Course Title: Perform microbiological tests
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: ONPS5203C
Course Title: Perform microbiological tests
School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5183 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)
Course Contact: Dinah van Ruyven
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4287
Course Contact Email: dinah.vanruyven@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Joanne Bobbitt
joanne.bobbitt@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 140
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
PMLTEST407A Perform biological procedures
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the ability of technical personnel to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of micro-organisms for investigating the physiology and pathology of plants and animals; for monitoring the natural environment; and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.
This unit of competency provides for the development of skill in procedures that can be applied in investigations of bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, as well
as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
PMLTEST501B Perform microbiological tests |
Element: |
Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture |
Element: |
Maintain records of laboratory work |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required |
Element: |
Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain micro-organisms of specified risk groups |
Element: |
Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Select culture media to maximise growth of micro-organisms and cells |
Element: |
Process samples for direct examination |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells |
Element: |
Receive samples and process associated request forms |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Check samples and request form details before they are accepted |
Element: |
Sub culture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics |
Element: |
Contribute to antibiotic sensitivity testing where required |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Prepare inoculum suitable for antibiotic sensitivity testing |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Practical laboratory exercises
lectures
online research activities
group discussion
Teaching Schedule
Week | Date | Topic |
1 | 9/2 | Introduction to Microbiology |
2 | 16/2 | Microscopy: Smears & Staining |
3 | 23/2 | Bacterial Metabolism and growth requirements |
4 | 2/3 | Bacterial Growth & its measurement |
5 | 9/3 | Controlling Microbial Growth |
6 | 16/3 | Culture media |
7 | 23/3 | Microbial genetics |
8 | 30/3 | REVISION |
6/4 | theory exam | |
9 | 13/4 | Microbial genetics |
10 | 21/4 | Classification of organisms |
11 | 27/4 | Easter break |
12 | 4/5 | Introduction to Identification |
13 | 11/5 | More Identification Tests |
14 | 18/5 | Gram Positive Bacteria |
15 | 25/5 | Gram Negative Bacteria |
16 | 1/6 | REVISION & Prac Exam |
17 | 8/6 | Theory exam |
18 | 15/6 | additional assessment |
1 | 13/7 | Normal human flora |
2 | 20/7 | Immunology and epidemiology |
3 | 27/7 | Skin and wound infections |
4 | 3/8 | Urinogenital tract infections |
5 | 10/8 | Respiratory tract infections |
6 | 17/8 | Systemic and nervous system infections |
7 | 24/8 | REVISION & Prac exam |
8 | 31/8 | Theory exam |
9 | 7/9 | Virology |
10 | 14/9 | Antimicrobials and antivirals |
21/9 | break | |
11 | 28/9 | Gastrointestinal infections |
12 | 5/10 | Food microbiology |
13 | 12/10 | Biotechnology applications |
14 | 19/10 | Environmental microbiology |
15 | 26/10 | REVISION |
16 | 2/11 | Theory exam |
17 | 9/11 | additional assessment |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Tortora, Funke & Case Microbiology An Introduction, Pearson/ Benjamin Cummings |
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessments for this course typically consist of:
• Class activities
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Exam
Assessment Tasks
Formative assessment:
• Online Quizzes
• Problem sheets/work sheets.
• Feedback and self-assessment in laboratory/workplace
Students must pass all of the following assessment tasks to pass this course
4 x Theory Tests (2 per semester) @ 15 % each 60%
6 x Formal Practical Reports (3 per semester) @ 6.6 % each 40%
1 x Practical observation (1st semester) C/NYC
1 x Practical examination (2nd semester) C/NYC
Log Book C/NYC
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Submission of work & late work- Students are required to submit work on the due date at the School Office using the cover sheets provided. The work will be accepted through the School Office and you will receive a receipt which you should keep as proof of submission. Students must NOT submit work directly to the teacher.
Late submission of work will incur a penalty of 5% of the maximum mark per day unless Special Consideration is applied for in writing using the required form. Marks can be deducted until the minimum pass mark is reached, after which no further marks will be deducted. Work will not be accepted more than 1 week after the due date.
Special Consideration- Any student who, because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control, has been prevented from attending a test, or whose performance in a test was affected by illness or other circumstances beyond their control may apply for Special Consideration. This must be done within 48 hours of the missed assessment/ assignment by lodging the appropriate form (available at the 6th floor office) with medical certificate or other supporting documentation at the Reception Office on Level 6, Building 51. Note: It is the policy of the School of Life and Physical Sciences NOT to AUTOMATICALLY PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTARY OR DEFERRED EXAMS. You will be advised of the outcome of your application for Special Consideration. The taking of Annual Leave does NOT constitute grounds for special consideration.
Attendance Requirements- Student must attend 80% of practical classes to pass. Practical exercises will be chosen for presentation as formal reports. If they are not satisfactory, you will be given an opportunity to resubmit. If you are absent from a session nominated for a formal report and you have applied for special consideration, it is your responsibility to negotiate a replacement report with the teacher. You MUST submit the number of required reports in order to pass the subject.
Plagiarism- Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited.
It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.
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