Course Title: Perform biological procedures
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: ONPS7808C
Course Title: Perform biological procedures
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5434 - 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
Andrea McAdam
Course Coordinator (teacher)
51.4.01
Ivan How (teacher)
51.7.05
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
Nil
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, and perform routine biological procedures. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify organisms or biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and/or chemical characteristics. This unit includes interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures.
This unit of competency applies to technical assistants working in the biomedical, environmental, biotechnology and education industry sectors.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL974034 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 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 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee 2.2 Match sample provided to accompanying documentation and report any discrepancies in accordance with workplace procedures 2.3 Prepare samples in accordance with testing requirements |
Element: |
3. Perform biological techniques on samples |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Set up and use equipment and reagents in accordance with the method 3.2 Perform techniques in accordance with the standard operating procedures |
Element: |
4. Maintain a safe work environment |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 4.2 Safely dispose of biohazardous wastes 4.3 Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents in accordance with workplace procedures |
Element: |
5. Maintain laboratory records |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Record data and results in accordance with workplace procedures 5.2 Follow procedures to support traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Teacher directed delivery of lessons
- Pre-readings and resources
- Laboratory techniques
- Keeping accurate records of laboratory work
- Simulated LIMS (laboratory information management system)
- Interactive activities to explore theory concepts and apply knowledge
Teaching Schedule
ONPS7808C Perform biological procedures Sem 2 2025 Schedule
Week |
Date |
Theory |
Laboratory Practical Class |
Assessments |
1 |
MONDAY |
TOPIC 1 |
NO PRAC |
AT1 Knowledge Evidence |
2 |
21 July |
TOPIC 4 |
PRAC 1 Lab orientation |
|
3 |
28 July |
TOPIC 4 Cells 2 |
PRAC 2 Lab techniques |
AT1-1Classification (questions) |
4 |
4 Aug |
TOPIC 4 Cells 3
|
PRAC 7 Electrophoresis #1 |
AT1-2Legal, ethics, WHS (Prac 1) |
5 |
11 Aug |
TOPIC 5
|
PRAC 8 Electrophoresis #2 |
|
6 |
18 Aug |
Genetics – applied to prac |
PRAC 9 Electrophoresis #3 |
AT1-4Cells (Topic 4 Qs) |
7 |
25 Aug |
TOPIC 5 Genetics 2 |
Catch up |
Submit: AT2 Pracs 7-9 (Lab Records-2) |
Friday 18 – Friday 25 April Mid-semester break – No lab or theory
8 |
8 Sept |
TOPIC 3 Controls & reference material |
PRAC 3 Protein Assay #1 |
Submit: AT3 Proc 3 sheet |
9 |
15 Sept |
TOPIC 5 Genetics 3 |
PRAC 4 Protein Assay #2 |
|
10 |
22 Sept |
TOPIC 5 Genetics 4 Inheritance patterns |
No PRAC this week AFL Public holiday 26th Sept Friday |
|
11 |
29 Sept |
TOPIC 2 Organic molecules 1 |
PRAC 5 Protein Assay #3 |
AT1-3Controls (Topic 3 Qs) |
12 |
6 Oct |
TOPIC 2 Organic molecules 2 |
PRAC 6Protein Assay #4 |
AT1-6Genetics (Topic 5 Qs) |
13 |
13 Oct |
TOPIC 2 Organic molecules 3 |
PRAC 11 EIA immunoassay Multichannel pipettes & serial doubling dilutions |
AT3 Procedure 1 Protein assay |
14 |
20 Oct |
AT1-5 Organic molecules |
PRAC 10 Biological staining |
Submit all: |
15 |
27 Oct |
Forward thinking |
Catch up |
AT3 Procedure 3 AT1-5 Organic molecules |
16 |
3 Nov
|
Last Chance |
No PRAC this week Melbourne Cup Public holiday 4th Nov Tuesday |
AT1 & AT2 |
Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and the availability of resources.
Assessment catch-ups are only for people with a medical certificate or special consideration granted, or who did not meet the precision and accuracy requirements on their 1st attempt.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Online Learning materials will be provided, via canvas, during the course.
Printed copy of the structured logbook is required to keep lab records. You need to print hard copies of the structured logbook available via canvas.
There is no hardcopy textbook. The free, open access textbook Biology 2e is available through openstax at https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e/
Safety equipment: lab coat, closed shoes, gloves
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
The Study Support Hub
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may include:
- knowledge tests
- practical skills test
- practical logbooks
- presentations
- group work
- research
- lab reports
- assignments
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.
AT1 Knowledge Evidence
Sets of questions for each topic area that cover the theoretical concepts
Submit as indicated in Canvas
AT2 Lab Records
Logbook documentation of samples, work planning, results, calculations & interpretation
Submit as indicated in Canvas
AT3 Perform Skills
Three observed multistep procedures in laboratory:
- Spectrophotometry
- Electrophoresis
- Biological staining
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
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 are sick you should submit a medical certificate to the course coordinator/teacher. If you miss an assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and need to apply for special consideration. Assessment catch ups are organised only for granted special consideration.
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 using the Assessment Extension tool in Canvas atleast one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application 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
Use of AI has certain restrictions in this course. Please refer to assessment instructions for guidelines on the conditions for the use of AI tools in assessments.
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.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview