Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCPCM303 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Identify plant specimens

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCPCM303 - Identify plant specimens
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect and describe the features and attributes of a plant for the purpose of plant identification and providing information to a client or organisation.It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Inspect plant morphological features
  • Inspect the form and structures of the specimen and describe it in botanical terms
  • Record qualitative and quantitative data in a format listing the main observable features
  • Use all relevant available senses to assist in recognition
  • Note useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit
  • Determine plant group or family characteristics
       
Element: Determine status of health
  • Inspect plant specimen for health and general condition
  • Use observations to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups
  • Record, evaluate and, where possible, identify relevant data
       
Element: Identify the specimen
  • Use research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys to define a closer identification
  • Inspect photographs or illustrations or physical specimens and compare to similar specimens in the reference material and database
  • Analyse unknown specimens for specific characteristics and identify to species and cultivar level where possible
       
Element: Report on the process results
  • Compile the information data observed for the plant’s morphological features
  • Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process
  • Produce a report of the identification process and list the compiled data
  • Inform the client or organisation of the results of the identification process
       


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Inspect plant morphological features

1.1 Inspect the form and structures of the specimen and describe it in botanical terms

1.2 Record qualitative and quantitative data in a format listing the main observable features

1.3 Use all relevant available senses to assist in recognition

1.4 Note useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit

1.5 Determine plant group or family characteristics

2. Determine status of health

2.1 Inspect plant specimen for health and general condition

2.2 Use observations to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups

2.3 Record, evaluate and, where possible, identify relevant data

3. Identify the specimen

3.1 Use research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys to define a closer identification

3.2 Inspect photographs or illustrations or physical specimens and compare to similar specimens in the reference material and database

3.3 Analyse unknown specimens for specific characteristics and identify to species and cultivar level where possible

4. Report on the process results

4.1 Compile the information data observed for the plant’s morphological features

4.2 Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process

4.3 Produce a report of the identification process and list the compiled data

4.4 Inform the client or organisation of the results of the identification process

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

Identify, describe in botanical terms and record key features of plant morphology

compile a database of plant specimens and characteristics

determine the health of plants

recognise plants common to a region

research multiple sources of reference material

produce a report of the identification process with a list of compiled and labelled data observed on the plant’s morphological features

liaise with clients

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of plant identification

basic physiology and life cycle of pests and diseases

botany, plant morphology, physiology and taxonomy

methods of data capture

plant identification techniques

problem-solving techniques

soil characteristics particularly in relation to the local region

symptoms of plant pests and diseases

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Inspect plant morphological features

1.1 Inspect the form and structures of the specimen and describe it in botanical terms

1.2 Record qualitative and quantitative data in a format listing the main observable features

1.3 Use all relevant available senses to assist in recognition

1.4 Note useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit

1.5 Determine plant group or family characteristics

2. Determine status of health

2.1 Inspect plant specimen for health and general condition

2.2 Use observations to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups

2.3 Record, evaluate and, where possible, identify relevant data

3. Identify the specimen

3.1 Use research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys to define a closer identification

3.2 Inspect photographs or illustrations or physical specimens and compare to similar specimens in the reference material and database

3.3 Analyse unknown specimens for specific characteristics and identify to species and cultivar level where possible

4. Report on the process results

4.1 Compile the information data observed for the plant’s morphological features

4.2 Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process

4.3 Produce a report of the identification process and list the compiled data

4.4 Inform the client or organisation of the results of the identification process

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
Inspect the form and structures of the specimen and describe it in botanical terms 
Record qualitative and quantitative data in a format listing the main observable features 
Use all relevant available senses to assist in recognition 
Note useful identifying attributes of the leaf, flower, vegetative growth, fruiting body, stem, bark and habit 
Determine plant group or family characteristics 
Inspect plant specimen for health and general condition 
Use observations to identify any diseases, pests or deficiencies indicative of plant groups 
Record, evaluate and, where possible, identify relevant data 
Use research, reference material, field guides and taxonomic keys to define a closer identification 
Inspect photographs or illustrations or physical specimens and compare to similar specimens in the reference material and database 
Analyse unknown specimens for specific characteristics and identify to species and cultivar level where possible 
Compile the information data observed for the plant’s morphological features 
Label all the information data recorded and highlight key identifying features observed in the process 
Produce a report of the identification process and list the compiled data 
Inform the client or organisation of the results of the identification process 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPCM303 - Identify plant specimens
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

AHCPCM303 - Identify plant specimens

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: