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

MSL975035 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform microbiological tests

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL975035 - Perform microbiological tests
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of plants and animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical, biotechnology, environmental, manufacturing and food processing industry sectors. The results of work performed by technical personnel would normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by scientists, medical, veterinary or plant pathologists or other responsible officers in a workplace. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting of data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. It applies to investigations as well as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
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: Receive samples and process associated request forms
  • Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests
       
Element: Record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required
       
Element: Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody
       
Element: Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications
  • Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure sample and reagent integrity are maintained
       
Element: Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure personal and environmental safety
       
Element: Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary
       
Element: Safely dispose of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Process samples for direct examination
  • Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells
       
Element: Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure
       
Element: Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy
       
Element: Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications
  • Select culture media to maximise growth and optimise production of pure microbial cultures
       
Element: Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture
       
Element: Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells
       
Element: Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms
  • Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics
       
Element: Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics
       
Element: Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms
       
Element: Microscopic differentiation between, red blood cells, white blood cells, micro-organisms and epithelial cells
       
Element: Select and perform tests on pure cultures to determine the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms
       
Element: Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing
       
Element: Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples
  • Count cells in samples
       
Element: Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting
       
Element: Indicate the appropriate dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in a serially diluted sample
       
Element: Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume
       
Element: Maintain records of laboratory work
  • Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required
       
Element: Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results
       

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.
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
Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests 
 
 
Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure sample and reagent integrity are maintained 
 
 
 
Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells 
 
 
Select culture media to maximise growth and optimise production of pure microbial cultures 
 
 
Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics 
 
 
 
 
 
Count cells in samples 
 
 
 
Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 
 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975035 - Perform microbiological tests
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

MSL975035 - Perform microbiological tests

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: