Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

Course Code: BIOL5228C

Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

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

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5362 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)

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

Andrea McAdam andrea.mcadam@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 covers the ability to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics. 

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination
Element:	1 Interpret test requirements
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment involved 1.2 Identify hazards associated with the sample, preparation methods and equipment, and implement workplace control measures
Element:	2 Set up work area for preparation and examination of samples
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently 2.2 Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel
Element:	3 Prepare samples for examination
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability 3.2 Check suitability of the original and prepared sample for the examination, and report unsuitable samples to appropriate personnel 3.3 Prepare and store the sample for examination following workplace methods
Element:	4 Set up and use a light microscope
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Set up the light path to optimise resolution 4.2 Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined 4.3 Ensure that the lenses are clean 4.4 Adjust settings and alignment of the light path to optimise performance 4.5 Place sample correctly on the stage
Element:	5 Observe, identify and report sample characteristics
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics 5.2 Perform required calculations accurately 5.3 Prepare and view control samples and check that results are consistent with expected values 5.4 Identify and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 5.5 Record and report data in accordance with workplace procedures
Element:	6 Maintain a safe work environment
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 6.2 Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols 6.3 Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment 6.4 Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts 6.5 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely 6.6 Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

Laboratory classes with instructional talks and practical bench work
Online material and review questions
Interactive tutorials

Teaching Schedule

WEEK 1
1-1 Introduction to microscopy
1-2 Handling laboratory material Laboratory safety

2
2-1 Making and viewing wet preparations
2-2 Labelling and documenting samples

3
3-1 Blood components
3-2 Hair structure
3-3 Field of view & measuring objects

4
4-1 Ways to count cells
4-2 Staining and mounting cell preparations

5
5-1 Using microscopy in the workplace, storing samples
5-2 Track moving organisms
Teacher-supervised microscope set-up in small groups

6
6-1 Oil immersion

7
Revision PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT – Set up microscope

8
MID-SEMESTER Break 
MID-SEMESTER Exams
 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Laboratory Practical Manual, online notes, class handouts
Access to RMIT Library, Internet

Overview of Assessment

Laboratory logbook

practical skills test

written test

Assessment Tasks

Assessments for this course consist of:

Log book records and exercises reviewed weekly

Performance of microscopy skills. These may be assessed during classes and at final practical assessment

Written test based on online questions, integrating theoretical & practical knowledge

All assessment types must be completed to a satisfactory standard to pass this course.

Assessment Matrix

To pass this course as Competent requires all of the following: 

1. Logbook record of practical classes and post-class exercises (S/NYS).
    At least five out of six practical classes must be completed.

2. Practical assessment: set up a biological sample and examine it microscopically (S/NYS)

3. Written test (S/NYS) 75% pass considered satisfactory

 

Other Information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment
CA- Competency Achieved
NYC- Not Yet Competent
DNS- Did Not Submit for assessment

• All assessment types must be passed (exams, prac, and assignments etc.).You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the tests but fail the prac component).
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
• 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).
• Students requiring extensions longer than 7 days must apply for Special Consideration  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, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
• A minimum of 80% attendance at practical classes is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to 6th floor office addressed to the Program Coordinator. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write up you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and arrange an alternative report with your teacher

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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