Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: ONPS7815C

Course Title: Perform chemical pathology tests

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5434 - 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

Anu Sharma

anu.sharma@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 130

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

MSL974034 Perform biological procedures

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform tests and procedures associated with the detection and monitoring of tissue and bodily fluid responses to normal physiological processes and disease through the identification and quantifying of chemical components. It covers tests and procedures that are usually associated with the discipline of clinical biochemistry.

This unit applies to laboratory technicians working in the biomedical industry sector. The unit principally refers to human pathology but many aspects are relevant to veterinary pathology. This unit of competency describes the testing of tissues, blood, bodily fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal and wound aspirates, sweat and sputum), calculi, and excreta (urine and faeces) in laboratories. Tests examine and measure compounds that can give information about alterations in individual physiology and pathology, or compounds, such as therapeutic drugs or drugs of abuse, that will alter normal physiology. The tests are performed in a full or partial computerised and automated environment where large numbers of samples must be managed, analysed and their results recorded. This unit of competency assumes that the technical officer would perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical worker will follow workplace procedures that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpretation of data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975064 Perform chemical pathology tests

Element:

1. Process samples and associated request forms

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with workplace requirements

1.2 Record any discrepancies or sample quality issues and indicate action required

1.3 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee

Element:

2. Perform tests

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Select authorised tests indicated for the requested investigations

2.2 Conduct tests in accordance with documented methodologies, applying required quality control procedures

2.3 Flag test results that are outside accepted quality control limits

2.4 Apply quality control processes to discriminate between significant data and artefact

2.5 Record all test data and perform required calculations noting any phenomena that may be relevant to the treatment of data or the interpretation of results

2.6 Follow procedures to ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

This course uses Canvas LMS and is run as a combination of laboratory practical classes, workshops, and theory classes.


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 speakers and resources.

 

Course Syllabus 2025

Perform ONPS7815C Perform Chemical Pathology Procedures

Class location and time:

Practical Laboratory sessions weekly for 17 weeks every Wednesday as per your timetable

City campus. Building 51, Level 8, Room 10

  •  Weekly laboratory sessions give you the opportunity to build your Chemical Pathology skills.
  • You will attend Two hours Theory class on campus  per week. Theory classes will be delivered 

 in Room number 051.03.011 at 10.30- 12.30 every Friday

 

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

  

Week

Number

Week Starting 

Topic

Assessment and Practical Activity

1

10th Feb


Theory class:

-Introduction to Clinical chemistry, Objectives, Analytical Variables, Quality Control (QC)

-QC manufacturers sheets

  • Preparation for on campus practical: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
  • -review the modules and complete the quiz
  • EOP Quiz

    No practical week 1. Practical lab sessions start week 2

2

17th Feb

Theory class:

Separating analgesics drugs using HPLC

-review the modules and complete the quiz

Skill building session 

Qualitative ELISA

3

24th Feb

Theory class:

-Preparation for on campus practical: Liver function tests (BCG and Total protein assay) : review the module and complete the quiz

Assessment Task 1

Qualitative ELISA

 

 

 

4

3rd March

Theory class:

Levey Jennings Chart

 

 

Assessment Task 1

HPLC

Review the result : calculations and Chromatogram Studies 

 

t

5

10th March

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical:

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) - LFT tests part 2

 

 

 

 

Practical 2:

-BCG Albumin assay, limitations Beer Lambert

6

17th March

Revision Class

Skill building session

 

GGT

 

7

24th March

On campus AT4 theory quiz - topics: Use of controls and calibrators, ELISA, Levey Jennings Chart,  HPLC, GGT and LFTs.Electrolytes, Renal, Lipids, Liver & Endocrinology 

AT1 GGT split class

8

31st March

 

 

Theory class : Lipids

- Preparation for on campus practical: Lipids I, Cholesterol assay, review the module and complete the quiz

 

AT1 GGT Split class

 

 

9

7th April

On Campus AT4 Theory Quiz: Resit

 

Skill building session 

Practical 1:

-Cholesterol assay

- HDL/LDL Ratio (Dry lab)

 

10

14th April

No Theory Class (Due to Public Holiday)

AT3: Automation Quiz

 

 

                                  Mid - Semester Break : 18-25 April (No Classes)                                           

 

11

28th April

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical: Renal Tests

-review the module and complete the quiz

 

Skill building session

Total protein

 

 

12

5th May

Theory Class

Electrolytes

 

 

Skill buiding session

Practical 4: Renal practical

1. Urine testing

2. Urine stix (Multistix diagnostic urinalysis

testing strips)

 

 

13

12th 
May

Revision

 

Assessment Task 1 – 

Renal assessment

 LJ 25 : Split class Renal – assessment

 

 

 

14

19th May

On campus AT2 theory quiz  - topics: Introduction to Chem Pathology, QC controls & Calibrators, Reference ranges & reading results,

Assessment Task 1

LJ 25 : Split class Renal – assessment

 

15

26th May

On campus AT2 theory quiz : Resit

Catch up Session for AT1

 

16 and 17

2nd June and 10th June

 

Logbook corrections and submission

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Course resources/ Booklist

The following resources are used in this course. 

For more details read the canvas LMS course resource module online.

 

Useful reference for in dept study:

Pagana, Kathleen Deska, author, & Pagana, Timothy James. (2018). Mosby's manual of diagnostic and laboratory tests(Sixth ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby. ISBN-10: 0323446639 ISBN-13: 978-0323446631

 

  1. Practical Manual contains protocols, proforma for lab records and patients slips / laboratory information system (LIS) data input - PRINT AND BRING A COPY TO CLASS. Digital copy available on Canvas. You will scan your weekly records using 'officelens' and upload to canvas.  Automation Manual -digital copy available on Canvas

 

 

  1. Required Texts : Note that the required texts are essential for completion of the weekly practice questions in this course.

 

  • Gaw, M. Murphy, R. Cowan, D. O'Reilly, M. Stewart, J. Shepard. (2008) Clinical Biochemistry, An illustrated colour text, 4th edition. Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier), Sydney, ISBN 9780443069321. Buy this book at the beginning of semester 1. Also available n course resources.

 

 

  • Upfal and O'Callaghan (2001) Your Medical Tests. Every person's guide to common medical tests and diagnostic images. Black Inc. Melbourne ISBN 1-86395-075-3. Required chapters 6 to 11 available to download from canvas within the course resources module and online from RMIT library.

 

 

  1. Recommended Texts

 

  • This is a very nice simple text that explains lots of lab techniques, especially electrophoresis and chromatography techniques and other techniques including enzyme kinetics, spectrophotometry and molecular diagnostics.
    Boyer R. (2006) Biochemistry Laboratory Modern Theory and Techniques, Benjamin Cummings - Available in the library: Call No. 572.078 B791

 

          4. Royal College of Pathologist of Australasia (RCPA) manual: within the RCPA website contains the RCPA manual and normal population reference ranges for every analyte tested: Link to the RCPA website: https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Manuals/RCPA-Manual/Pathology-Tests


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

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

 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment task

Each task must be completed satisfactorily before Competence is achieved for the full subject/unit.

    

Due Date

    

Result
S (satisfactory)
NS (not satisfactory)

    

Methods of Assessment include:

    

 

    

A. Direct Observation/
    Simulation Activities

    

B. Written/Verbal
    Questioning

    

C. Third Party
     Evidence

    

D. Portfolio/
     Product

    

E. Project/
    Report

    

 

    

F. Presentation

    

G. Role Plays

    

H. Practical Demonstration

    

I. Other

    

 

    

QUIZ - EOP

    

 

    

S/NS

    
  1. AT1- Labskills and logbook
    

Weekly 

    

S/NS

    
  1. AT2- knowledge quiz (B)
    

Week 14

    

S/NS

    
  1. AT3 – automation (A) (B) 
    

Week 10

    

S/NS

    
  1. AT4- knowledge quiz (B)
    

Week 7

    

S/NS

    

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through satisfactory completion of assignments, observation checklists, reports, and through the application of learned practical skills and knowledge skills. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS assignments module.

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.

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

Decision making rules

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.

 

Assessment Information

CA = Competency Achieved

NYC = Not yet Competent

DNS = Did Not Submit (1 or more assessments)

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


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 are sick you should submit a medical certificate to the program coordinator and course coordinator/teacher. If you miss an assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence), if you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.

 

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

Reasonable adjustment

Reasonable adjustment is an individualised modification made to the training delivery or assessment methods to enable a student with specific needs to access and participate. Reasonable adjustment may include changed assessment conditions, flexibility in assessments, other academic support, and provision of adaptive equipment and in class support.

Reasonable adjustment is applied within the start date and end date for the subject/unit being undertaken.

 

 

 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview