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

NWP365A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Identify and confirm blue green algae outbreaks

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWP365A - Identify and confirm blue green algae outbreaks
Description This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to identify and confirm outbreaks of blue green algae blooms.
Employability Skills This unit of competency contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that water and/or wastewater quality conforms to organisational standards and complies with statutory requirements.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Common
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: Prepare samples.
  • Receive, handle and prepare samples testing according to organisational and statutory requirements.
  • Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification and enumeration according to organisational requirements.
       
Element: Conduct tests for blue green algae.
  • Conduct blue green algae tests according to organisational requirements.
  • Identify and confirm blue green algae.
  • Report blue green algae test results according to organisational requirements.
       
Element: Compile blue green algae reports.
  • Compile reports to meet organisational requirements.
  • Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.
       


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, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to conduct blue green algae testing, including:

identification of blue green algae types and characteristics

reporting blue algae incidents according to organisational and statutory requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards, and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

Questioning will be appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

identify blue green algae types

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

interpret instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees and/or customers

give and receive instructions

work effectively as part of a team

determine process requirements

operate control equipment

perform system calculations

conduct blue green algae identification and enumeration tests.

Required knowledge:

characteristics of blue green algae

problems caused by blue green algae blooms

methods of blue green algae control

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

impact of blue green algae on water and/or wastewater treatment processes

risk factors and potential hazards associated with handling blue green algae samples

equipment operation, capacity and limitations.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Testing equipment may include:

microscope

Sedgwick-Rafter counting chamber

volumetric glassware

equipment and solutions for sample concentration

identification charts and photos.

Tests include:

blue green algae identification and enumeration

tests may also include:

Secchi clarity

odour testing.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

National Water Quality Management strategy

World Health Organisation standards

licensing agreements

Environment Protection Authority regulations.

Reports may include:

organisational reports:

alert levels

government agencies

water users/special consumers

environmental reports

chemical usage

plant performance data.

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
Receive, handle and prepare samples testing according to organisational and statutory requirements. 
Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification and enumeration according to organisational requirements. 
Conduct blue green algae tests according to organisational requirements. 
Identify and confirm blue green algae. 
Report blue green algae test results according to organisational requirements. 
Compile reports to meet organisational requirements. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWP365A - Identify and confirm blue green algae outbreaks
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

NWP365A - Identify and confirm blue green algae outbreaks

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: