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

MSL924001A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Process and interpret data

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL924001A - Process and interpret data
Description 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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors.Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
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: Retrieve and check data
  • Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software
  • Verify the quality of data using enterprise procedures
  • Rectify errors in data using enterprise procedures
       
Element: Calculate scientific quantities
  • 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
       
Element: Present data in tables, charts and graphs
  • Present data in clearly labelled tables and charts
  • 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
       
Element: Interpret data in tables, charts and graphs
  • Interpret significant features of graphs, such as gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines
  • Recognise and report trends in data
       
Element: Keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality
  • Transcribe information accurately
  • Verify the accuracy of records following enterprise procedures
  • File and store workplace records in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured
  • Observe enterprise confidentiality standards
       


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

Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

code, record and check the documentation of data

calculatescientific and statistical quantities relevant to the workplace and present accurate results in the required format

recognise anomalies and trends in data

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

keep records up-to-date and secure.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

technical units, such as:

relevant MSL973000 series units of competency

relevant MSL974000 series units of competency.

Resources may include:

data sets and records

computer and relevant software or laboratory information system

relevant workplace procedures.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of data worksheets, calculations, computer files (such as spreadsheets, databases, 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 relevant procedures and trends in data

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

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment.

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting.

Manufacturing

A laboratory assistant in a materials testing laboratory was performing routine tensile tests on samples of vinyl sheet. The assistant converted the readings from the machine to appropriate units using a simple calculation and recorded them in the logbook for that test method. After comparing these test results with previous results for the same type of vinyl material, the assistant found that the tensile strength was within the required range. However, it was at the lower rather than the upper end of the range as in previous testing. The assistant discussed the results with the laboratory supervisor. The calibration file for that machine showed that it had been calibrated four months previously and had not needed adjustment. Test results for the same period showed that the machine was giving lower than normal tensile strength readings for the few higher strength materials tested over the last two months. The assistant did some more checks and confirmed this trend. The machine was re-calibrated by the instrument company and the frequency of internal calibration checks by the laboratory assistant was increased. This problem would not have been detected or corrected as quickly without the assistant's initiative and competent recording and retrieval of test results and calibration information.

Biomedical

A technical assistant works in a team with laboratory scientists and technical officers. Analyses of electrolytes are routine and occur in large volume throughput even in this small diagnostic laboratory. The assistant is assigned tasks that contribute to the overall production of results, their reporting and the quality control evaluation of the results. One task is the daily collection of the electrolyte analyses from the internal quality control area. In this case, the technical assistant plots the results on a Levy-Jennings graph and computes the mean value. The assistant reports immediately to the supervisor if the plots show deviations which indicate out-of-control results.

Food processing

Cooking and holding temperatures greatly affect the nutrient composition of processed foods. The CSIRO provides documentation of nutrient losses with temperature variations. For cooked foods, there is the added problem of microbial growth in the so called 'danger zone'. In one laboratory, the technical assistant conducts simple testing of foods using a temperature probe and also measures the temperature of the storage areas, holding trays or bainmaries and individual tray units. Careful documentation of the temperatures of the foods and times of measurement must be kept. The technical assistant supplies the data as tables and a plot of temperature versus time. For quality control purposes, the assistant is directed to use a cross reference of mercury thermometer readings versus probe measurements for ambient temperature. The assistant plots the thermometer readings against the probe readings and reports to the supervisor if the plot shows a slope other than the defined value.


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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

performing calculations of scientific quantities

using scientific notation

applying the concepts of metrology

applying calculations to the workplace

coding, recording and checking of data accurately

presenting accurate results in the required format

preparing graphs, tables and charts (pie, bar, histogram) and interpreting trends

preparing and interpreting process control charts

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

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

concepts of metrology

the international system of units (SI)

relevant scientific and technical terminology

uncertainty associated with measurement steps

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

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

significant figures, rounding off, estimating, approximating

transposing and evaluating formulae

calculations involving fractions, decimals, proportions and percent

determining statistical values of data such as mean, median, mode and standard deviation

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

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.

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards such as:

AS ISO 1000-1998 The international system of units (SI) and its application

ISO 5725 Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results

ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 Uncertainty of measurement - Part 3 Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)

Eurachem/CITAC Guide CG4 Quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurement

national measurement regulations and guidelines

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Technical notes

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

equipment manuals and warranty, supplier catalogues and handbooks

sampling and test procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

enterprise quality manual and customer quality plan

validation of the equipment and associated software where applicable

validation of spreadsheets developed in-house for assay and process calculations

Concepts of metrology

Concepts of metrology may include:

that all measurements are estimates

measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters

repeatability

precision

accuracy

significant figures

sources of error

uncertainty

traceability

Data

Data may be recorded on:

worksheets

spreadsheets

databases linked to information management systems

Data may include results of:

observations

tests and measurements

analyses

surveys

quality assurance and control assessments

Data may be presented in the form of:

graphs

tables

histograms

pie charts

bar charts

control charts

semi-quantitative observations and be expressed on a scale (for example, 1 to 4 or + to ++++)

Calculations

Calculations may be performed:

with or without a calculator

using computer software, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages

Calculations of scientific quantities

Calculated of scientific quantities may include:

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

significant figures, round off, estimate and approximate

transposing and evaluating formulae

fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages

perimeters and angles

percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

statistical values of data, such as mean, median, mode and standard deviation

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)

% content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, alcohol, sulphur dioxide and trace metals, such as calcium or zinc

food properties, such as % concentration (dry), friability, bitterness, brix, free amino nitrogen, diastatic power, calorific content and yeast viability

stress, strain, moduli and force

Records

Records could include information associated with:

purchase of equipment and materials, service records

safety procedures

history of calibration and test results

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

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

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 enterprise procedures 
Rectify errors in data using enterprise 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 and charts 
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 graphs, such as gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines 
Recognise and report trends in data 
Transcribe information accurately 
Verify the accuracy of records following enterprise procedures 
File and store workplace records in accordance with enterprise procedures 
File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured 
Observe enterprise confidentiality standards 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL924001A - 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

MSL924001A - 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: