Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:06 AM 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.

Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques

Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL975017
State Code
AWN80
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/08/2016
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
16/08/2016
Nominal Hours
120
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to participate in laboratory investigations involving animals, plants and related environmental parameters. The animals or plants might be single specimens, parts of specimens or be in culture or under propagation. The investigations might also be part of experimental models that examine interactions of animals and/or plants and their environments. Investigations would generally relate to taxonomy, physiology and pathology, and would be oriented to scientific research, food production and manufacture, and to investigation of biological environments and ecosystems.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in biological, biotechnology and environmental industry sectors. It is expected that all work would conform to statutory and work health and safety (WHS) codes of practice. This unit of competency assumes that personnel perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific staff and that the workplace will equip its workers with relevant animal handling skills should they be required. The unit does not cover procedures related to the handling of vertebrates that are subject to national and state/territory animal care and ethics regulations. 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Process specimens and documentation
  • 1.1 Check specimens and request forms for labelling and documentation before acceptance
  • 1.2 Log specimens, applying required document tracking mechanisms
  • 1.3 Dispatch specimens to referral laboratories as required
  • 1.4 Store specimens appropriately until required for testing
2 Participate in the identification and classification of species
  • 2.1 Record macroscopic and/or microscopic details of specimens to assist in their identification and classification
  • 2.2 Use taxonomic keys to assist in the identification and classification of species
  • 2.3 Perform laboratory analyses that can assist in identification and classification of species
  • 2.4 Preserve specimens for future reference
  • 2.5 Label preserved specimens for storage and reliable retrieval from collections
3 Maintain viability and integrity of specimens during experimentation
  • 3.1 Provide nutrients and environments to maintain viability of individual specimens and organisms being cultured or propagated
  • 3.2 Perform procedures and analyses to monitor the experimental environment
  • 3.3 Perform procedures and analyses to monitor the physiology of organisms in the experimental environment
  • 3.4 Adjust nutrient requirements and environmental conditions as indicated by monitoring data
  • 3.5 Report to supervisors data and phenomena that may risk viability of individual specimens or cultures
  • 3.6 Report to supervisors data and phenomena that are incompatible with the experimental design parameters
4 Integrate laboratory and field data
  • 4.1 Locate field data relevant to the study or experiment
  • 4.2 Ensure that field and laboratory data codes are matched for tracking, reporting and chain of custody requirements
  • 4.3 Log field and laboratory data into information systems
  • 4.4 Assist with writing reports of experiments and related field studies
5 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 5.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  • 5.2 Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
  • 5.3 Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
  • 5.4 Care for and store equipment and reagents as required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA746 MSL975017A Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC42 MSL975045 Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques Unit of competency