UNIT CODE

MSL924006

UNIT TITLE

Use laboratory application software

APPLICATION

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to use and apply computer software for analysing and reporting in the laboratory, field and/or production plants.

This unit of competency applies to technical officers and laboratory technicians in all industry sectors. It describes the application and use of software packages, 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.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENT

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.    Access application software

1.1.      Identify software required for the task

1.2.      Open software from a personal computer or network terminal

1.3.      Use information sources to locate details of software features and instructions for its use

2.    Use software for specified purposes 

2.1.      Input a range of scientific data into a computing system

2.2.      Conduct searches for the retrieval of required data

2.3.      Use application features for efficient computation

2.4.      Construct data sets and databases for numerical and graphical analyses

3.    Produce reports of retrieved data and/or processed data

3.1.      Analyse data using features of the software package

3.2.      Select options for constructing data reports

3.3.      Print the results of data analyses using features of the software package

3.4.      Integrate data from diverse application software units in a report

3.5.      Report the outcomes and rationale for database searches

3.6.      Reference data sources according to the style requirements of the workplace

4.1.      Maintain archived data according to workplace standard procedures

4.2.      Maintain hard copy data according to workplace standard procedures

FOUNDATION SKILLS

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

UNIT MAPPING INFORMATION

Equivalent to MSL924002 Use laboratory application software.

TITLE

Assessment requirements for MSL924004 – Use laboratory application software

PERFORMANCE EVIDENCE

To achieve competency in this unit a person must satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions included in the unit.

The person must also:

• effectively used the most appropriate software for the analysis, reporting and management of 2 different sets of laboratory or field data and information.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once for each criterion.

KNOWLEDGE EVIDENCE

To achieve competency in this unit a person must demonstrate 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
• importance of antivirus software and standard quarantine procedures
• legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to the work task.

ASSESSMENT CONDITIONS

Assessment conditions:

All assessment must be completed in accordance with work health and safety standards.

When assessments are conducted remotely, invigilation software must be used to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers or marking guides must be provided for all assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.

The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

Assessor Requirements:

Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field.

Assessors must have worked for at least 3 years in industry where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency.

The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development.

The RTO must take appropriate steps, as an ongoing procedure, to verify information about trainer and assessor’s qualifications, vocational competencies and current industry skills