Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: ONPS7812C

Course Title: Perform microbiological tests

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

Offering Coordinator Name: Rahel Leivenzon

Offering Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4723

Offering Coordinator Email: rahel.leivenzon@rmit.edu.au

Offering Coordinator Location: 51.07.05

Offering Coordinator Availability: by appointment (either face to face or via teams)

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

MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination

MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination

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 animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.

This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical, biotechnology, environmental, manufacturing and food processing industry sectors. The results of work performed by technical personnel would normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by scientists, medical, veterinary or plant pathologists or other responsible officers in a workplace. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory.

It applies to investigations as well as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	MSL975062 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 workplace requirements 1.2 Record any discrepancies or sample quality issues and indicate action required 1.3 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee
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 smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic examination 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 targeted growth of organisms
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 Microscopically differentiate 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 susceptibility 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 and/or check data in accordance with workplace procedures 7.2 Follow procedures to 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

Dip Lab Tech Perform Microbiological Tests

Teaching Schedule 2025 Semester 2

Date	Week	Lecture Theme	Pracs & Assessments
14 July		Introduction to Microbiological testing	Introduction to the laboratory and aseptic technique
21 July		Transportation, receiving and growing microorganisms	AT3| Lab 1 (skill building) Safety, Microscopy, Staining, Culturing
28 July		Structures and categorisation of microorganisms	AT3| Lab 2 (skill building) Body and Environmental Sampling
4 Aug		Wet mounts, smears, and stains	AT3| Lab 3 (skill building) Identification of Gram Positive bacilli
11 Aug		Environmental sampling	AT3| Lab 4 (skill building) Identification of Gram Positive bacilli continued
18 Aug		Identification: Gram Positive microorganisms	AT3| Lab 5 (Test 1) Identification of Gram Positive bacilli
25 Aug		Identification: Gram Negative microorganisms	AT3| Lab 6 (skill building) Identification of Gram Positive cocci
	Mid Semester Break September 1st – 7th
8 Sept		Microorganisms and their environments	AT1a| Knowledge Quiz Part A Quiz will be held in Monday Theory Session AT3| Lab 7 (Test 2) Identification of Gram Positive cocci
15 Sept		Automation of identification and quiz resit	AT1a: Knowledge Quiz Part A resit Quiz will be held in Monday Theory Session AT3| Lab 8 (skill building) Identification of Gram Negative bacilli/statistics
22 Sept		Sterilisation and disinfection Quiz resit during theory session	AT3| Lab 9a (skill building) Antibiotic sensitivity and urine analysis AT3| Lab 9b observation of fungi (skill building) Quiz resit week during lecture session Monday
29 Sept		Antimicrobials	No Prac October 2nd
6 Oct		The immune system Infections of body systems	AT3| Lab 10 (Test 3) Antibiotic sensitivity and urine analysis
13 Oct		Gut microbiome and food testing	AT3| Lab 11 (skill building) Food Spoilage and food poisoning
20 Oct		Genetics	AT3| Lab 12 (Test 4A/4B) (Test 4) Enumeration of food spoilage microorganisms
27 Oct		Quiz	No Prac October 30th AT1b| Knowledge Quiz Part B Quiz will be held in Monday Theory Session
3 Nov		Quiz Resit	AT3| Lab 12 Data collection -conclusion of enumeration prac assessment AT1b| Knowledge Quiz Part B resit Quiz will be held in Thursday Prac Session
10 Nov		Assessments catch up	Quiz week resits Prac Catch up*
17 Nov		Assessments catch up	Quiz week resits Prac Catch up*

* Most students will not need to attend a week 17 or 18 session

* Only offered to certain students that meet specific criteria

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

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

Assessment Task 1a: Knowledge Quiz Part A will assess on your knowledge about the theories underpinning your laboratory practice Due date: Monday September 8th

Assessment Task 1b: Knowledge Quiz Part B will continue to assess your knowledge about the theories underpinning your laboratory practice Due date: Monday October 27th

Assessment Task 2: Practical Assessment Tasks are ongoing throughout the Course. Due dates: 21/8, 11/9, 9/10, 23/10, 6/11 (NB: Due to the unpredictability of the growth of microorganisms, these dates may vary slightly)

Assessment Task 3: Structured Laboratory logbook submissions will need to be made after every Practical Session

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: Student engagement ceased

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

Information about your studies:

You canaccess My Studies through the RMIT websitefor information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

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 a weekly skill building practical session, you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) to the course coordinator/teacher to potentially be given another opportunity to develop the missing skills. If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to apply for, and be granted, Special Consideration to potentially be given another opportunity to be assessed.

A maximum of two practical make up sessions will be offered to students who provide adequate documentation to support their absence/s in practical classes.

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.

Assessment attempt policy: 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. Re-submissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and 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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview