Assessor Resource

MSL924001
Process and interpret data

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

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



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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Retrieve and check data

1.1

Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software

1.2

Verify the quality of data using workplace procedures

1.3

Rectify errors in data using workplace procedures

2

Calculate scientific quantities

2.1

Calculate statistical values for given data

2.2

Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties

2.3

Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations

2.4

Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures

3

Present data

3.1

Present data in clearly labelled tables, charts and graphs

3.2

Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends

3.3

Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures

4

Interpret data

4.1

Interpret significant features of tables, charts and graphs, including gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines

4.2

Recognise and report trends in data

5

Keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality

5.1

Transcribe information accurately

5.2

Verify the accuracy of records following workplace procedures

5.3

File and store workplace records in accordance with workplace procedures

5.4

File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured

5.5

Observe workplace confidentiality standards

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

retrieving coding, recording and checking data

calculating scientific and statistical quantities with or without a calculator or computer software, including the following items:

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

scientific notation, significant figures, round off, estimate and approximate

transposing and evaluating formulae

fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages

mean

median

mode

standard deviation

performing at least five (5) of the following calculations:

perimeters and angles

percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

areas (m2) and volumes (mL, L, m3) of regular shapes, such as packaging

dose (mg), average mass, mass percentage, density, specific gravity, moisture, relative and absolute humidity, viscosity and permeability

ratios, such as mass to mass, mass to volume and volume to volume percentages

concentration, such as molarity, g/100mL, mg/L, mg/L, ppm, ppb, dilution mL/L

average count, colonies per swab surface and cell counts, such as live and dead/total

process variables, such as pressure, gauge pressure, velocity and flow rates

biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbons (TOC)

food properties, such as % concentration (dry), friability, bitterness, brix, free amino nitrogen, diastatic power, calorific content and yeast viability, % content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, alcohol, sulphur dioxide and trace metals, such as calcium or zinc

mechanical properties, such as stress, strain, moduli and force

presenting accurate results in the required format (significant figures, uncertainty units)

preparing and presenting data in the following formats:

tables

graphs

line graphs

histograms

pie charts, bar charts and control charts

semi-quantitative observations expressed on a scale (e.g. 1 to 4 or + to ++++)

recognising and interpreting significant points, anomalies and trends in data

maintaining the confidentiality of data in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

keeping accurate records that are up-to-date and secure.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

concepts of metrology, including:

that all measurements are estimates

measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters

repeatability, precision, accuracy and significant figures

sources of error, and uncertainty associated with measurement steps

traceability

the international system of units (SI)

scientific and technical terminology relevant to job role

procedures for coding, entering, storing, retrieving and communicating data

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

procedures for maintaining and filing records, and maintaining security of data

work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924002 Use laboratory application software

technical units, such as:

relevant MSL973000 series units of competency

relevant MSL974000 series units of competency.

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of data worksheets, calculations, computer files (such as spreadsheets, databases and statistical analysis), graphs, tables and/or charts prepared by the candidate

review of records transcribed, maintained or stored by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers

questions to assess understanding of calculations, relevant procedures and trends in data

observation of the candidate as they process data, file and store records.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

data sets and records

a calculator

spreadsheets, computer software, databases and statistical packages

computer and relevant software or laboratory information system

relevant workplace procedures.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Retrieve and check data

1.1

Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software

1.2

Verify the quality of data using workplace procedures

1.3

Rectify errors in data using workplace procedures

2

Calculate scientific quantities

2.1

Calculate statistical values for given data

2.2

Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties

2.3

Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations

2.4

Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures

3

Present data

3.1

Present data in clearly labelled tables, charts and graphs

3.2

Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends

3.3

Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures

4

Interpret data

4.1

Interpret significant features of tables, charts and graphs, including gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines

4.2

Recognise and report trends in data

5

Keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality

5.1

Transcribe information accurately

5.2

Verify the accuracy of records following workplace procedures

5.3

File and store workplace records in accordance with workplace procedures

5.4

File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured

5.5

Observe workplace confidentiality standards

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards, guides and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Technical Notes that cover the application of international system of units (SI), accuracy of measurement methods and results, and quantifying uncertainty in measurement

national measurement regulations and guidelines

validated sampling and test procedures and spreadsheets developed in-house for assay and process calculations where applicable

workplace procedures, manuals and/or plans covering quality assurance, customer service, material safety data sheets (MSDS), equipment, supplier catalogues and handbooks

Data

Data includes:

worksheets, spreadsheets and/or databases linked to information management systems

results of observations, tests and measurements, analyses, surveys and/or quality assurance and control assessments

Calculations

Calculations are performed with or without a calculator and using computer software, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages

Records

Records include information associated with one or more of:

purchase of equipment and materials, service records

safety procedures

history of calibration and test results

Work health and safety (WHS) and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

retrieving coding, recording and checking data

calculating scientific and statistical quantities with or without a calculator or computer software, including the following items:

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

scientific notation, significant figures, round off, estimate and approximate

transposing and evaluating formulae

fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages

mean

median

mode

standard deviation

performing at least five (5) of the following calculations:

perimeters and angles

percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

areas (m2) and volumes (mL, L, m3) of regular shapes, such as packaging

dose (mg), average mass, mass percentage, density, specific gravity, moisture, relative and absolute humidity, viscosity and permeability

ratios, such as mass to mass, mass to volume and volume to volume percentages

concentration, such as molarity, g/100mL, mg/L, mg/L, ppm, ppb, dilution mL/L

average count, colonies per swab surface and cell counts, such as live and dead/total

process variables, such as pressure, gauge pressure, velocity and flow rates

biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbons (TOC)

food properties, such as % concentration (dry), friability, bitterness, brix, free amino nitrogen, diastatic power, calorific content and yeast viability, % content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, alcohol, sulphur dioxide and trace metals, such as calcium or zinc

mechanical properties, such as stress, strain, moduli and force

presenting accurate results in the required format (significant figures, uncertainty units)

preparing and presenting data in the following formats:

tables

graphs

line graphs

histograms

pie charts, bar charts and control charts

semi-quantitative observations expressed on a scale (e.g. 1 to 4 or + to ++++)

recognising and interpreting significant points, anomalies and trends in data

maintaining the confidentiality of data in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

keeping accurate records that are up-to-date and secure.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

concepts of metrology, including:

that all measurements are estimates

measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters

repeatability, precision, accuracy and significant figures

sources of error, and uncertainty associated with measurement steps

traceability

the international system of units (SI)

scientific and technical terminology relevant to job role

procedures for coding, entering, storing, retrieving and communicating data

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

procedures for maintaining and filing records, and maintaining security of data

work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924002 Use laboratory application software

technical units, such as:

relevant MSL973000 series units of competency

relevant MSL974000 series units of competency.

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of data worksheets, calculations, computer files (such as spreadsheets, databases and statistical analysis), graphs, tables and/or charts prepared by the candidate

review of records transcribed, maintained or stored by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers

questions to assess understanding of calculations, relevant procedures and trends in data

observation of the candidate as they process data, file and store records.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

data sets and records

a calculator

spreadsheets, computer software, databases and statistical packages

computer and relevant software or laboratory information system

relevant workplace procedures.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

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
Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software 
Verify the quality of data using workplace procedures 
Rectify errors in data using workplace procedures 
Calculate statistical values for given data 
Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties 
Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations 
Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures 
Present data in clearly labelled tables, charts and graphs 
Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends 
Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures 
Interpret significant features of tables, charts and graphs, including gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines 
Recognise and report trends in data 
Transcribe information accurately 
Verify the accuracy of records following workplace procedures 
File and store workplace records in accordance with workplace procedures 
File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured 
Observe workplace confidentiality standards 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL924001 - Process and interpret data
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:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSL924001 - Process and interpret data

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: