Course Title: Perform histological procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 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:	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:	2. Embed 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:	3. Cut sections of tissue
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Label specimens in accordance with workplace traceability requirements4.2 Select reagents specified in workplace procedures4.3 Stain sections according to workplace procedures4.4 Mount sections ensuring no bubbles4.5 Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved4.6 Inspect slides and reject any that do not meet quality control standards
Element:	4. Stain sections
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements3.2 Check the flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use 3.3 Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions3.4 Cut representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures3.5 Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues and pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on the block3.6 Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks3.7 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples3.8 Inspect sections 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 - cut up, microscopy, embedding, microtomy and staining.

Teaching Schedule

Week	Week Beginning	Practical Activities	Theory Topic
Week 1	14/07/2025	No Prac Online Task: Laboratory Safety Declaration	Introduction/WHS Tissue Types
Week 2	21/07/2025	Introduction to the Lab Macro/Cut Up Demonstration	Fixatives Tissue Processing
Week 3	28/07/2025	Tissue Processing (Dry Prac) (Unit 1) Macro/Cut Up Due	Embedding
Week 4	04/08/2025	Embedding (Unit 2) AT1 Unit 1 Due	Microtomy
Week 5	11/08/2025	Microtomy (Unit 3) AT1 Unit 2 Due	Staining
Week 6	18/08/2025	H & E Staining (Unit 4) AT1 Unit 3 Due	Sustainability/QC/Traceability
Week 7	25/08/2025	Microscopy and H& E Assessment Microscopy Worksheet and AT1 Unit 4 Due	Term Revision
Mid-Semester Break: 01/09/2025 - 05/09/2025
Week 8	08/09/2025	AT2 - Knowledge Test	Theory Class - AT2 Question Correction Review
Week 9	15/09/2025	AT2 - Knowledge Test Second Attempts	No theory class

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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

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

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