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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Perform scientific calculations
   • Ensure raw data are consistent with expectations and reasonable ranges
   • Calculate scientific quantities involving algebraic, power, exponential and/or logarithmic functions
   • Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations
   • Present results using the appropriate units, uncertainties and number of significant figures
2. Analyse trends and relationships in data
   • Determine linear and non-linear relationships between sets of data
   • Prepare and analyse control charts to determine if a process is in control
   • Identify possible causes for out-of-control condition
   • Follow workplace procedures to return process to in-control operation
3. Determine variation and/or uncertainty in data distributions
   • Organise raw data into appropriate frequency distributions
   • Calculate means, medians, modes, ranges and standard deviations for ungrouped and grouped data
   • Interpret frequency distributions to determine the characteristics of the sample or population
   • Calculate standard deviations and confidence limits for means and replicates
   • Estimate the uncertainty in measurements using statistical analysis
   • Determine data acceptability using statistical tests and workplace procedures
4. Check for aberrant results
   • Identify results that cannot be reconciled with sample, sample documentation, testing procedures and/or expected outcomes
   • Determine appropriate actions in consultation with supervisor as required
5. Report results
   • Use charts, tables and graphs to present results in the required format
   • Verify that entry of data and results are correct
   • Prepare reports and records in a format and style consistent with their intended use and workplace guidelines
   • Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines

Range Statement

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 or databases linked to information management systems the results of tests, measurements, analyses or surveys
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

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Performance Evidence

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

performing laboratory computations involving:

evaluation of formulae containing algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and power functions

calculation of uncertainties

calculating scientific quantities, including at least five (5) of the following:

percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

pH, [H+], [OH-], buffer calculations, Ka, pKa, Kb, pKb and Kw

solubility constants Ks and pKs

radioactivity (half life, dose, activity and exposure)

optical properties (absorbance/transmittance, path length, extinction coefficient, concentration (Beers law) and detection limits)

electrical properties (conductivity, resistivity and dielectric constants)

mechanical properties (stress, strain, elastic moduli, yield strength and hardness)

thermal properties (heat capacity, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance)

food content (%) of water, ash, dietary and crude fibre, carbohydrate, protein, fat and specific vitamin

quantities associated with quality control monitoring, assessment and reporting

using and interpreting statistical analysis and significance tests including at least five (5) of the following:

mean, median, mode, range, variance and standard deviation

measures of central tendency and dispersion

histograms, frequency plots, stem and leaf plots, boxplots and scatter plots

probability and normal probability plots

Pareto diagrams, Stewhart control charts and CuSum control charts

regression methods for calibration, linearity checks and comparing analytical methods

data acceptability tests, such as Q, T and Youden

t-test, f-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA)

using and interpreting graphical analysis including at least three (3) of the following:

preparation and interpretation of linear, semi-log and log-log graphs

determination of linear, logarithmic, exponential and power relationships

regression lines and interpretation of correlation coefficients

preparation of frequency distributions for given data

preparation of complex control charts

analysing trends and uncertainty in data

analysing data to determine relationships between variables

reporting accurate results in the required formats and expected timeframe

storing, retrieving and manipulating data following document traceability procedures

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

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

scientific and technical terminology, such as variables, dispersion, central tendency, process control, process stability, normal distribution, confidence level and replication

the characteristics of a valid measurement

relevance/importance of the national measurement legislation and guidelines to laboratory measurement

sources and estimates of uncertainty in measurements

procedures for data traceability

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.

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