Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
MSS024010 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform environmental biological techniques
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
Qualification | - |
Unit of Competency | MSS024010 - Perform environmental biological techniques |
---|---|---|---|
Description | |||
Employability Skills | |||
Learning Outcomes and Application | This unit of competency covers the ability to collect and examine biological samples using microscopes, keys and biochemical tests to identify and enumerate environmentally significant organisms. Personnel are expected to prepare aseptic media and solutions, set up equipment for microbiological testing and identify basic microorganisms of environmental significance.This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians working in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental services (e.g. sampling and monitoring of air quality, water and soil); clean water (e.g. catchments, supply and environmental flows); water treatment, storm and wastewater management; and natural resource management.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked. | ||
Duration and Setting | X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting. 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). Holistic assessment methods include: inspection of media/samples/cultures and review of data, results and records prepared by the candidate feedback from supervisors that the candidate can safely perform the environmental biological techniques listed above and provide reliable test results within the agreed timeframe oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s knowledge sampling, safe handling, culturing, testing and examination of microorganisms, and their identification observation of the candidate preparing/handling media/samples/cultures; optimising a light microscope for identified samples; classifying organisms and/or performing basic environmental microbiological testing. Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to: standard microbiology laboratory with relevant equipment, materials and reagents relevant sampling/testing equipment and materials workplace procedures, sampling/test methods, equipment manuals, safety procedures under duty of care requirements, off-the-job training providers will only use biological samples and organisms of a risk category that is compatible with their laboratory as defined in AS/NZS 2243.3 Safety in laboratories - Microbiological aspects and containment facilities. 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 an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months. |
||
Prerequisites/co-requisites | |||
Competency Field | Sampling and 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: Obtain biological samples |
| |||||||
Element: Perform basic biological techniques associated with the examination of microorganisms |
| |||||||
Element: Prepare microscope for use |
| |||||||
Element: Perform microscopic examination in accordance with test methods |
| |||||||
Element: Classify organisms |
| |||||||
Element: Relate cell structures and their functions to environmental adaptation |
| |||||||
Element: Maintain a safe work environment |
| |||||||
Element: Maintain workplace records |
|