Assessor Resource
ACMATE503A
Carry out post-mortem examination of a research animal
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
This unit has been specifically developed for animal technicians working with and caring for animals (all live non-human vertebrates) used within scientific establishments for scientific purposes and teaching. Work is likely to be performed independently according to the institution's standard operating procedures but may also be undertaken as part of a team that includes other staff, researchers, veterinarians and specialist analysts. All work practices must be undertaken in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the institution's standard operating procedures.
In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all units of competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
Note: Scientific purposes refers to 'all those activities that require approval from an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and are performed to acquire, develop or demonstrate knowledge of techniques in any scientific discipline, including activities for the purposes of teaching, field trips, environmental studies, research, diagnosis, product testing and the production of biological products'.
Note: This unit does not cover the analysis and/or diagnosis of preliminary information or samples taken during the post-mortem.
This unit of competency covers the process of conducting a post-mortem examination of a research animal for scientific purposes.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)