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

MSS024010A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform environmental biological techniques

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS024010A - Perform environmental biological techniques
Description 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.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application 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 managementnatural resource management.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
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: Obtain biological samples
  • Locate and review background information for site/project
  • Review work request to identify required samples and the procedures, materials and equipment involved
  • Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with collecting the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment
  • Assemble required materials, reagents and equipment and check that they are fit for purpose
  • Collect samples in accordance with relevant legislative requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures
  • Log samples using enterprise procedures
  • Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
  • Ensure traceability from receipt of sample to reporting of results
       
Element: Perform basic biological techniques associated with the examination of microorganisms
  • Use aseptic techniques to prepare media for microbiological analysis
  • Obtain samples aseptically for microbiological analysis
  • Identify possible contamination pathways for both samples and media
  • Perform simple chemical tests to identify morphology of environmentally significant bacteria
  • Use aseptic techniques to manipulate samples and bacterial cultures
  • Use standard techniques to grow cultures of environmentally significant microorganisms
  • Use disinfection and sterilisation to control the growth of microorganisms
       
Element: Prepare microscope for use
  • Select appropriate microscope and attachments for examination and measurements
  • Check that all microscope components are clean and fit for purpose
  • Mount sample in accordance with specified method
  • Adjust settings and alignment of optical and mechanical components to optimise performance
       
Element: Perform microscopic examination in accordance with test methods
  • Identify microorganisms, cell structures and components of animal/plant tissues in environmental samples
  • Measure organisms and structures
  • Enumerate microorganisms in environmental samples
       
Element: Classify organisms
  • Classify organisms into hierarchical structures using appropriate keys
  • Record all observations and measurements used to determine classifications
       
Element: Relate cell structures and their functions to environmental adaptation
  • Identify cell structures from examination of biological specimens
  • Associate biological functions with cell structures
  • Associate cell physiology and enzyme cycles to environmental adaptation
  • Identify important biochemical pathways associated with environmentally significant organisms
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective clothing and safety equipment
  • Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with enterprise safety procedures
  • Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment
  • Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts
  • Collect and dispose of all wastes safely
  • Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using enterprise procedures
       
Element: Maintain enterprise records
  • Record approved data into enterprise system
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and data
       


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.

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

collecting and handling biological samples

using aseptic techniques to obtain/manipulate samples and prepare media

using standard techniques to grow cultures of environmentally significant microorganisms

setting up and optimising the performance of light microscopes

conducting tests and microscopic examination of samples to identify and enumerate environmentally significant (micro)organisms and important components of plant/animal tissues

demonstrating safe sterilisation, disinfection, cleaning and waste disposal techniques

preparing documentation that is concise, accurate and meets enterprise requirements

working safely.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL952001A Collect routine site samples

MSS024006A Perform sampling and testing of water

environmental monitoring units, such as:

MSS024009A Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems

MSS025013A Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

relevant sampling equipment and materials

standard microbiology laboratory with relevant equipment, materials and reagents

enterprise procedures, test methods and equipment manuals.

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 2243.3:2010 Safety in laboratories - Microbiological aspects and containment facilities.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

inspection of samples and review of data, results and records prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows enterprise procedures and works safely

oral/written questioning associated with sampling, safe handling, culturing, testing and examination of microorganisms, and their identification

observation of the candidate handling samples/cultures, optimising a light microscope for identified samples, classifying organisms or performing basic environmental microbiological testing.

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.

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.

Guidance information for assessment

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:

interpreting instructions, manuals and applying enterprise procedures

logging and tracking samples from collecting or receiving a sample through to completion of a procedure and reporting

performing tasks associated with the culture and isolation of microorganisms

setting up, cleaning and using a light microscope to achieve optimum resolution of the specimen

identifying artefacts or image aberrations attributable to misalignment or obstruction of light paths or condensers used in bright field, dark ground, and phase contrast microscopy, or with other steps in microscopic examinations

performing basic microscopic examination of materials to enumerate and identify microorganisms, and identify important components of plant and animal tissues

interpreting and recording test results, including simple calculations/estimations

using personal protective clothing and other safety equipment correctly

preventing contaminating of oneself, other people, the work area, equipment or the samples under test

sterilising materials, disinfecting spillage, and safely disposing of all contaminated waste

decontaminating the work area upon completion of work

storing/disposing of samples and cleaning/storing equipment

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

working safely for the protection of self and others

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

principles and terminology used in elementary microbiological testing, organism classification, microscopic examination and cell structure

hazards, risks and controls associated with handling microorganisms

common sampling techniques for air, water, soil in a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats

the relationship between sterile practices, hygiene procedures and the ability to obtain growth of microorganisms free of contamination

importance of pure culture techniques and aseptic transfer to successful microbiological investigation and correct interpretation of results

growth requirements of microorganism cultures (e.g. bacteria, fungi and yeasts)

principles of infection control related to occupational health and safety (OHS), sampling and transfer of materials in microbiological investigations

disinfection and sterilisation procedures used in the collection, processing and safe disposal of samples and materials

cleaning and sanitising requirements of equipment and work area and effects of physical and chemical agents on microbial growth and death

parts and functions of common microscopes, set-up procedures and common causes/solutions for sub-optimal performance (e.g. fringing)

basic structure and function of cells and organelles

basic classes and classification of organisms

cell physiology and processes, such as simple and facilitated diffusion, plasmolysis, osmosis, tonicity, active transport, energy production, mitosis, motility, phagocytosis and pinocystosis

purposes and mechanisms of staining (e.g. Gram +ve and -ve)

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant safety procedures

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

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with issues, such as:

environmental protection

nature conservation, wildlife/plant protection, prevention of cruelty to animals and quarantine

codes of practice dealing with the care and use of animals for scientific purposes

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 Safety in laboratories - Microbiological aspects and containment facilities

AS/NZS 4276 series Water microbiology

Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for fresh and marine water quality

American Public Health Association (APHA) Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater

cleaning, hygiene, personal hygiene requirements

enterprise procedures, standard operating procedures and operating manuals

incident and accident/injury reports

instructions to comply with new legislation, standards, guidelines and codes

quality system and continued improvement processes

safety requirements for equipment, materials or products and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

waste minimisation, containment, processing and disposal procedures

Equipment, materials and systems

Equipment, materials and systems may include:

sampling equipment for different sample types and species, such as:

air samplers (e.g. for Legionella)

nets (e.g. for plankton)

sediment samplers

soli samplers (e.g. Niskin and Nansen)

protective and physical containment facilities and equipment for safe handling of microorganisms, including personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks and safety glasses, and gloves for working with extremes of heat and cold

carbon dioxide cabinets and incubators

transfer equipment, such as inoculating loops, pipettes (quantitative and qualitative), flasks, tubes and spatulas

liquid nitrogen containers for cell storage

filtration membranes

microscopes with bright field and other relevant illumination systems and stereomicroscopes

counting chambers for micro-enumeration

colony counting devices

Bunsen burners and bench incinerators

incubators and water baths

anaerobic jars, fermentation chambers, continuous culture systems and other devices for controlling growth environments of microorganisms

laboratory information management systems (LIMS), reference databases, record and filing systems

stains, media, reagents and biological materials necessary for laboratory testing

laboratory glassware and measuring equipment

disinfecting and sterilising solutions and equipment, such as ultraviolet (UV) lamps

materials suitable for the safe containment, collection, processing and disposal of biological and non-biological wastes

autoclaves

Samples

Samples may include:

air

surface water, wastewater and stormwater

soils and sediments

plants and animals

Aseptic techniques

Aseptic techniques may include:

preparation of basic and enriched media

sterilisation of media

aseptic transfer of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi and yeasts) to culture media

production and identification of pure cultures on solid media

production of contaminant-free cultures in liquid media

Microscopes and microscopy techniques

Microscopes and microscopy techniques may include:

bright field microscopy

dark field microscopy techniques

Kohler illumination and its importance in producing uniform and glare-free images

phase contrast microscopy

polarised light microscopy

stereo microscopy techniques

image analysers and camera eyepieces

stage micrometers and microscopic measurement

counting chambers

Organism classification

Organism classification may include:

kingdoms

hierarchical system of species classification

dichotomous keys

Cell structure and function

Cell structure and function may include:

cell theory

eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and their organisation

cell organelles and structures, including plasma membrane and cell wall, chromosomes, nucleus, cytoplasm, vacuoles and vesicles, golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, chloroplasts, ribosomes and mitochondria, cytoskeleton, cilia and flagella

biological membranes (structure and function - osmosis, diffusion, active transport cellular metabolism)

heterotrophic and autotrophic organisms

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
Locate and review background information for site/project 
Review work request to identify required samples and the procedures, materials and equipment involved 
Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with collecting the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment 
Assemble required materials, reagents and equipment and check that they are fit for purpose 
Collect samples in accordance with relevant legislative requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures 
Log samples using enterprise procedures 
Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 
Ensure traceability from receipt of sample to reporting of results 
Use aseptic techniques to prepare media for microbiological analysis 
Obtain samples aseptically for microbiological analysis 
Identify possible contamination pathways for both samples and media 
Perform simple chemical tests to identify morphology of environmentally significant bacteria 
Use aseptic techniques to manipulate samples and bacterial cultures 
Use standard techniques to grow cultures of environmentally significant microorganisms 
Use disinfection and sterilisation to control the growth of microorganisms 
Select appropriate microscope and attachments for examination and measurements 
Check that all microscope components are clean and fit for purpose 
Mount sample in accordance with specified method 
Adjust settings and alignment of optical and mechanical components to optimise performance 
Identify microorganisms, cell structures and components of animal/plant tissues in environmental samples 
Measure organisms and structures 
Enumerate microorganisms in environmental samples 
Classify organisms into hierarchical structures using appropriate keys 
Record all observations and measurements used to determine classifications 
Identify cell structures from examination of biological specimens 
Associate biological functions with cell structures 
Associate cell physiology and enzyme cycles to environmental adaptation 
Identify important biochemical pathways associated with environmentally significant organisms 
Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective clothing and safety equipment 
Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with enterprise safety procedures 
Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment 
Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts 
Collect and dispose of all wastes safely 
Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using enterprise procedures 
Record approved data into enterprise system 
Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and data 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS024010A - Perform environmental biological techniques
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

MSS024010A - Perform environmental biological techniques

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: