Course Title: Perform biological procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: ONPS5659C

Course Title: Perform biological procedures

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5282 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)

Course Contact: Amberlee Mitton

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8053

Course Contact Email: amberlee.mitton@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Amberlee Mitton

amberlee.mitton@rmit.edu.au

Phone # 9925 8053

Office: 51.4.01

Nominal Hours: 130

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

Pre-Requisites

MSL973004A - Perform aseptic techniques  AND  MSL973007A - Perform microscopic examination 

 

Course Description

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine biological procedures, including sample preparation. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify cell types, species and biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and chemical characteristics. This unit includes data processing, interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures.

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL974006A Perform biological procedures

Element:

1. Interpret and schedule work requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Review work request to identify samples, required
procedures and materials/equipment/instruments
involved
1.2. Identify hazards and enterprise control measures
associated with the sample, preparation methods,
reagents and/or equipment
1.3. Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput
of multiple sets of samples, if appropriate

Element:

2. Receive and prepare biological samples

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Log samples using standard operating procedures
(SOPs)
2.2. Record sample description, compare with
specification and note and report discrepancies
2.3. Prepare samples in accordance with testing
requirements
2.4. Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to
reporting of results

Element:

3. Perform techniques that assist in the classification of a cell or species

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Select suitable techniques in accordance with
enterprise requirements and methods
3.2. Set up and use equipment and reagents in accordance
with the method
3.3. Perform techniques in accordance with the method

Element:

4. Perform techniques that analyse biological activity

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Select suitable techniques in accordance with
enterprise requirements and methods
4.2. Set up and use equipment and reagents in accordance
with the method
4.3. Perform techniques in accordance with the method

Element:

5. Process and interpret data

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Record test data noting atypical observations
5.2. Construct calibration graphs, if appropriate, and
compute results for all samples from these graphs
5.3. Ensure calculated values are consistent with
expectations
5.4. Record and report results in accordance with
enterprise procedures
5.5. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement
in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
5.6. Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out
of specification or atypical results promptly to
appropriate personnel
5.7. Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

Element:

6. Maintain a safe work environment

Performance Criteria:

6.1. Use established safe work practices and personal
protective equipment to ensure personal safety and
that of other laboratory personnel
6.2. Minimise the generation of wastes
6.3. Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous wastes
6.4. Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as
required

Element:

7. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

7.1. Record approved data into enterprise system
7.2. Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise
information and laboratory data
7.3. Maintain equipment and calibration logs in
accordance with enterprise procedures


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

• Teacher directed delivery of lessons
• Class discussion
• Worksheets
• Laboratory experiments
• Record keeping of experiments
• Research activities
• Site Visits


Teaching Schedule

Semester 1
Week 1 Mon 9th Feb Topic 1: A view of life Intro to course/assessment items and blackboard tour, Activity 1a: M&M’s and the Scientific Method & Activity 1b: Exploring the scientific method
Week 2 Mon 16th Feb Topic 2: Ecology 1, Activity 2: Food webs/chains and carbon cycle
Week 3 Mon 23th Feb Topic 3: Ecology 2 Activity 3: The Lesson of the Kaibab, Site visit planning and report writing tutorial
Week 4 Mon 2rd Mar Site visit Compulsory to attended and collect data for Assessment 1, Activity 4: Site visit to Royal Botanical Gardens, Assessment 1: Site visit report (10 %)
Week 5 Mon 9th Mar Topic 4: Photosynthesis, Practical 1: Floating leaf (photosynthesis)
Week 6 Mon 16th Mar Topic 5: Cellular respiration, Activity 5: Cellular respiration story board, Site visit report peer review and feedback
Week 7 Mon 23rd Mar Assessment week No class
Mon 30th Apr No class Student Break Thursday 3rd April – 24st April
Week 8 Mon 6th Apr Topic 6: Cell structure and function, Activity 6: Cell analogy
Week 9 Mon 13th Apr Topic 7: Cell reproduction, Prac 2 - : Mitosis under the microscope
Week 10 20th April Topic 8: Cell transport, Compulsory to attended and collect data for Assessment 2, Assessment 2: Practical report: Diffusion of glucose/starch across a membrane (10%)
Week 11 Mon 27th Apr Topic 9: The immune system 1 (Normal response to trauma and infection & anatomy of the immune system), Prac 4: Inflammation and phagocytosis
Week 12 Mon 4th May Topic 10: The immune system 2 (Killing invaders, cell mediated immunity & humoral immunity), Activity 7: Case study analysis and class discussion
Week 13 Mon 11th May Topic 11: The Circulatory System, Practical 5: Sheep heart dissection
Week 14 Mon 18th May Topic 12: The Respiratory System Activity 8: Building a Model of the Respiratory System
Week 15 Mon 25th May Revision, Practice exam discussion
Week 16 Mon 1st Jun Assessment week, Assessment 3: Test 1 – open book Topic 1 – 12 (15%)
Student vacation
Semester 2
Week 1 Mon 6th July Topic 13: Intro to biomolecules and good laboratory practice (GLP), Logbooks, flow diagrams and assessment chat , Prac 1: Preparing solutions-Biuret & Saturated SAS Risk assessments
Week 2 Mon 13th July Topic 14: Structure and function: Proteins, Prac 2: Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method
Week 3 Mon 20th July Topic 15: Structure and function: Enzymes, Assessment 4 planning Prac 3: Rapid Biuret Protein Determination
Week 4 Mon 27th July Topic 16: Structure and function: Carbohydrates, Compulsory to attended and collect data for Assessment 1, Prac 3: Rapid Biuret Protein Determination & Prac 4: Precipitation of Protein
Week 5 Mon 3th August Topic 17: Structure and function: Lipids, Prac 3: Rapid Biuret Protein Determination & Prac 5: Carbohydrates *Mid-semester log book check. Assessment 4: Practical Report - Carbohydrates 15%
Week 6 Mon 10th August, Topic 18: Structure and function: Nucleic acids, Prac 3: Rapid Biuret Protein Determination & Prac 6: Fractionation of Milk
Week 7 Mon 17th August, Revision, Review of Biuret Data and Assessment 5 discussion, Prac 3: Rapid Biuret Protein Determination & Prac 7: Extraction of pea DNA *Peer and self-review of log book, Assessment 5: Practical Report - Biuret (data from Weeks 2-7) (20%)
Week 8 Mon 24th August, Assessment week , Assessment 6: Test 2 – open book (15%) Topic 13 - 18
Mon 31st August student vacation
Week 9 Mon 7th Sept Assessment 5 Biuret prac report peer review and feedback, Prac Test: Rapid Biuret Protein Determination, Assessment 7: Practical test (C/NYC)
Week 10 Mon 14th Sept Topic 19 – Biochemical techniques, How to annotate a DNA gel for your log book, Prac 8: Yeast DNA extraction OR Prac 9: Electrophoresis of Dye
Week 11 Mon 21st Sept Topic 20: DNA replication, Prac 8: Yeast DNA extraction OR Prac 9: Electrophoresis of Dye
Week 12 Mon 28th Sept Topic 21: Transcription, Prac 10: DNA Electrophoresis OR Prac 11: Spectrophotometric determination of DNA
Week 13 Mon 5th Sept Topic 22: Translation, Prac 10: DNA Electrophoresis OR Prac 11
Week 14 Mon 12th Oct, Review of Topic 20, 21 and 22, Assessment of your laboratory logbook and practical competence matrix check and feedback, Assessment 8: Laboratory logbook and practical competence matrix (S/NYS)
Week 15 Mon 19th Oct Revision, Biuret and log book re-assessments
Week 16 Mon 26th Oct Assessment week, Assessment 9: Test 3 Open book (15%) Topic 19 - 22


 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Introduction to General, Organic & Biochemistry (10th Edition) Bettelheim, Brown & March


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessments for this course typically consist of:
• Class activities
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Exams


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1 - Site visit report (10%)
Assessment 2 - Practical report Diffusion of glucose/starch across a membrane (10%)
Assessment 3 - Test 1 (15%)
Assessment 4 - Practical report Carbohydrates (15%)
Assessment 5 - Practical report Biuret (20%)
Assessment 6: Test 2 (15%)
Assessment 7: Practical test (S/NYS)
Assessment 8: Laboratory logbook and practical competence matrix (S/NYS)
Assessment 9 Test 3 (15%)

*Detailed outlines and instructions on blackboard


Assessment Matrix

See Blackboard

Other Information

Assessment Information


• This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilise graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (60 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (50 – 59%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (0 – 49%)
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs, and assignments etc.) For example, if there are two exams you need to have an average of 50% to pass and you also need to have passed the other assessment types. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component).


• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.


• APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF ASSESSABLE WORK - A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.


• For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
 

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