Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: BIOL5243C

Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3399 - Certificate III in Science

Course Contact: Rauha Quazi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277

Course Contact Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Christine Andrews

christine.andrews@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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

None

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics. 

This unit of competency applies to laboratory or technical assistants in all industry sectors. The unit of competency covers limited interpretation and analysis of results. Troubleshooting of equipment and procedures is not required.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
Element:	1. Prepare samples for examination
Performance Criteria:	4. Compare your hair sample with one from a classmate. How is it similar? How is it different? 5. Estimate the thickness of your hair. Record its diameter in μm.
Element:	2. Set up and use a light microscope
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Carry and use a microscope correctly preventing damage to the equipment and ensuring operator safety 2.2 Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose 2.3 Check lenses to ensure they are clean 2.4 Set up the microscope for optimum resolution and even illumination 2.5 Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined 2.6 Place sample correctly on the stage
Element:	3. Observe and identify sample characteristics
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics 3.2 Perform required calculations accurately
Element:	4. Maintain a safe work environment
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 4.2 Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols 4.4 Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts 4.5 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

Lectures

Online (Collaborate Ultra)

Practical Activities

Worksheets

Quizzes

Group work

Teaching Schedule

Semester Week	Monday	Theory Topics	Laboratory work	Assessment
1	13/09/21 M1	M1-1 Introducing the microscope M1-2 Handling laboratory material	M1 Laboratory safety Introduction to the microscope	Log book M1
2	20/09 /21 M2	M2-1 Scale / measuring M2-2 Label & document samples	M2 Wet preparations Draw cells	Log book M2 Worksheet M1
3	27/09 /21 M3	M3-1 Blood components M3-2 Hair structure M3-3 Field of view & measuring objects	M3 Observe a human blood film Measure blood cells Measure human hair diameter	Log book M3  Worksheet M2
4	4/10/21 M4	M4-1 Ways to count cells M4-2 Staining & mounting cells	M4 Count cells Make slides of human cheek cells	Log book M4  Worksheet M3
5	11/10 /21 M5	M5-1 Microscopes in the workplace M5-2 Storing samples	M5 Track moving cells Progress check microscope set-up	Log book M5  Worksheet M5
6	18/10 /21 M6	M6-1 Oil immersion objective	M6 Observing cells magnified at 1000X	Log book M6 Worksheet M4 Worksheet M6
7	25/10 /21	M7-1 Prac Assessment	Prac Assessment	Prac Assessment
8	1/11/21	M8-1 -Osmosis	M8 Osmosis in Plant and animal cells	All Worksheet re-submissions

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Assessment may consist of quizzes, practical activities, laboratory reports & skills demonstration.

Assessment Tasks

Task 1-Microscopy Practical Test

Task 2-Maintaining a Logbook

Task 3-Knowledge worksheets 1-6

To pass the course you need to achieve a satisfactory result for every assessment.
You will be given only two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate you have the required skills.

A third attempt can only be offered after discussions between the teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic.

Assessment Matrix

Enrolled students -Please consult CANVAS for assessment dates and information.

Other Information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment

CA Competency Achieved  
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

Submission of Assessment Tasks

It is expected that any work presented for assessment in this course will be your own. 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.

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days by filling in the application form at least one working day BEFORE the due date. The application form should be emailed to your Program Coordinator, Rauha Quazi, rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au

Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

If you require an extension of time longer than 7 days, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.

Special consideration

If you are unable to sit a test, exam or lab-based assessments due to unexpected circumstances (e.g., illness), you should apply for Special Consideration for the missed assessment. Information on applying for Special Consideration can be found from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration. Applications for Special Consideration should NOT be submitted to the course or program coordinator.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview