Course Title: Perform histological procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: ONPS7810C
Course Title: Perform histological procedures
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
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 straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by rotary microtome) of plant and/or animal tissues in paraffin wax.
This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants working in biomedical, biotechnology, environmental and education sectors. Personnel will work under direct supervision and have ready access to workplace procedures.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL973029 Perform histological procedures |
Element: |
1. Process tissue |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Perform pre-use checks to ensure processor is fit for purpose 1.2 Check reagents are in sequential order 1.3 Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement 1.4 Select program for processing |
Element: |
2. Embed tissue |
Performance Criteria: |
2.2 Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss and artefacts during microtomy 2.3 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues 2.4 Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards |
Element: |
3. Cut sections of tissue |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements 3.2 Check the flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use 3.3 Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions 3.4 Cut representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures 3.5 Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues and pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on the block 3.6 Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks 3.7 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples 3.8 Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards |
Element: |
4. Stain sections |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Label specimens in accordance with workplace traceability requirements 4.2 Select reagents specified in workplace procedures 4.3 Stain sections according to workplace procedures 4.4 Mount sections ensuring no bubbles 4.5 Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved 4.6 Inspect slides and reject any that do not meet quality control standards |
Element: |
5. Maintain a safe work environment |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination using personal protective equipment (PPE) 5.2 Handle chemicals and sharps safely |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Practical sessions and theory classes will be run each week for 8 weeks to introduce students to histological procedures.
Students will learn the theory and develop practical skills in the areas of most value in histology - microscopy, embedding, microtomy and staining.
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Practical |
Theory |
Week 1 |
No Prac Online Task: Laboratory Safety Declaration |
Introduction/WHS Tissue Types |
Week 2 |
Introduction to the Lab Macro/Cut Up Demonstration |
Fixatives Tissue Processing |
Week 3 |
Tissue Processing |
Embedding |
Week 4 |
Embedding |
Microtomy |
Week 5 |
No Prac (Public Holiday) |
Staining |
Week 6 |
Microtomy |
Sustainability/QC/Traceability |
Week 7 |
H & E Staining AT1 Units 1, 2 and 3 Due |
Term Revision |
Week 8 |
Microscopy and H& E Assessment AT1 Unit 4 Due |
AT2 - Knowledge Test |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may include:
- knowledge tests
- practical skills test
- practical logbooks
- presentations
- group work
- research
- lab reports
- assignments
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Tasks |
When |
AT1 Lab Manual |
Completed during prac classes |
AT2 Knowledge Quiz |
Completed during theory class |
Assessment Matrix
See Canvas for Assessment dates and times
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
Submission of assessment tasks:
You are expected to prepare all assignments and other written work in a professional manner. More information on general academic study and writing skills can be found on the “Learning Lab” http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/.
You must keep a copy of all submitted assessments including electronic copies. All Assessment tasks should be performed or submitted by their due dates. Assessment tasks received late and without prior extension approval or special consideration will not be marked and will receive a mark of zero.
Academic integrity and Plagiarism:
It is expected that any work presented for assessment in this course will be your own and, where joint exercises have been conducted, you must acknowledge the other members of your work group in the submission. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. Plagiarism and the enabling of plagiarism are forms of cheating and very serious academic offences. 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
Allowing your assessment work to be copied to assist another with their assessment will actively enable acts of plagiarism, and that is also a potential disciplinary offence.
All cases of suspected misconduct (including plagiarism) will be forwarded to the program manager for consideration. Students are encouraged to review the information available at https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity
Turnitin:
RMIT University has a license to use the product turnitin.com to check for the originality of items submitted for assessment. Any work submitted for assessment in this course may be checked for originality and/or appropriate citation using this product and you are advised to submit your documents as stated in the University’s Guidelines for using Turnitin (see: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/it-services-for-students/canvas/turnitin). As a guide the similarity percentage for any assessment submitted via Turnitin should not exceed 30%.
This course assessments conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced at www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment
Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:
If you aee 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.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the courses offered in this program.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview