Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contextualise diagnostic testing and execute a diagnostic test project.
This unit applies to individuals with advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and/or further learning in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. This unit applies to individuals with advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills to provide specialist advice, analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems, and to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.
The role involves the self-directed application of knowledge in tree anatomy, physiology, pathology, tree dynamics and the edaphic environment with substantial depth in areas such as diagnostic tool application methods and analysis of diagnostic test results.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Research diagnostic testing principles and processes | 1.1 Research peer-reviewed documentation and relevant case studies 1.2 Develop competency in correct and functional operation of diagnostic testing equipment 1.3 Interpret underpinning scientific principles of test processes 1.4 Determine diagnostic assumptions and limitations of testing process for selected diagnostic tool |
2. Analyse requirements and calibrate processes | 2.1 Analyse quantification, variance and tolerance requirements for selected diagnostic tool 2.2 Research calibration baselines and seek verification where required 2.3 Verify appropriate calibration processes have been performed |
3. Determine project parameters and execute a diagnostic test project | 3.1 Select one or more appropriate testing processes for each of the primary domains: tree anatomy, physiology, pathology, tree dynamics and the edaphic environment 3.2 Contextualise testing for each domain with appropriate selection of diagnostic tools 3.3 Define scientific research method using a basis of hypothesis testing, measurement of functional relationships, and observational research as required 3.4 Investigate scientific literature resources referenced by current science of each primary domain 3.5 Describe efficacy of test in terms of primary domain 3.6 Conceive and execute a diagnostic test project |
4. Interpret testing results | 4.1 Express testing results in performance metrics for each of the selected diagnostic tools 4.2 Interpret results against normal and anticipated ranges 4.3 Confirm predictive responses in terms of pre treatment results to projected post treatment outcomes 4.4 Articulate meaning of results within context of primary domain |
5. Provide prognosis and document management plans | 5.1 Provide an informed prognosis 5.2 Research management options and lag time 5.3 Formulate a report that documents management plans |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
It is an industry requirement that competency in this unit requires the analysis of five different diagnostic test results.
The candidate must provide evidence for and demonstrate:
researching peer reviewed documentation and relevant case studies
developing competency in correct, functional operation of diagnostic testing equipment
interpreting the underpinning scientific principles of test processes
describing the physical and other limits of the testing process
determining the diagnostic assumptions and limitations of the testing process for the selected diagnostic tool
analysing quantification, variance and tolerance requirements
researching calibration baselines and seek verification where required
verifying appropriate calibration processes have been performed
selecting one or more appropriate testing processes for each of the primary domains of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology, tree dynamics and the edaphic environment
contextualising testing for each domain with appropriate selection of diagnostic tools
defining scientific research method using a basis of hypothesis testing, the measurement of functional relationships, and observational research.
investigating and determine scientific literature resources referenced by the science of each primary domain
describing the efficacy of the test in terms of the primary domain
conceiving and executing a diagnostic test project
expressing results in performance metrics of selected diagnostic tools
interpreting results against normal and anticipated ranges
confirming predictive responses in terms of post treatment to pre treatment results
articulating meaning of results within context of primary domain
providing an informed prognosis
researching management options and lag time
documenting management plans into report
monitoring management plans and modify or refine as needed
use of industry standard terminology to describe arboricultural diagnostic testing processes.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
peer reviewed documentation and case studies
correct, functional operation of diagnostic testing equipment
underpinning scientific principles behind the test processes
physical and other limits of the testing process
diagnostic assumptions and limitations of tools
quantification
baselines
calibration processes
tree anatomy
tree physiology
tree dynamics
the edaphic environment of trees
research methods
hypothesis testing
measurement of functional relationships
verifying efficacy of a test
performance metrics
normal anticipated ranges of test result
scientific research methods
scientific literature
diagnostic test projects and processes
the contextual meaning of tests results
prognostics
management of diagnostic outcomes
management plans
monitoring management plans.
Assessment Conditions
It is an industry requirement that competency in this unit requires the analysis of a minimum of five different diagnostic test results, one in each of the primary domains of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology, tree dynamics and the edaphic environment.
Assessment must be demonstrated consistently over time in a suitable range of contexts and have a productivity-based outcome. No single assessment event or report is sufficient to achieve competency in this unit.
Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment, however determination of competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions.
The mandatory equipment and materials used to gather evidence for assessment include:
equipment:
computer
word processing software
statistical software
internet connection
diagnostic tools selected for testing
materials:
diagnostic test project
diagnostic test project management plan
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs in the assessment of arboriculture units of competency.
Assessment must be conducted only by persons who have:
arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed
current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Arboriculture (ARB)