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

PSPSCI401A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Provide scientific technical support

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPSCI401A - Provide scientific technical support
Description This unit covers the provision of technical support in a scientific/research environment under general direction and within a generally defined area, with responsibility for technical duties such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical functions. It includes planning and organising technical duties, collecting and recording information, and compiling and reporting data.In practice, the provision of technical support overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, acting ethically, using resources, gathering and analysing information, working safely.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Government Science & Technology.
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: Plan and organise technical duties
  • Outputs for defined area of responsibility are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are identified in accordance with organisational requirements
  • Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are planned in accordance with organisational and task requirements
  • Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined
  • Resources and equipment are obtained and prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements
       
Element: Collect and record information
  • Technical duties are carried out under general direction in accordance with organisational requirements
  • Information is collected and recorded in accordance with planned processes and timelines
  • Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements
  • Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements
       
Element: Compile and report data
  • Data is compiled and records are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements
  • Data is manipulated and irregularities are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements
  • Reports are prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements
       
Element: Plan and organise technical duties
  • Outputs for defined area of responsibility are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are identified in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are planned in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
  • Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined.
  • Resources and equipment are obtained and prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
       
Element: Collect and record information
  • Technical duties are carried out under general direction in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Information is collected and recorded in accordance with planned processes and timelines.
  • Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
  • Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements.
       
Element: Compile and report data
  • Data is compiled and records are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Data is manipulated and irregularities are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
  • Reports are prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
       


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 specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

provision of scientific technical support under general direction with responsibility within a generally defined area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols

operating procedures/work instructions

industry standards

scientific/technological equipment and machinery related to the research environment

personal protective equipment

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing scientific technical support

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing scientific technical support, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

provision of scientific technical support under general direction with responsibility within a generally defined area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

analysing/manipulating mathematical data

observing and reporting

using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

reading formal documents such as legislation and instructions and applying them in the workplace

writing technical reports requiring precision of expression

using technology for word processing and data management

operating machinery and experimental equipment

applying occupational health and safety and environmental requirements related to working in a scientific/technological research environment

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

experimental procedures and scientific methods

analytical techniques/simple statistical analysis

the scientific/technological area (broad understanding)

legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technical environment

standard operating procedures and/or work instructions

working with others in a scientific/technical environment

occupational health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation

technical support work relevant to specialist area

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Technical duties may include:

surveys

sampling

experiments

trials

tests

assays

surveillance

collecting specimens

inspections

identification of plants or animals

identification of pests

operation, calibration and maintenance of experimental equipment

diagnostic processes

producing specimen images

Processes may include:

experimental processes

observation

field trials

Resources may include:

design specifications

technical manuals

componentry

radioactive samples

specimens

plants

seeds

chemicals

personal protective equipment

Equipment may include:

prototypes

test rigs

tools

diagnostic instruments

laboratory equipment

experimental equipment

farm equipment

Other legislative requirements may include:

quarantine or protection requirements

copyright and intellectual property legislation

Australian standards

Irregularities may be dealt with by:

checking source information

checking data input

repeating tests/trial measurements

referring problem to other staff

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
Outputs for defined area of responsibility are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are identified in accordance with organisational requirements 
Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are planned in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined 
Resources and equipment are obtained and prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Technical duties are carried out under general direction in accordance with organisational requirements 
Information is collected and recorded in accordance with planned processes and timelines 
Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements 
Data is compiled and records are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements 
Data is manipulated and irregularities are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Reports are prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Outputs for defined area of responsibility are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are identified in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are planned in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined. 
Resources and equipment are obtained and prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Technical duties are carried out under general direction in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Information is collected and recorded in accordance with planned processes and timelines. 
Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Data is compiled and records are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Data is manipulated and irregularities are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Reports are prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSCI401A - Provide scientific technical support
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

PSPSCI401A - Provide scientific technical support

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: