Synthesize various dyes
Interconvert one class of organic
compounds to others
4 Physical 17% Chemical 3 38% enable students to describe Describe the properties of gases 100%
Chemistry Thermodyn chemical and physical Explain the laws of thermodynamics
amics changes mathematically by
Apply the laws of thermodynamics
computing the change in
properties of the system
Kinetic and 3 38% understand gaseous Explain electrochemistry 100%
Electroche properties, rate of chemical Apply the concept of conductance for
mistry reactions and analysis
electrochemistry, Indicate the principle of electrolytic
conduction
Apply the concept of chemical kinetics to
predict mechanism of reaction
Practical 1 12% Enable students develop Develop some techniques of 50% 50%
Physical skill of analysis and do determination of physical properties
Chemistry I independent work through matter
prediction of various
Work with different instruments of
physical properties of
analysis.
substances.
Practical 1 12% Enable students develop Measure conductance of electrolyte in 100%
Physical skill of analysis of solution
Chemistry compounds based on the Analyze sample with different
II electrochemical and optical electrochemical methods
characteristics of substances
Describe the basic industrial activities 100%

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5 Applied 19% Industrial 3 33% Understand industrial process, Discuss the physic-chemical properties of
Chemistry Chemistry I unit operations, and water and different types of wastewater
production of some important treatment processes
chemicals Discuss about the types of fertilizer and
manufacturing methods
Industrial 3 33% Know basic organic Appreciate processes of coal and 80% 20%
Chemistry industrial processes such as petroleum into value added products.
II coal, main petrochemicals, Explain industrial organic synthesis
plastics, rubber Discuss the properties of plastics, rubber,
agrochemicals, etc fibers
Explain the chemistry of Oils, fats, Soaps,
detergents, Pharmaceuticals, Dyestuffs
and Insecticides
Describe Sucrose, Paper, Leather and
Food processing
Environment 3 34% Understand the concept Identify the common causes of 80% 20%
al Chemistry Environmental chemistry, environmental pollution;
and common Describe about Aquatic Chemistry and
Toxicology/ causes of environmental water pollution;
Environment pollution and pollution Explain about Atmospheric Chemistry and
al mitigation methods. Air pollution;
Chemistry(A
Appreciate and familiarize with the
STU)
concept of Green Chemistry
distinguish some toxic organic chemicals
and their effects

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9. Conclusion

Exit examination can have a vital role in producing knowledgeable, skillful and attitudinally
matured graduates. It contributes to prepare competent graduates as it can serve as a quality
check for effectiveness. It also helps in improving academic programs quality and
effectiveness. Furthermore, it can create the platform for cooperation among academic
programs at different universities to work jointly to improve the programs quality.

In view of this, this document is produced to assist the setting of the exit examinations for all
programs, which is being delivered by Ministry of Education. To meet the graduation profile,
competency and learning outcome, exit exam competency selection and identifying core
course was done for 2015 EC graduating students. As a result, preparing test blueprint is
necessary to prepare fairly distributed items based on the above criteria.

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