Course Title: Perform biological procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: ONPS5659C

Course Title: Perform biological procedures

School: 155T Life & Physical Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5283 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)

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

Amberlee Mitton

amberlee.mitton@rmit.edu.au

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 learning
  • Worksheets
  • Group work
  • Practical laboratory sessions
  • Student directed discussion
  • Analysis of data
  • Research based learning
     


Teaching Schedule

Week Topic Practical Assessment
1 TOPIC 1: Intro to biomolecules and the biochemistry laboratory Preparing solutions-Biuret & Saturated SAS
Risk assessments
 Logbook
2 TOPIC 2: Structure and function: Proteins  Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method  Logbook
3 TOPIC 3: Structure and function: Enzymes Rapid Biuret Protein Determination  Logbook
4 TOPIC 4: Structure and function: Carbohydrates Precipitation of Protein &
Rapid Biuret Protein Determination

Assessment 1: Practical Report (Precipitation of protein)
7.5%
DUE: Week 6
 

Logbook

5 TOPIC 5: Structure and function: Lipids Carbohydrates &
Rapid Biuret Protein Determination
Logbook
6 TOPIC 6: Structure and function: Nucleic acids Fractionation of Milk &
Rapid Biuret Protein Determination
 Logbook
7 Revision Rapid Biuret Protein Determination &
Review of Biuret Data
Assessment 2: Practical Report
(Biuret Week 2-7)

12.5%
DUE: Week 10
 
8 Mid-Semester Exams - Assessment 3: Mid semester exam (20%)
9 TOPIC 7: DNA replication

Prac Test

Rapid Biuret Protein Determination

Practical test (C/NYC)
10 TOPIC 8: Transcription Extraction of pea DNA  Logbook
11 TOPIC 9: Translation DNA extraction/ Electrophoresis of Dyes  Logbook
  Student vacation Student vacation  -
12 TOPIC 10: Catabolic pathways DNA extraction/ Electrophoresis of Dyes
 
 Logbook
13 TOPIC 11: Biosynthetic pathways DNA: Nuclease digest and electrophoresis/
DNA Spectrophotometric Determination
 Logbook
14 TOPIC 12: Clinical Biochemistry DNA: Nuclease digest and electrophoresis/
DNA Spectrophotometric Determination
 Logbook
15 Revision  DNA tidy up and Sup Exam Biuret  Hand in logbook (C/NYC)
16 End of Semester Exam - Assessment 4: End of Semester exam (20%)
       


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

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


Assessment Tasks

  • Assessment 1: Practical Report (Precipitation of protein) 7.5%
  • Assessment 2: Practical Report (Biuret Weeks 2-7) 12.5%
  • Assessment 3: Mid semester exam (20%)
  • Assessment 4: End of Semester exam (20%)


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment Information
• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exam, prac reports, and assignments etc.). 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).
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
• 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 http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf) 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.
• In order to be successful in this module, you have to achieve a pass in all of the above assessment tasks. If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.
If you have any questions about this assessment process, feel free to email me on amberlee.mitton@rmit.edu.au  
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview