Course Title: Perform biological procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: BIOL5231C

Course Title: Perform biological procedures

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

Campus: City Campus

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

Course Contact: Amber Mitton

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8053

Course Contact Email: amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Amberlee Mitton

amberlee.mitton@rmit.edu.au

Phone: 9925 8053

Office: 51.4.01

Nominal Hours: 130

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

 

This unit of competency has no prerequisites.

Assumed knowledge:  BIOL5230C Perform chemical tests and procedures 

Course Description

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment, and perform routine biological procedures. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify cell types, species and biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and chemical characteristics. This unit includes data processing, interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL974006 Perform biological procedures

Element:

1. Interpret and schedule work requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Review work request to identify samples, required procedures and materials/equipment/instruments involved 1.2 Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment 1.3 Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples

Element:

2. Receive and prepare biological samples

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs) 2.2 Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 2.3 Prepare samples in accordance with testing requirements 2.4 Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results

Element:

3. Perform techniques that assist in the classification of a cell or species

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Select suitable techniques in accordance with workplace requirements and methods 3.2 Set up and use equipment and reagents in accordance with the method 3.3 Perform techniques in accordance with the method

Element:

4. Perform techniques that analyse biological activity

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Select suitable techniques in accordance with workplace requirements and methods 4.2 Set up and use equipment and reagents in accordance with the method 4.3 Perform techniques in accordance with the method

Element:

5. Process and interpret data

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Record test data noting atypical observations 5.2 Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs 5.3 Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations 5.4 Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures 5.5 Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures 5.6 Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 5.7 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

Element:

6. Maintain a safe work environment

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 6.2 Minimise the generation of waste 6.3 Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous wastes 6.4 Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Element:

7. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Record approved data into workplace system 7.2 Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data 7.3 Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

• Teacher directed delivery of lessons
• Class discussion
• Case study analysis 
• Laboratory experiments
• Record keeping of experiments
• Research activities
• Site visit


Teaching Schedule

 Semester 1: Cell Biology 

Date

Topic/Prac

Class structure

Assessment/Due date

1. 09/02

 

Topic 1 - A view of life

 

Intro to course and assessment items.

Blackboard tour and room induction

Topic 1 lesson

 

 

2. 16/02

 

Topic 2: Cell structure and function 1

 

 

Review Topic 1

Topic 2 lesson

 

 

 

3. 23/02

 

Topic 3 : Cell structure and function 2

 

 

Review of Topic 2

Topic 3 lesson

Prac 1 preparation

 

 

4. 30/02

 

Prac 1: Classification of cell types

 

 

Review of Topic 3

Practical 1

Assessment 1: Classification of cell types (Group prac report) 7.5 %  

DUE Week 7

Sunday

5. 09/03

 

Tutorial: Scientific report writing, Turnitin and referencing tutorial

 

 

Bring Assessment 1 results and intro to class for feedback and assistance

 

6. 16/03

Topic 4: Cell membrane and cell transport

 

 

Topic 4 lesson

Prac 2 preparation

 



 

7. 23/03

Prac 2:  Diffusion across a semipermeable membrane

 

Review of Topic 4

Prac 2

 

8. 30/03

 

Topic 5 - How cells obtain energy

 

Topic 5 lesson

Electron transport chain modelling

Cast study

 

 

 9. 06/04

 

Assessment week - No test - No Class

 

 

 

10a. 13/04

 

No class - Student vacation starts Thursday 13th April  - No class

 

 

 

10b. 20/04

 

Topic 6: Photosynthesis

 

Review of Topic 5

Topic 6 lesson

Design experimental variables for Prac 3

 

11. 27/04

 

Practical 3: Photosynthesis in leaf disks

 

Review of Topic 6

Prac 3

 

Assessment 2: Photosynthesis practical report

(Group prac report) 7.5 %  

DUE - Week 13

Sunday

12. 04/05

 

Topic 7: Cell reproduction

&

Prac 4 - : Mitosis under the microscope

 

Topic 7 lesson

Prac 4

 

 



 

 

13. 11/05

 

Topic 8: The immune system 1

 

Prac 5: Inflammation and phagocytosis

 

Review of Topic 7

Topic 8 lesson - Normal response to trauma and infection & anatomy of the immune system

Prac 5

 

 

14. 18/95

 

Topic 9: The immune system 2

 

Review of Topic 8

Topic 9 lesson - Killing invaders, cell mediated immunity & humoral immunity

Case study analysis and class discussion

 

 

15. 25/05

 Revision

Practice test discussion

 

16. 31/05

 Assessment week

 

Assessment 3: Test 1

Topic 1 – 9

(15%)

 

Semester 2: Biochemistry 

 

Week & Date

Topic

Practical (Tuesday)

Assessment

1

Week beginning

Mon 3rd July

Introduction to Biomolecules

Structure and function: Carbohydrates

PRAC 1a  Preparing solutions-Biuret & Saturated SAS
&

PRAC 1b Risk assessments

 

2

Mon 10th July

Structure and function: Proteins

 

PRAC 2 Carbohydrates 

 

Assessment 4 - Practical report Carbohydrates (Due week 4) 10%

3

Mon 17th July

Structure and function: Enzymes

PRAC 3 Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (5 point curve)

 

 

4

Mon 24th July

Structure and function: Lipids

 

PRAC 4 Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (1 point curve and Calculation) (1 of 5)

 

 

5

Mon 31st July

Structure and function: Nucleic acids

PRAC 5 Enzymes

&
PRAC 4 Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (Calculation only) (2 of 5)

 

 

6

Mon 7th August

DNA replication

 

 

PRAC 6 Mini Prep (Kit)

&
PRAC 4 Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (Calculation only) (3 of 5)

 

 

 

 

 

7

Mon 14th August

Revision

PRAC 4 Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (Calculation only) (4 of 5)

&

Peer review of log books

 

 

8

Mon 21st Aug

 

 

Exam week

 

Assessment 5: Test 2 (25%)

 

Mon 28th Aug

 

Student vacation

 -

 

9

Mon 4th Sep

The Biochem laboratory and techniques 1

Tools and techniques

 

Complex liquids: Milk

Composition of blood

PRAC 7 Fractionation of Milk

&
PRAC 4 Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (Calculation only) (5 of 5)

Assessment 6:

Practical report Rapid Biuret Protein Determination 10%

DUE - Week 11

 

 

10

Mon 11th Sep

The Biochem laboratory and techniques 2

Sample prep and quality control

Practical Test: Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (Calculation only)

 

 

 

Assessment 7: Practical Test: Rapid Biuret Protein (S/NYS)

11

Mon 18th Sep

Transcription

 

PRAC 8 Electrophoresis of Dyes

 

 

 

12

Mon 25th Sep

Translation

PRAC 9 DNA: Restriction enzyme digest and electrophoresis (using plasmid from mini prep)

 

OR

 

PRAC 10 Immunoblot

 

 

 

13

Mon 2nd Oct

 

Clinical Biochemistry 1

PRAC 9 DNA: Restriction enzyme digest and electrophoresis (using plasmid from mini prep)

 

OR

 

PRAC 10 Dot blot

 

 

 

14

Mon 9th Oct

 

Clinical Biochemistry 2

Log book grading (face to face)

 

Assessment 8:
Log Book (S/NYS)

15

Mon 16th Oct

Revision

Supplementary practical test

 

 

 

 

16

Mon 24th Oct

Exam Week

 



Assessment 9: Test 3 (25%)

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Introduction to General, Organic & Biochemistry (10th Edition) Bettelheim, Brown & March


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Written laboratory reports

Site visit report

Written tests

Laboratory skills assessment

Laboratory logbook


Assessment Tasks

Semester 1
Assessment 1: Group practial report: Classification of cell types prac (7.5 %) Week 4
Assessment 2: Practical report: Diffusion of glucose/starch across a membrane (7.5%) Week 11
Assessment 3: Test 1 Topic 1 – 9 (15%) Week 16
Semester 2
Assessment 4: Practical report Carbohydrates (10%) Due week 4
Assessment 5: Test 2 (25%) Week 8
Assessment 6: Practical report Rapid Biuret Protein Determination 10% Due week 11
Assessment 7: Practical Test: Rapid Biuret Protein (S/NYS) Week 11
Assessment 8: Log Book (S/NYS)
Assessment 9: Test 3 (25%) Week 16

*Detailed outlines and instructions on blackboard


Assessment Matrix

See Blackboard

Other Information

Assessment Information


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

• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs, and assignments etc.) For example, if there are two exams you need to have an     average of 50% to pass and you also need to have passed the other assessment types. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component)

  • 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


• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) 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 is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.


• 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 prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

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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