Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2022

Course Code: BIOL5243C

Course Title: Perform microscopic examination

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: C4397 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

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

Course Teacher

Andrea McAdam

andrea.mcadam@rmit.edu.au

 

 

Nominal Hours: 40

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

None

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics.

This unit of competency applies to laboratory or technical assistants in all industry sectors. The unit of competency covers limited interpretation and analysis of results. Troubleshooting of equipment and procedures is not required.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination

Element:

1. Prepare samples for examination

Performance Criteria:

1.1        Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability

1.2        Follow documented standard operating procedures to prepare samples for microscopic examination

Element:

2. Set up and use a light microscope

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Carry and use a microscope correctly preventing damage to the equipment and ensuring operator safety

2.2 Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose

2.3 Check lenses to ensure they are clean

2.4 Set up the microscope for optimum resolution and even illumination

2.5 Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined

2.6 Place sample correctly on the stage

Element:

3. Observe and identify sample characteristics

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics

3.2 Perform required calculations accurately

Element:

4. Maintain a safe work environment

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

4.2 Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols

4.3 Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

4.4 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Applied theory classes

Laboratory practical activities

Worksheets

Quizzes


Teaching Schedule

Semester 2, 2022

BIOL5243C Perform microscopic examination 2022 Course Schedule Week by Week SEM 2

Semester Week

Begins
Monday

Laboratory Practical Class

Theory topic

Assessment

 

1

4 July
Module 1

M1 Using the light microscope
Laboratory safety
Introduction to the microscope

Introducing the microscope 
Microscopes in the workplace
Handling laboratory material

AT2 Logbook
completed in
each prac class 

Some questions
can be answered
at home

 

2

11 July
Module 2

M2 Make wet preparations & draw cells
Wet prep yeast, cheek cells
Draw cells

Label & document samples

 

3

18 July
Module 3

M3 Measure objects
Calculate field of view
Measure hair
Observe count measure blood cells

Scale | measuring
Field of view & measuring objects
Hair structure

 

 

4

25 July
Module 4

M4 Prepare permanent mounts | track organisms
Fix, stain, mount, store buccal smears
Track moving organisms

Fixing, staining & mounting cells
Storing samples long-term

 

 

5

1 Aug
Module 5

M5 Count cells
Count cells on haemocytometer

Ways to count cells

 

 

6

8 Aug
Module 6

M6 Use the oil immersion objective
Check microscope set-up
Observing cells magnified at 1000X

Oil immersion objective

AT3 Quiz

 

7

15 Aug
Assessment

AT1 Prac Assessment

AT3 Knowledge Quiz
AT2 Logbook final fixes

AT1 Prac
AT2 Logbook
final

 

8

22 Aug
Catch-up

 

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will include demonstration of microscopy skills, quizzes and reports


Assessment Tasks

 

Assessment Tasks When
AT1 Practical Test  Assessed in final week
AT2 Maintaining a Logbook  Assessed each lab session
AT3 Knowledge Quiz   Online in final week

 

To achieve CA Competency Achieved in the course you need to complete every assessment and achieve a satisfactory result for each one. 
You must attend every practical class.


You may have two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate you have the required skills. 

A third attempt can only be offered after discussions between the teacher and the Program Coordinator. It is not automatic.

The teacher will provide constructive feedback in addition to resources in Canvas and in classes to give you the best chance to succeed.

Refer to the assessment instructions in Canvas for all the details and due dates.


To successfully complete this course you need to be satisfactory in all of the following assessments:

  • Log book records and questions completed for each weekly practical class
  • Knowledge quiz based on practical and theory concepts
  • Practical assessment demonstrating microscopy skills

 


Assessment Matrix

Please consult Canvas for assessment dates and information.

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

Submission of Assessment Tasks

It is expected that any work presented for assessment in this course will be your own. Plagiarism is when you present the work, ideas 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 come from, and be included in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation.

Plagiarism occurs when you do not identify the origin of the material you use, and do not cite it  appropriately (fail to provide reference sources).

It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which means assisting or allowing another person to copy your own work. Please consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course. If you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work

If circumstances outside your control prevent you from submitting an assessment on time, you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days by filling in the application form at least one working day before the due date. The application form should be emailed to your Program Coordinator, Rauha Quazi, rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au


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

If you require an extension of time longer than 7 days, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.

Special consideration

If you are unable to sit a test, exam or lab-based assessments due to unexpected circumstances (eg illness), you should apply for Special Consideration for the missed assessment.
Find information on how to apply for Special Consideration through this link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration

Do not submit applications for Special Consideration to the Course or Program Coordinator. An independent panel decides the outcome, not the teacher or program. 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview