Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

Course Code: BIOL5222C

Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

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

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5362 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4837

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Joanne Bobbitt

joanne.bobbitt@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 140

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: 

MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination

MSL973004 Perform aseptic techniques

Course Description

This unit of competency covers the ability to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of plants and animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975001 Perform microbiological tests

Element:

1 Receive samples and process associated request forms

Performance Criteria:

1.1

Check samples and request form details before they are accepted

1.2

Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to source with reasons for non-acceptance

1.3

Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody

1.4

Distribute samples for local testing or dispatch samples to other testing facilities

1.5

Store samples appropriately where testing or transport is to be delayed

Element:

2 Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms of specified risk groups

2.2

Wear protective apparel, replacing it when contamination is suspected

2.3

Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use

2.4

Locate relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents

2.5

Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials

2.6

Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary

2.7

Clean spills, and report all spills and suspected incidents to supervisor

2.8

Wash hands before and after laboratory work and when contamination is suspected

2.9

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

Element:

3 Process samples for direct examination

Performance Criteria:

3.1

Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells

3.2

Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure

3.3

Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy

Element:

4 Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications

Performance Criteria:

4.1

Select culture media to maximise growth of microorganisms and cells

4.2

Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture

4.3

Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells

4.4

Subculture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures

Element:

5 Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms

Performance Criteria:

5.1

Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics

5.2

Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics

5.3

Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.4

Perform tests on pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.5

Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing, if required

Element:

6 Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples

Performance Criteria:

6.1

Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture

6.2

Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting

6.3

Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume

6.4

Count microorganisms in samples and cultures using spectrometric and electronic methodologies, where relevant

6.5

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where relevant

Element:

7 Maintain records of laboratory work

Performance Criteria:

7.1

Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

7.2

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists

7.3

Maintain security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Practical laboratory exercises

Lectures on theoretical aspects of microbiology

Online research activities

Group discussion

You will be provided with revision questions for the material covered each week in class.

It is expected that for every hour of theory class, each student dedicates an hour of out-of-class study to the theoretical aspects of microbiology.


Teaching Schedule

Week Date  Topic Practical activities Assessment
1 5/2  Introduction to Microbiology  No prac  
2 12/2  Microscopy: Smears & Staining; 

Safety, Laboratory Rules, Reports, Assessment, Aseptic Technique, Microscope set up

Prac1: Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic cells

Prac 2: Gram Stains

Prac 3: Gram, spore & negative stains. Plating

 
3 19/2  Bacterial Metabolism and growth requirements  Prac 4: Effects of  varying incubation conditions on growth Prac report
4 26/2  Bacterial Growth & its measurement;  Prac 5: Bacterial Population Counts  
5 5/3  Controlling Microbial Growth
Culture media
Prac 6: Sterilisation and disinfection  
6 12/3  Labour Day (no theory class) Prac 7: Preparation of HBA and MAC plates  
7 19/3 Microbial genetics Prac 8: Bacterial conjugation  
8 26/3 Revision LOG BOOK CHECKLIST DUE  
  2/4 STUDENT VACATION
9 9/4 MID SEMESTER 1 EXAM
 10 16/4 Classification of organisms Prac 9: Basic Identification Tests  
11 23/4   Introduction to Identification Prac 10:Biochemical Tests 1 Prac report
12 30/4  More Identification Tests Prac 11: Biochemical Tests 2
13 7/5  Gram Positive Bacteria Prac 12: Identification of Gram Positive Cocci  
14 14/5  Gram Negative Bacteria Prac 13: Identification of Gram Negative Bacilli  
15 21/5  REVISION  Practical Exam  
16 28/5 END SEMESTER 1 EXAM
Semester 2
1 2/7  Normal human flora Prac schedule to follow  
2 9/7  Immunology and epidemiology    
3 16/7  Skin and wound infections    
4 23/7  Antimicrobials and antivirals    
5 30/7  Virology    
6 6/8  Systemic and nervous system infections    
7 13/8  REVISION     
8 20/8 MID SEMESTER 2 EXAM
  27/8 Mid Semester Break
9 3/9  Urinogenital tract infections    
10 10/9  Respiratory tract infections    
 11 17/9 Gastrointestinal infections    
12 24/9  Food microbiology    
13 1/10  Biotechnology applications    
14 8/10  Environmental microbiology    
15 15/10  REVISION Practical exam  
16 22/10 END SEMESTER 2 EXAM    
17 29/10 additional assessment    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

On-line resources and other material will  be provided in class and will be available via Canvas

Recommended Text Book:

 Microbiology: An Introduction Global Edition                        

The Twelfth Edition of Tortora, Funke, and Case’s Microbiology: An Introduction focuses on big picture concepts and themes in microbiology, encouraging students to visualize and synthesize tough topics such as microbial metabolism, immunology, and microbial genetics. The text and accompanying resources also help students make connections between microbiology theory and disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Author: TORTORA Publisher: PEARSON EDUCATION AUSTRALIA Publication Date: 2015-07 Edition: 12


Overview of Assessment

written tests

practical reports

assessment of laboratory practical skills

laboratory logbook


Assessment Tasks

Formative assessment:
• Online Quizzes
• Problem sheets/work sheets.
• Feedback and self-assessment in laboratory/workplace
 

Students must pass all of the following assessment tasks to pass this course
4 x Theory Tests (2 per semester) @ 15 % each 60%
4 x Formal Practical Reports (2 per semester) @ 10 % each 40%
1 x Practical observation (1st semester) COMPETENCY satisfactory/not yet satisfactory 
1 x Practical examination (2nd semester) COMPETENCY satisfactory/not yet satisfactory
Log Book (throughout the year) COMPETENCY satisfactory/not yet satisfactory
 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilise graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (50 – 59%)
NYC Not Yet Competent (0 – 49%)
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

  • 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 (e.g. pass the tests but fail the prac reports).
     
  • 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 form is emailed to the Program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au) 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.
     
  • Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected
     
  • 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.
     
  • Students must attend at least 80% of practical classes. If you miss a prac class you should provide a copy of your medical certificate or other evidence (court appearance, funeral notice, statutory declaration) to the teacher.
     
  • Plagiarism- 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.
     

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