Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL975054 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL975054 - Perform physical examination of forensic samples
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform physical examination and testing of samples that may be used as forensic evidence. This includes the ability to establish client needs for routine and non-routine forensic samples, select suitable techniques and methods and modify them if required, obtain valid and reliable data, and report test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results, troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems and ensure all testing and reporting meets judicial requirements. This unit applies to technical officers working in all industry sectors and government agencies, such as chemical, food, forensic, medical and environmental laboratories. The term forensic is used to describe tests which may have legal implications, such as testing paint scrapings to verify claims for insurance companies or examining passports for forgery and tampering.Examination of forensic physical samples is non-routine and may require the development of new or modified methods. The testing requires a high degree of analytical skill and knowledge and practical experience to perform the analysis and interpret the results. Physical forensic samples (i.e. of non-living origin) include fingerprints, tyre marks, footprints, building materials, soil samples, glass particles, paint scrapings, documents and textile fibres. All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical officer will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice, including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Perform analysis
  • Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples
  • Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data
  • Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost
  • Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results
       
Element: Establish client needs and schedule analysis
  • Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures
       
Element: Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies and evaluate to determine if further samples are required
       
Element: Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods
       
Element: Identify the possible need to modify workplace techniques or methods, for example, to ensure recovery of sample materials
       
Element: Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes according to the workplace quality system and judicial requirements
       
Element: Schedule analysis using workplace procedures
       
Element: Prepare samples and standards
  • Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test
       
Element: Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements
       
Element: Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions
  • Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples
       
Element: Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data
       
Element: Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost
       
Element: Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results
       
Element: Process and analyse data
  • Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
       
Element: Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations
       
Element: Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
       
Element: Draw conclusions from examination of results according to accepted forensic practices and documented requirements
       
Element: Review laboratory methodology and test results
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method
       
Element: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested
       
Element: Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
       
Element: Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste
       
Element: Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain laboratory records and report results
  • Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements
       
Element: Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
       
Element: Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel
       

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples 
Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data 
Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost 
Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results 
Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures 
 
 
 
 
 
Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test 
 
Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples 
 
 
 
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements 
 
 
 
 
Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method 
 
 
 
 
Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements 
 
 
 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975054 - Perform physical examination of forensic samples
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975054 - Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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