Course Title: Perform biological procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2019

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: 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

Amber Mitton

amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au

Paul Burgio

paul.burgio@rmit.edu.au

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

 Week  Date  Topic  Activity Assessment   
 1 8/7   Topic 1 – Classification, taxonomy and biological systems  

Tutorial 1 - Field trip preparation
Dichotomous key activity 
& Portfolio Section 1

 Portfolio Section 1- Carbon cycle and energy cycle worksheet  
 2 15/7   Topic 2 – Animal and plant cells   Field trip to Carlton gardens to complete Portfolio Section 2    Portfolio Section 2 – Dichotomous key classification  
 3 22/7   Topic 3 - Animal and plant tissue types   Tutorial 2 - Plant and animal cell modelling  

Portfolio Section 3 – Image of plant and animal cell & questions

 AT1 Portfolio (P1, P2 and P3) due 4th August 2019

 
4 29/7   Topic 4 – Organic molecules 1 (Characteristics of organic molecules & Proteins)

PRAC 1a Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (1 of 5)

Logbook 1 – Record results, Levy Jennings graph, LIMS entry

 
 5 5/8   Topic 5 – Biochem lab and controls   PRAC 1b x2 Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (2 & 3 of 5)   Logbook 2 – Record results, Levy Jennings graph, LIMS entry and control/certified ref materials questions  
 6 12/8  

Topic 6 – Organic molecules 2 (Carbohydrates and fats)

  PRAC 1b x2 Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method (4 & 5 of 5)
Peer review of log books
  Logbook 3 – Record results, Levy Jennings graph, LIMS entry  
 7 19/8   Quiz 1 - Organic molecules 1 & 2, animal and plant tissue types   Skills demonstration: Rapid Spectrophotometric Protein Determination Biuret Method  

AT3- skills demonstration- Biuret method during practical class

AT4a Quiz 1 – Due Sunday 25th August

 
 8 26/8   Log book grading and feedback   Supplementary skills demonstration  

AT2a Logbook

Due in theory class for face to face grading and feedback
 
  2/9  Student break    
9 9/9  

Topic 7 – Cell membrane and transport

 

PRAC 2 - Diffusion across a semipermeable

membrane

 

Logbook 4 – Record results and answer questions

 
10 16/9   Topic 8 – Cell cycle, mitosis & meiosis  

PRAC 3 - Onion tip prac & meiosis activity

  Logbook 5 – Record results and answer questions  
11 23/9   Field trip week     
12 30/9   Topic 9 - Organic molecules 3 (Chromosomes and nucleic acids)   Tutorial 3  – Nucleic acid modelling   Logbook 6 – Image of nucleic acid model    
13 7/10   Topic 10 – Organic molecules 4 (biologically significant ions)  

PRAC 4 Mini prep and restriction digest

  Logbook 7 – Record results and answer questions  
14 14/10   Topic 11 – Genetics  

PRAC 5 DNA: DNA Electrophoresis

OR

Tutorial 4 – Genetics

 

Logbook 8 - Record results and answer questions for Prac 5

OR

Logbook 9 - Record results and answer questions for Tutorial 4

 
15 21/10   Quiz 2 – Genetics, biologically significant ions  

PRAC 5 DNA: DNA Electrophoresis

OR

Tutorial 4 – Genetics

 

Logbook 8 - Record results and answer questions for Prac 5

OR

Logbook 9 - Record results and answer questions for Tutorial 4

AT4b – Quiz 2 Due Sunday October 20th

 
16 28/10   Log book assessment and feedback  Log book assessment and feedback  

AT2b Logbook 

Due in class for face to face grading and feedback
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Written laboratory reports

Site visit report

Written tests

Laboratory skills assessment

Laboratory logbook


Assessment Tasks

 Assessment task  Due date
 AT1- Portfolio sections 1-3   4/8
 AT2a- Logbook   Week 8
 AT2b- Logbook  week 16 
 AT3- skills demonstration  Week 7
 AT4- Quiz 1 25/8
 AT4- Quiz 2 20/10


Assessment Matrix

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

To pass the course you need achieve a satisfactory result for all assessments. Students may be given additional opportunities to demonstrate competence. 

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 (http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application should be emailed to the program Coordinator (amber.mitton @rmit.edu.au). Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.

• For missed assessments such as tests- 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, 5 days of the scheduled time of the assessment 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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