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: C4397 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

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

Renu Shankar

renu.shankar@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:

1.1        Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability

1.2        Follow documented standard operating procedures to prepare samples for microscopic examination

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

4.3 Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

4.4 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Lectures

Practical Activities

Worksheets

Quizzes

Group work


Teaching Schedule

Sem 2, 2021

Semester Week

Week Starting

Theory Topic

Laboratory work

 

Assessment

1

12_Jul

M1-1 Introducing the microscope
M1-2 Handling laboratory material

PRAC M1

Using the microscope

Wet preparations:

yeast, cheek cells

Subgroup -1

Logbook 

2

19_Jul

M2-1 Scale | measuring
M2-2 Label & document samples
M3-3 Field of view & measuring objects

Subgroup -2

Logbook 

3


26_Jul

M3-2 Hair structure
M4-1 Ways to count cells
M4-2 Staining & mounting cells

PRAC M2
Measure human hair
Fix cheek cells

Subgroup -1

Logbook 
Worksheet M1

4


2-Aug

M5-1 Microscopes in the workplace

Subgroup -2

Logbook
Worksheet M2

5

9-Aug

M6-1 Oil immersion objective

PRAC M3

Count cells
Observe cells magnified 1000X

Subgroup -1

Logbook
Worksheet M3

6

16-Aug

M3-1 Blood components

Subgroup -2

Logbook
Worksheet M5

7

23-Aug

 

PRACTICAL SKILL ASSESSMENT

Both subgroups

Worksheet M6

Mid Semester Break

8

6-Sept

 

Assessment catch ups

 

Logbook

All Worksheet
re-submissions


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will include demonstration of microscopy skills, quizzes and reports


Assessment Tasks


Assessment When
Task 1-Microscopy Practical Test  Due in Week 7
Task 2-Maintaining a Logbook  Assessed in lab sessions
Task 3-Knowledge worksheets 1-6  Assessed in theory sessions


To pass the course you need 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