Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

Application

This unit of competency covers the ability to use and apply computer software in the laboratory, field and/or production plants for analysis and reporting.

This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers and laboratory technicians in all industry sectors. It describes the application and use of software packages in the context of a laboratory or fieldwork. Typically this software would be for the storage, retrieval, analysis and display of information. There is no expectation that candidates would be able to customise the software to meet specific needs.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Data

Unit Sector

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

Unit Mapping Information

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

• selecting the most appropriate software package for the task from the suite of software applications available
• using software for the analysis, reporting and management of laboratory and field data and information, such as quality control and instrument performance characteristics
• using software application features and instructions to input, save, analyse, sort, retrieve and display records and data
• using in-house software manuals to augment skills and solve operational problems
• using virus scanning software to protect in-house software and data.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

• terminology associated with the software packages used in job role
• basic knowledge of the types of spreadsheet, database and data analysis packages that are available
• application of specific software package features to laboratory tasks relevant to job role
• relationship between the protocol for data input and file storage of the data
• general file and record maintenance
• work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Assessment Conditions

• Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
• This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
• Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
• This unit of competency may be assessed with:

• MSL925001 Analyse data and report results
• relevant MSL974000 series units of competency
• relevant MSL975000 series units of competency

• Holistic assessment methods include:

• review of analysis tasks linking test results to the generation of reports by the candidate
• review of simple statistical and/or graphical analysis of quality control data completed by the candidate.

• Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

• a computer network, personal computer or laptop
• software packages that cover databases, spreadsheets, statistical analysis and simple graphics output
• input and output data.

• Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
• The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
• Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

• relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
• relevant workplace experience.

• Currency can be demonstrated through:

• performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
• having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa