Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: BIOL5247C

Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.  

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

Teacher

Rahel Leivenzon

rahel.leivenzon@rmit.edu.au

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

  • online class exercises to review discussions/lectures 
  • practical demonstrations   
  • simulated workplace activities 


Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of teacher and resources. 

 

Date

Week

Lecture Theme

Pracs & Assessments

6/2
  1.  

Introduction to Microbiological testing and classification

Online Lab introduction

13/2
  1.  

Transport and receiving specimens

 

Lab 1 (skill building)

Safety, Microscopy, Staining, Culturing

 

20/2
  1.  

Aseptic technique and disposal processes

Colony morphology

Lab 2 (skill building)

Body and Environmental Sampling

 

27/2
  1.  

Wet mounts, smears, and stains

Lab 3 (skill building)

Identification of Gram Positive bacilli

 

6/3
  1.  

Cultures, media and environmental sampling

 

Lab 4 (skill building)

Identification of Gram Positive bacilli continued

 

13/3
  1.  

Labour Day Public Holiday – No Lecture

 

Lab 5 (Test 1)

Identification of Gram Positive bacilli

 

20/3
  1.  

Identification: Gram Positive microorganisms

Lab 6 (skill building)

Identification of Gram Positive cocci

 

27/3
  1.  

Identification: Gram Negative microorganisms

Antibiotic sensitivity and Testing

Lab 7 (Test 2)

Identification of Gram Positive cocci

 

3/4
  1.  

Identification: Fungi and algae

Lab 8 (skill building)

Identification of Gram Negative bacilli/statistics

 

10/4
  1.  

Mid semester break from 7/7-14/4 inclusive

Easter Break No prac

17/4

 
  1.  

Identification: viruses and parasites

Lab 9 (skill building)

Antibiotic sensitivity and urine analysis

Quiz week

24/4
  1.  

Microbial genetics

Lab 10 (Test 3)

Antibiotic sensitivity and urine analysis

 

1/5
  1.  

Enumeration and medical microbiology: Enterobacteriaceae

 

Lab 11 (skill building)

Food Spoilage and food poisoning

 

8/5
  1.  

Enumeration and medical microbiology: urine analysis

 

Lab 12 (Test 4A/4B)

Urine antibiotic sensitivity and food poisoning

 

15/5
  1.  

Fermentation, pharming and bioremediation

Structured Logbook due

Prac Catch up*

22/5
  1.  

Recapping

Quiz week

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include

observation of laboratory skills

laboratory reports

logbook

knowledge tests

 


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. 

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 at the conclusion of each assessment task.

 

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.

Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.


You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

Assessment Task 1: Quiz 1 will assess on your knowledge about the theories underpinning your laboratory practice Due date: 17th April 2023 

Assessment Task 2: Quiz 2 will continue to  assess  your knowledge about the theories underpinning your laboratory practice Due date: 18th May 2023 

Assessment Task 3: Practical Skills Assessments are ongoing throughout the Course. Due dates: 16/3, 30/3, 27/4 & 11/5 

Assessment Task 4: Structured logbook submissions will need to be made after every Practical Session and submitted as a whole file on 18th May 2023

 

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. 

If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) to the course coordinator/teacher. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.[RQ1] 

 

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/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

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 www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration 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.   

Course Overview: Access Course Overview