Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the ability to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Retrieve and check data |
1.1. Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software 1.2. Verify the quality of data using enterprise procedures 1.3. Rectify errors in data using enterprise procedures |
2. Calculate scientific quantities |
2.1. Calculate statistical values for given data 2.2. Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties 2.3. Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations 2.4. Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures |
3. Present data in tables, charts and graphs |
3.1. Present data in clearly labelled tables and charts 3.2. Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends 3.3. Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures |
4. Interpret data in tables, charts and graphs |
4.1. Interpret significant features of graphs, such as gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines 4.2. Recognise and report trends in data |
5. Keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality |
5.1. Transcribe information accurately 5.2. Verify the accuracy of records following enterprise procedures 5.3. File and store workplace records in accordance with enterprise procedures 5.4. File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured 5.5. Observe enterprise confidentiality standards |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment. This unit of competency may be assessed with:
Resources may include:
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Method of assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment. |
This competency in practice |
Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. Manufacturing A laboratory assistant in a materials testing laboratory was performing routine tensile tests on samples of vinyl sheet. The assistant converted the readings from the machine to appropriate units using a simple calculation and recorded them in the logbook for that test method. After comparing these test results with previous results for the same type of vinyl material, the assistant found that the tensile strength was within the required range. However, it was at the lower rather than the upper end of the range as in previous testing. The assistant discussed the results with the laboratory supervisor. The calibration file for that machine showed that it had been calibrated four months previously and had not needed adjustment. Test results for the same period showed that the machine was giving lower than normal tensile strength readings for the few higher strength materials tested over the last two months. The assistant did some more checks and confirmed this trend. The machine was re-calibrated by the instrument company and the frequency of internal calibration checks by the laboratory assistant was increased. This problem would not have been detected or corrected as quickly without the assistant's initiative and competent recording and retrieval of test results and calibration information. Biomedical A technical assistant works in a team with laboratory scientists and technical officers. Analyses of electrolytes are routine and occur in large volume throughput even in this small diagnostic laboratory. The assistant is assigned tasks that contribute to the overall production of results, their reporting and the quality control evaluation of the results. One task is the daily collection of the electrolyte analyses from the internal quality control area. In this case, the technical assistant plots the results on a Levy-Jennings graph and computes the mean value. The assistant reports immediately to the supervisor if the plots show deviations which indicate out-of-control results. Food processing Cooking and holding temperatures greatly affect the nutrient composition of processed foods. The CSIRO provides documentation of nutrient losses with temperature variations. For cooked foods, there is the added problem of microbial growth in the so called 'danger zone'. In one laboratory, the technical assistant conducts simple testing of foods using a temperature probe and also measures the temperature of the storage areas, holding trays or bainmaries and individual tray units. Careful documentation of the temperatures of the foods and times of measurement must be kept. The technical assistant supplies the data as tables and a plot of temperature versus time. For quality control purposes, the assistant is directed to use a cross reference of mercury thermometer readings versus probe measurements for ambient temperature. The assistant plots the thermometer readings against the probe readings and reports to the supervisor if the plot shows a slope other than the defined value. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Codes of practice |
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used |
Standards , codes , procedures and /or enterprise requirements |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
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Concepts of metrology |
Concepts of metrology may include:
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Data |
Data may be recorded on:
Data may include results of:
Data may be presented in the form of:
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Calculations |
Calculations may be performed:
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Calculations of scientific quantities |
Calculated of scientific quantities may include:
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Records |
Records could include information associated with:
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Occupational health and safety (OHS ) and environmental management requirements |
OHS and environmental management requirements:
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Data |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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