Assessor Resource

AHCSDT408A
Perform an electrophoresis test on a seed sample

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This Unit applies to senior seed analysts working within enterprise guidelines. In general, they oversee the preparation of samples for testing; conduct and supervise specified tests in accordance with enterprise requirements; interpret and report results; maintain record-keeping systems; and have responsibility for overall laboratory operations, the supervision of staff, and implementation of quality assurance procedures.

This Unit covers testing seed by separating proteins of varying size and/or electric charge to get a banding pattern that can be used to identify or verify a particular variety.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil.

Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

extract seed and prepare gel

centrifuging seed and gel mixes

interpreting stain bands and patterns.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

analyse and report results

evaluation stain banding

fix and stain seed samples

maintain security, integrity, traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation

prepare seed extraction and gel

record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures

select test methods and procedures

use a centrifuge.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

seed biology

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

principles of electrophoresis

range of electrophoresis testing procedures

materials and apparatus used in electrophoresis testing

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

using stain patterns and "fingerpints" to determine seed variety.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Seed may include:

bare seed; treated seed; and coated seed that has been prepared as required.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Working sample is prepared from submitted sample. 
Seed to be tested is identified and records completed. 
Single seeds are cut or crushed and transferred to centrifuge tubes. 
Extraction solution is added and mixed with crushed seeds and allowed to stand for prescribed period. 
Tubes are centrifuged and supernatants are collected and stored. 
Gel mixture is prepared and chemicals and used to achieve required level of polymerisation. 
Buffer solution is placed in tanks. 
Samples are loaded into wells and gel is placed in tanks. 
Electrophoresis is carried out at the prescribed voltage and duration. 
Temperature is maintained as required throughout the process 
Gel is removed from tank and treated with chemicals as prescribed. 
Gel is washed and treated to enhance stain. 
Stain is examined and/or photographed. 
Banding pattern is compared with that of authentic variety or that of a known control sample. 
Records and reports are provided in accordance with enterprise procedures. 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.. 
Established safe work practices and personal protective equipment are used to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel. 
The generation of wastes and environmental impacts are minimised. 
The safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal is ensured. 
Equipment and reagents are cared for and stored as required 
Approved data is entered into laboratory information management system. 
Confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data is maintained. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT408A - Perform an electrophoresis test on a seed sample
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSDT408A - Perform an electrophoresis test on a seed sample

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: