Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: OFFC5368C

Course Title: Use laboratory application software

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4433 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Course Contact: Rauha Quazi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925v4277

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Namrita Kadalbajoo

namrita.kadalbajoo@rmit.edu.au

David Thomas

david.b.thomas@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

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

Nil. 

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to use enterprise laboratory-specific software such as laboratory information management systems, quality information management systems, laboratory instrument software, middleware and quality control data management systems.

This unit of competency applies to technical officers and laboratory technicians in all industry sectors. It describes the use of software packages for the storage, retrieval, analysis and display of data and/or information. There is no expectation that candidates would be able to customise the software to meet specific needs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL924006 Use laboratory application software

Element:

1. Access application software

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify software required for the task.

1.2 Open software from digital device using required log in details.

1.3 Use information sources to locate details of software features and instructions for its use.

Element:

2. Use software for specified purposes

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Follow software procedures to generate or input scientific data into a computing system.

2.2 Use search functions for the retrieval of required data.

2.3 Select or export data for numerical and graphical analyses/visualisation using software features to achieve required outcome.

2.4 Use application features for efficient computation.

Element:

3. Produce reports of retrieved data and/or processed data

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Generate report containing required data using features of the software package.

3.2 Prepare report for distribution by ensuring it is accurate and complete.

3.3 Maintain data in accordance with workplace procedures.

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Students are expected to participate actively in all learning activities that include:
- actively participate and attempt the activities to enhance the understanding and application of laboratory software

- discussion and application of the software packages related to each topic
- working independently or in groups to apply the concepts learnt during classes
- working in groups to solve more challenging problems requiring interpretation and application of software


Teaching Schedule

 

2025 Semester 1 Teaching Schedule

WK

No

Week

starting

Topic

Comments

1

10 Feb
  • Identify and use a software
  • Create documents, Basic formatting of documents, Manage files.
  • Workplace procedures to save and retrieve data (hard copy and soft copy)

 

2

17 Feb
  • Create spreadsheets in Excel
  • Use Word and Excel to create and integrate documents.     
  • Maintain hard copies and archived data

 

3

24 Feb
  • Calculations and Graphs in Excel
  • Create reports using Word and Excel
  • Reference data sources according to workplace requirements 

 

4

3 Mar
  • More on performing calculations and graphs in Excel
  • Create reports using software
  • More examples to integrate word and excel

 

5

10 Mar

(Mon off)

Complete Assessment Task 1 in class during class time

 

6

17 Mar
  • Mail Merge and applications of Mail Merge
  • Use information sources to locate details of software features and instructions for its use

 

7

24 Mar
  • Terminology used/Workplace standard procedures
  • Legal, ethical and WHS requirements
  • Importance of antivirus software and standard quarantine procedures

 

8

31 Mar
  • Understand a Database
  • Create a Database

 

9

7 Apr
  • Continue with Databases
  • Create reports in a database
  • Discuss and release AT2

 

10

14 Apr

(Fri off)
  • Analysing data using software (using software packages, word, excel, database)

 

11

28 Apr
  • Maintain a database
  • Linking Packages(software)

 

12

5 May

Complete and upload Assessment Task 2 in class

 

13

12 May
  • Terminology associated with software packages
  • Application of specific software package features to laboratory tasks relevant to job role

 

14

19 May
  • Data Protocol and file storage of data
  • General file and record maintenance
  • Maintain archived data according to workplace standard procedures
  • Maintain hard copy data according to workplace standard procedures

 

15

26 May

    

Complete AT3 in class

 

 

16

2 Jun

Catch ups and Resubmissions

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None((Learning material provided on Canvas)


References

Here are some useful resources to assist with your learning: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support/consultations You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information


Other Resources

Here are some useful resources to assist with your learning:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support/consultations 

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

  • knowledge tests
  • practical skills test
  • practical logbooks
  • presentations
  • group work
  • research
  • lab reports
  • assignments

 


Assessment Tasks

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher within given time-frame (usually within two weeks of assessment submission) of each assessment task. You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

To successfully complete this course you need to be satisfactory in all of the following assessments(dates in syllabus and in Canvas)

For each assessment you will be given up to two (2) attempts, however, to be granted the second attempt at any assessment, your first attempt must be an appropriate attempt to try and gain a satisfactory outcome. For example, you must appropriately attempt each question or aspect of the assessment task. If your first attempt fails to meet the above standard, you may not be eligible for a second attempt at that task. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic
  • Assessment Task 1_Using Software Packages
  • Assessment Task 2_Creating and Managing Databases
  • Assessment Task 3_Test

 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

SEC: Student Engagement Ceased


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning

activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment

dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students 

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 in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE

the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/special-consideration-extensions/extensions 

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g.

test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due

date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a

later date. For advice on this application please visit Special Consideration Website

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/special-consideration-extensions/special-consideration  or speak to your Program Coordinator.

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more

information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity 

Use of AI has certain restrictions in this course. Please refer to assessment instructions for guidelines on the conditions for the use of AI tools in assessments.

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the

skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life

experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency

addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview