Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: ONPS7805C

Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

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 9925 4277

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

Anu Sharma

anu.sharma@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

Nil. 

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 assistants and technicians 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:

MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination

Element:

1. Prepare samples for examination

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination?

1.2 Prepare samples for microscopic examination in accordance with workplace procedures

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 external 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 counts and measurements

3.3 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities include interactive online classes, practical laboratory exercises, and individual study


Teaching Schedule

 

Class Schedule – Semester 1 2025

If circumstances change, we may need to adjust this schedule. 
Link Announcements to your student email address to stay updated if there are alterations.

 

Week

Week beginning

Topic / Learning Activity

Lab/ Assessment

1

10 Feb

Introducing the microscope 
Microscopes in the workplace
Handling laboratory material

Safety briefing and Introduction

2

17 Feb

Preparing wet preparations/Label & document samples

M1

Laboratory safety
Introduction to the microscope

 

3

24 Feb

Scale | measuring
Field of view & measuring objects
Hair structure

M2

Wet preparations
Draw cells

 

4

3 Mar

Environmental samples/ Plant cells

M3

Calculate field of view
Measure objects
Observe blood cells

M5

Make permanent stained mounts

 

5

10 Mar

(Mon public holiday)

Ways to count cells

Fixing, staining & mounting cells/Storing samples long-term

 

Prac free week

6

17 Mar

Oil immersion objective

Microscope types

 

M4

Osmosis in plant cells
Track moving organisms

M5

Count cells

 

 

7

24 Mar

AT2 Logbook fixes

Revision

 

M6

Check microscope set-up
Observe cells magnified at 1000X

 

8

31 Mar

AT3 Knowledge Quiz

AT1 Prac Test

9

7 Apr

AT3 Knowledge Quiz Resit

AT1 Prac Test Resit and Catch up session


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

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

 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Practical
AT1 Lab skills and logbook

Record of laboratory results (practical lab )
Due: Submitted weekly; Last date for corrections is final week of course (See Canvas Syllabus)

Assessment Task 2: Practical Assessment
Observed performance of laboratory tasks

Date: Week 8(See Canvas Syllabus)

Record of laboratory results (practical lab and online work)
Due: Submitted weekly; Last date for corrections is final week of course (See Canvas Syllabus)

Assessment Task 3: Knowledge
AT3 Theory test 

Summative online quiz 
Date: Week 8 (See Canvas Syllabus) 

You must be graded satisfactory on all assessment tasks to be deemed competent.

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 Matrix

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

To pass the course you need achieve a satisfactory result for all assessments. Students may be given additional opportunities to demonstrate competence. 

Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.

APPLICATION FOR 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 (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application should be emailed to the program Coordinator (rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au). Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION (see below).

• For missed assessments such as tests- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence prior to, or within, 5 days of the scheduled time of the assessment (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/special-consideration)

•  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