Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: BIOL5247C

Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5388 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology

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

Course will be delivered by

Rahel Leivenzon

rahel.leivenzon@rmit.edu.au

Location 51.07.05

pH 99254723

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

MSL973019  Perform microscopic examination

MSL973016  Perform aseptic techniques

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge 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:

MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests

Element:

1. Receive samples and process associated request forms

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests

1.2 Record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required

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

 

Element:

2. Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure sample and reagent integrity are maintained

2.2 Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure personal and environmental safety

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

2.4 Safely dispose 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 and optimise production of pure microbial cultures

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

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 Microscopic differentiation between, red blood cells, white blood cells, micro-organisms and epithelial cells

5.5 Select and perform tests on pure cultures to determine the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.6 Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing

Element:

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

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Count cells in samples

6.2 Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting

6.3 Indicate the appropriate dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in a serially diluted sample

6.4 Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume

Element:

7. Maintain records of laboratory work

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

7.2 Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Students are expected to participate actively in all learning activities that include:

- discussion and application of microbiology concepts relevant to each topic by attempting class exercises

- working independently or in groups in laboratory procedures

- working individually to interpret experimental data


Teaching Schedule

Date

Week

Lecture Theme

Pracs & Assessments

7/2


Introduction to Microbiological testing

Online Lab introduction

14/2


Microscopy: Smears, staining and colony morphology

Lab 1 (skill building)

21/2


Pure cultures, describing colonies, bacterial growth, measurement, serial dilution and enumeration

Lab 2 (skill building)

28/2


Classification of Organisms - Gram Positive Organisms, Gram Negative Organisms; Culture Media

Lab 3 (skill building)

7/3


Tests to Identify Microbes - Biochemical Tests

Lab 4 (test 1)

14/3


More Identification Tests, Molecular & Serological Tests

Lab 5 (skill building)

21/3


Controlling Microbial Growth, Sterilization & Disinfection

Lab 6 (test 2)

28/3


Antimicrobial sensitivity and Testing

Lab 7(skill building)

4/4


Infections of the skin, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract

Lab 8 (test 3)

11/4

(split week)


Gastrointestinal infections

No prac

25/4


Microbial genetics

Lab 9 (skill building)

2/5


Virology

Quiz week

9/5


Sources of contamination and infection - food

Lab 10 (test 4)

16/5


Sources of Contamination and Infection – The Natural Environment & medicines

No Prac

23/5


Revision – informal drop in session

Prac Catch up

Quiz week

Structured Logbook due

30/5


Finishing off

Prac Catch up


NB: Classes may be subject to change according to changing pandemic policies


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

 The following resources will be needed to help you complete the requirements of this Microbiology course. You should ensure you have access to these. Contact the teaching staff if you encounter any issues.



Set text

 


Equipment

Disposable gloves must be brought to all practical classes.

Laboratory gowns and safety glasses will be provided.

Please bring to class a permanently bound copy of the Practical Manual and Structured Logbook. It is strongly advised that these come with a plastic cover



Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include

observation of laboratory skills

laboratory reports

logbook

knowledge tests



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)


1 x Knowledge Assessment: Part 1 and Part 2 (satisfactory/unsatisfactory)
Practical Observation Assessment: 4x TESTS (satisfactory/unsatisfactory)
1 x Structured Logbook (satisfactory/unsatisfactory)


You will be given two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills.

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


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


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

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

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