Part A: Course Overview

Program: C5434 Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

Portfolio: Vocational Education

Nominal Hours: 140

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS7812C

City Campus

TAFE

535T Social Care and Health

Face-to-Face or Internet

 Term1 2024,
Term2 2024,
Term1 2025

Course Contact: Rauha Quazi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277

Course Contact Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au



Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.

This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical, biotechnology, environmental, manufacturing and food processing industry sectors. The results of work performed by technical personnel would normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by scientists, medical, veterinary or plant pathologists or other responsible officers in a workplace. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory.

It applies to investigations as well as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications.

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination

MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination



National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975062 Perform microbiological tests

Elements:

1. Receive samples and process associated request forms

2. Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

3. Process samples for direct examination

4. Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications

5. Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms

6. Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples

7. Maintain records of laboratory work

Learning Outcomes


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

  • knowledge tests
  • practical skills test
  • practical logbooks
  • presentations
  • group work
  • research
  • lab reports
  • assignments