Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: BIOL5243C

Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

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

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3399 - Certificate III in Science

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

Christine Andrews

christine.andrews@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

None

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 or technical assistants 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:

MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination

Element:

1. Prepare samples for examination

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability

1.2 Follow documented standard operating procedures to prepare samples for microscopic examination 

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 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 calculations accurately

Element:

4. Maintain a safe work environment

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

4.2 Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols

4.3 Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

4.4 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

 

Theory classes, practical activities, worksheets.


Teaching Schedule

 

 

Week No.

 

Prac No.

(DATE)

Learning Objectives

Assessment Method

1

1-1

8/04/19

Introduction to Microscope

Set up microscope, name parts, focus, observe image, note effect of iris diaphragm, Basic Haematology clean, put away

 

Log Book

 

1-2

8/04/19

Set up, estimate field of view, estimate size of object, draw, describe, compare cells. Bank note investigation.

Log Book

2

2-1

15/04/19

Wet preparations
Wet preparation, observe moving objects, draw, note effect of condenser and iris diaphragm position.

Log Book

 

2-2

15/04/19

Examination of yeast  (haemocytometer for cell counts)

Waste disposal activity sheet

Log Book

3

 3-1

22/04/19

Mid semester break

 

 

3-2

22/04/19

Mid semester break

 

4

4-1

29/04/19

Forensic I Sample buccal cells, stain, observe, record. Maintain accurate record of samples

Mid semester break

Log Book

 

4

29/04/19

Forensic II Mount hair / fur specimens under coverslip, compare; match id, and maintain accurate record of samples

 

Log Book

5

5-1

6/05/19

Microbiology Oil immersion objective, sample and list order, Gram stain and shape id, cleaning oil

Log Book

 

5-2

6/05/19

Histology: Skin ,Nerve cells

 

Log Book

6

6-1

13/05/19

Food Microscopy -Compare food samples, iodine stain,

Log Book

 

6-2

13/05/19

Food Microscopy- Blue cheese, bread mould structure, fixed smears

Log Book

7

7-1

20/05/19

Plant Physiology -Osmotic effect on plant cells
Macro observation – carrot in salty or tap water

Microscopic observation- Osmotic effect Human blood cells

Log Book

 

7-2

20/05/19

Stereomicroscopy      Flower anatomy, onion cells

Log Book

8

8-1

27/05/19

Individual assessment: microscope set-up

Direct Observation

 

 

8-2

27/05/19

Individual assessment: microscope set-up

Direct Observation

 

9

9-1

3/06/19

Starch cells  and Mycology Examine prepared microscope slides; correlate features with function, observe

Retest  Individual assessment: microscope set-up if necessary

 

Log Book

 

9-2

3/06/19

Exam

 

 

3/06/19


 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may consist of quizzes, practical activities, laboratory reports & skills demonstration.


Assessment Tasks

 

 

Assessment and Date

Information

Value

1

Prac Test (27/5/19)

                

Competency based assessment S or NYS (use of microscope)

(Satisfactory grade must be

 achieved to pass the course)

2

Log Book (3/6/19)

Maintain and submit a minimum of 8 practical sessions and all Post prac questions

50%

3

Exam (3/6/19)

 

50%

 

 

 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information


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


• All assessment types must be passed (theory and prac). You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the tests but fail the prac component).
• 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 (available online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application form should be emailed to the Program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au).
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
• Students requiring extensions longer than 7 days must apply for Special Consideration (via myRMIT studies or http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration) 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 online with supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate), prior to, or within, 5 days of the scheduled time of examination.
• 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.

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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