Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Develop and undertake scientific/technological research
Develop and undertake scientific/technological research
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSCI503A
PSPSCI503A
State Code
C8307
C8307
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2013
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
20/06/2013
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the conduct of scientific/technological research at a broadly recognised level where considerable initiative and independent judgment are used within generally directed strategic programs. It includes framing the research question, developing the research methodology, undertaking and managing the research and disseminating the results.In practice, developing and undertaking scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as acting ethically, providing leadership, coordinating resources, gathering and analysing information, working safely.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Frame research question
- 1.1 Industry experience, industry analysis and consultation are used to identify viable research questions in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.2 Consultation with possible funding bodies is undertaken to identify issues which may attract external funding.
- 1.3 Research question is framed to capture key issue/s, is clearly formulated and accompanied by supporting information.
- 1.4 Question to be researched is shown to be of benefit to the industry and relevant to the organisation's objectives and timeframes.
- 1.5 Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and managed in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 1.6 Research and professional networks are used to identify current information relevant to the research question, and both published and unpublished materials are assessed and analysed for relevant information.
2. Develop research methodology
- 2.1 Objectives are determined that represent logical and effective aspects of the question to be researched and meet organisational and funding requirements.
- 2.2 Research method/s and analytical techniques are analysed and the methodology and techniques selected are those that best enable objectives to be met in accordance with organisational policy and funding requirements.
- 2.3 Hypothesis is formulated and is plausible, relevant and of benefit.
- 2.4 Risk management strategies are determined and activities laid out methodically in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology.
- 2.5 Hypothesis, methodology, supporting information and activities are recorded in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
3. Undertake and manage research
- 3.1 Resources to conduct the research are attracted in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 3.2 Tasks are scheduled, assigned and carried out in accordance with research methodology.
- 3.3 Research performance is monitored, data is analysed and interpreted and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with research requirements.
- 3.4 Research results are determined and documented in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 3.5 Research report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
- 3.6 Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements.
4. Disseminate research results
- 4.1 Research results are disseminated within the organisation, to any external funding body, the scientific community and/or the industry via publications and presentations in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 4.2 Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Current information may include:
other research in progress locally, nationally and internationally
recently published information
unpublished information
Research methods may include:
single experiment
chain of experiments
Analytical techniques may include:
statistical analysis
sample analysis
Resources may include:
human
physical
monetary
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
Attraction of resources may include:
from external source/s
allocation from within the organisation
Documented may include:
complete record to be held internally within the organisation
preparation of research results for publication
Dissemination of results may include:
gaining recognition through publishing and presenting research
front author in externally refereed publications
internal reporting verbally and in writing
publishing material in industry journals
publishing reports for scientific audiences
publishing reports/articles for lay audiences
presentations at seminars and scientific conferences
Current information may include:
other research in progress locally, nationally and internationally
recently published information
unpublished information
Research methods may include:
single experiment
chain of experiments
Analytical techniques may include:
statistical analysis
sample analysis
Resources may include:
human
physical
monetary
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
Attraction of resources may include:
from external source/s
allocation from within the organisation
Documented may include:
complete record to be held internally within the organisation
preparation of research results for publication
Dissemination of results may include:
gaining recognition through publishing and presenting research
front author in externally refereed publications
internal reporting verbally and in writing
publishing material in industry journals
publishing reports for scientific audiences
publishing reports/articles for lay audiences
presentations at seminars and scientific conferences
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
scientific/technological research developed and undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research
industry information
risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different research situations
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when developing and undertaking scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
scientific/technological research developed and undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
evidence of published research report/s and/or articles that merit peer recognition
evidence of research presentation/s for statewide industry/scientific audience
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
scientific/technological research developed and undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research
industry information
risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different research situations
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when developing and undertaking scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
scientific/technological research developed and undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
evidence of published research report/s and/or articles that merit peer recognition
evidence of research presentation/s for statewide industry/scientific audience
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT50 | PSPSCI010 | Develop and undertake scientific/technological research | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J301 | PSP50112 | Diploma of Government | Qualification |
| C769 | PSP50104 | Diploma of Government | Qualification |