Course Title: Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ONPS7804C
Course Title: Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4433 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
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
Musammat Nahar
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
Nil.
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination to maintain the integrity of both the sample source, and the sample and protect people and the environment. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture, generic microbiological, molecular and chemical procedures.
This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
Element: |
1. Prepare for sampling or transfer |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Check the sampling procedure conforms with the required sampling plan 1.2 Use specified personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.3 Prepare the work area for safe and effective sample workflows 1.4 Select equipment and materials specified by the procedure 1.5 Organise equipment to minimise contamination during manipulations 1.6 Label containers for clear identification 1.7 Record details in relevant log or database 1.8 Macroscopically assess media and/or reagents to confirm integrity before use |
Element: |
2. Transfer materials |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Protect the integrity of the sample source 2.2 Perform transfer while minimising opportunities for contamination and/or cross-infection 2.3 Protect the integrity of the sample source and destination after transfer, and before sealing the transport or culture vessel 2.4 Perform quality control checks to confirm contaminate-free transfer was successful 2.5 Label transport or culture vessels for clear identification |
Element: |
3. Maintain work area and equipment to prevent cross-infection and contamination |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Place disposable and reusable items into relevant receptacles 3.2 Clean, disinfect and/or sterilise work area and equipment after use 3.3 Transport disposable and reusable contaminated materials to relevant areas for disinfection, sterilisation and cleaning or disposal 3.4 Follow personal hygiene procedures |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities include interactive online classes, practical laboratory exercises, and individual study
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Week beginning |
Topic |
Assessment / Learning activities |
Week 1 |
22/09/2025 |
Intro to aseptic technique Samples for testing Waste disposal Culture technique: lawn & streak for single colonies Sterilisation & autoclaves |
A1: 1. Introduction to equipment and aseptic technique 2.Handwashing Prac A2: 1. Using loop |
Week 2 |
29/09/2025 |
Media Disinfection Cross-contamination |
A3 1. Review results of A1 and A2 Prac. 1.Making media 2. Pouring plates |
Week 3 |
06/10/2025 |
Bacterial growth Antibiotic susceptibility |
A4 1. Review results of A3 |
Week 4 |
13/10/2025 |
Biosafety cabinets Gram staining Reading plates |
A5 1. Review results of A4 2.Antibiotic susceptibility |
Week 5 |
20/10/2025 |
Revision exercises to prepare for Knowledge Test |
A6 1. Review results ofA5 |
Week 6 |
27/10/2025 |
AT3 Knowledge Assessment |
Review Results of A6 AT2Lab assessment |
|
Week 7 & 8 |
03/11/2025 And 10/11/2025 |
Catch up class |
Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and the availability of resources.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Online Learning materials will be provided, via canvas, during the course.
Printed copy of the structured logbook is required to keep lab records. You need to print hard copies of the structured logbook available via canvas.
Safety equipment: closed shoes, gloves and safety glasses
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
The Study Support Hub
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may include:
- knowledge tests
- practical skills test
- practical logbooks
- presentations
- group work
- research
- lab reports
- assignments
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: Practical
AT1 Lab skills and logbook
Record of laboratory results (practical lab )
Due: Submitted weekly; Last date for corrections is final week of course (See Canvas Syllabus)
Assessment Task 2: Practical Assessment
Observed performance of laboratory tasks
Date: Week 6 (See Canvas Syllabus)
Record of laboratory results (practical lab and online work)
Due: Submitted weekly; Last date for corrections is final week of course (See Canvas Syllabus)
Assessment Task 3: Knowledge
AT3 Theory test Date: Week 6 (See Canvas Syllabus)
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
SEC: Stopped Engagement in Course
Resubmissions
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
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 course coordinator/teacher. If you miss an assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and need to apply for special consideration. Assessment catch ups are organised only for granted special consideration.
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 using the Assessment Extension tool in Canvas atleast one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-workWhere 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 Use of AI has certain restrictions in this course. Please refer to assessment instructions for guidelines on the conditions for the use of AI tools in assessments.
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