Course Title: Perform microbiological tests
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: BIOL5247C
Course Title: Perform microbiological tests
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5388 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology
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
Teacher
Rahel Leivenzon
99254723
Nominal Hours: 140
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
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of plants and animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests |
Element: |
1. Receive samples and process associated request forms |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests 1.2 Record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required 1.3 Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody |
Element: |
2. Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure sample and reagent integrity are maintained 2.2 Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure personal and environmental safety 2.3 Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary 2.4 Safely dispose of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures |
Element: |
3. Process samples for direct examination |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells 3.2 Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure 3.3 Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy |
Element: |
4. Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Select culture media to maximise growth and optimise production of pure microbial cultures 4.2 Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture 4.3 Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells |
Element: |
5. Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics 5.2 Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics 5.3 Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms 5.4 Microscopic differentiation between, red blood cells, white blood cells, micro-organisms and epithelial cells 5.5 Select and perform tests on pure cultures to determine the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms 5.6 Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing |
Element: |
6. Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Count cells in samples 6.2 Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting 6.3 Indicate the appropriate dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in a serially diluted sample 6.4 Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume |
Element: |
7. Maintain records of laboratory work |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 7.2 Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
- online class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- practical demonstrations
- simulated workplace activities
Teaching Schedule
Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of teacher and resources.
Date |
Week |
Lecture Theme |
Pracs & Assessments |
6/2 |
Introduction to Microbiological testing and classification |
Online Lab introduction |
|
13/2 |
Transport and receiving specimens
|
Lab 1 (skill building) Safety, Microscopy, Staining, Culturing
|
|
20/2 |
Aseptic technique and disposal processes Colony morphology |
Lab 2 (skill building) Body and Environmental Sampling
|
|
27/2 |
Wet mounts, smears, and stains |
Lab 3 (skill building) Identification of Gram Positive bacilli
|
|
6/3 |
Cultures, media and environmental sampling
|
Lab 4 (skill building) Identification of Gram Positive bacilli continued
|
|
13/3 |
Labour Day Public Holiday – No Lecture
|
Lab 5 (Test 1) Identification of Gram Positive bacilli
|
|
20/3 |
Identification: Gram Positive microorganisms |
Lab 6 (skill building) Identification of Gram Positive cocci
|
|
27/3 |
Identification: Gram Negative microorganisms Antibiotic sensitivity and Testing |
Lab 7 (Test 2) Identification of Gram Positive cocci
|
|
3/4 |
Identification: Fungi and algae |
Lab 8 (skill building) Identification of Gram Negative bacilli/statistics
|
|
10/4 |
Mid semester break from 7/7-14/4 inclusive |
Easter Break No prac |
|
17/4
|
Identification: viruses and parasites |
Lab 9 (skill building) Antibiotic sensitivity and urine analysis Quiz week |
|
24/4 |
Microbial genetics |
Lab 10 (Test 3) Antibiotic sensitivity and urine analysis
|
|
1/5 |
Enumeration and medical microbiology: Enterobacteriaceae
|
Lab 11 (skill building) Food Spoilage and food poisoning
|
|
8/5 |
Enumeration and medical microbiology: urine analysis
|
Lab 12 (Test 4A/4B) Urine antibiotic sensitivity and food poisoning
|
|
15/5 |
Fermentation, pharming and bioremediation |
Structured Logbook due Prac Catch up* |
|
22/5 |
Recapping |
Quiz week
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may include
observation of laboratory skills
laboratory reports
logbook
knowledge tests
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates
Assessment Task 1: Quiz 1 will assess on your knowledge about the theories underpinning your laboratory practice Due date: 17th April 2023
Assessment Task 2: Quiz 2 will continue to assess your knowledge about the theories underpinning your laboratory practice Due date: 18th May 2023
Assessment Task 3: Practical Skills Assessments are ongoing throughout the Course. Due dates: 16/3, 30/3, 27/4 & 11/5
Assessment Task 4: Structured logbook submissions will need to be made after every Practical Session and submitted as a whole file on 18th May 2023
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
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.
If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) to the course coordinator/teacher. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.[RQ1]
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
Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:
If you are 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.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
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
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview