Course Title: Perform microbiological tests
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: ONPS5660C
Course Title: Perform microbiological tests
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: amber.mitton@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
MSL974006A
Perform biological procedures
MSL973007A
Perform microscopic examination
MSL973004A
Perform aseptic techniques
Course Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of plants and animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL975001A Perform microbiological tests |
Element: |
1. Receive samples and process associated request forms |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1. Check samples and request form details before they are accepted |
Element: |
2. Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain micro-organisms of specified risk groups |
Element: |
3. Process samples for direct examination |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells |
Element: |
4. Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Select culture media to maximise growth of micro-organisms and cells |
Element: |
5. Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of micro-organisms |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1. Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics |
Element: |
6. Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1. Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture |
Element: |
7. Contribute to antibiotic sensitivity testing where required |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1. Prepare inoculum suitable for antibiotic sensitivity testing |
Element: |
8. Maintain records of laboratory work |
Performance Criteria: |
8.1. Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Practical laboratory exercises
Lectures on theoretical aspects of microbiology
Online research activities
Group discussion
You will be provided with revision questions for the material covered each week in class.
It is expected that for every hour of theory class, each student dedicates an hour of out-of-class study to the theoretical aspects of microbiology.
Teaching Schedule
Week | Date | Topic |
1 | 8/2 | Introduction to Microbiology |
2 | 15/2 | Microscopy: Smears & Staining |
3 | 22/2 | Bacterial Metabolism and growth requirements |
4 | 29/2 | Bacterial Growth & its measurement |
5 | 7/3 | Controlling Microbial Growth |
6 | 14/3 | Culture media |
7 | 21/3 | Microbial genetics |
8 | 28/3 | REVISION |
9 | 4/4 | theory exam |
9 | 13/4 | Easter break |
10 | 21/4 | Classification of organisms |
11 | 25/4 | ANZAC Day holiday |
12 | 2/5 | Introduction to Identification |
13 | 9/5 | More Identification Tests |
14 | 16/5 | Gram Positive Bacteria |
15 | 23/5 | Gram Negative Bacteria |
16 | 30/5 | REVISION & Prac Exam |
17 | 6/6 | Theory exam |
18 | 13/6 | additional assessment |
1 | 11/7 | Normal human flora |
2 | 18/7 | Immunology and epidemiology |
3 | 25/7 | Skin and wound infections |
4 | 1/8 | Urinogenital tract infections |
5 | 8/8 | Respiratory tract infections |
6 | 15/8 | Systemic and nervous system infections |
7 | 22/8 | REVISION |
8 | 29/8 | Theory exam |
9 | 3/9 | Virology |
10 | 12/9 | Antimicrobials and antivirals |
19/9 | break | |
11 | 26/9 | Gastrointestinal infections |
12 | 3/10 | Food microbiology |
13 | 10/10 | Biotechnology applications |
14 | 17/10 | Environmental microbiology |
15 | 24/10 | REVISION and Prac exam |
16 | 31/10 | Theory exam |
17 | 7/11 | additional assessment |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Tortora, Funke & Case Microbiology An Introduction, Pearson/ Benjamin Cummings |
References
Other Resources
On-line resources and other material will be provided in class and will be available via the Learning Hub
Overview of Assessment
Assessments for this course typically consist of:
• Laboratory reports
• Practical Assessments
• Log book competency
• Exams
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
To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (tests, reports, assignments)
For example, if there are two tests you need to have an average of 50% to pass. But you also need to have passed the other assessments as well. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (eg pass the tests but fail the prac reports).
Additional assessment may be provided at the discretion of the Program Coordinator if your average test mark is above 45% and you have passed all other assessments.
Students must attend at least 80% of practical classes. If you miss a prac class you should provide a copy of your medical certificate or other evidence (court appearance, funeral notice, statutory declaration) to the teacher.
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 on the web) at least the day 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 (form available on the Web)
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 at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
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 work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview