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

PSPSCI503A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop and undertake scientific_technological research

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPSCI503A - Develop and undertake scientific_technological research
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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Government Science & Technology.
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: Frame research question
  • Industry experience, industry analysis and consultation are used to identify viable research questions in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Consultation with possible funding bodies is undertaken to identify issues which may attract external funding.
  • Research question is framed to capture key issue/s, is clearly formulated and accompanied by supporting information.
  • Question to be researched is shown to be of benefit to the industry and relevant to the organisation's objectives and timeframes.
  • Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and managed in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 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networks are used to identify current information relevant to the research question, and both published and unpublished materials are assessed and analysed for relevant information.
       
Element: Develop research methodology
  • Objectives are determined that represent logical and effective aspects of the question to be researched and meet organisational and funding requirements.
  • 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.
  • Hypothesis is formulated and is plausible, relevant and of benefit.
  • Risk management strategies are determined and activities laid out methodically in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology.
  • Hypothesis, methodology, supporting information and activities are recorded in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
       
Element: Undertake and manage research
  • Resources to conduct the research are attracted in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Tasks are scheduled, assigned and carried out in accordance with research methodology.
  • Research performance is monitored, data is analysed and interpreted and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with research requirements.
  • Research results are determined and documented in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Research report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
  • Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements.
       
Element: Disseminate research results
  • 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.
  • Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

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.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

carrying out research

using problem solving techniques

working in and facilitating teams

using technology for data input, analysis and preparation of reports

interpreting and preparing reports containing scientific research information using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

presenting research results tailored to different audiences such as regional industry/scientific audience

applying occupational health and safety and environmental requirements to working in a scientific/technological research environment

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

research methodologies

scientific process

statistics (working knowledge)

the use of sophisticated statistical models

specialist area of expertise

the industry

possible sources of external funding

reporting requirements for scientific research, requiring precision of expression and using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technological environment

public sector legislation including environmental and occupational health and safety requirements relating to scientific/technological research

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

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
Industry experience, industry analysis and consultation are used to identify viable research questions in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Consultation with possible funding bodies is undertaken to identify issues which may attract external funding. 
Research question is framed to capture key issue/s, is clearly formulated and accompanied by supporting information. 
Question to be researched is shown to be of benefit to the industry and relevant to the organisation's objectives and timeframes. 
Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and managed in accordance with organisational requirements. 
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. 
Objectives are determined that represent logical and effective aspects of the question to be researched and meet organisational and funding requirements. 
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. 
Hypothesis is formulated and is plausible, relevant and of benefit. 
Risk management strategies are determined and activities laid out methodically in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology. 
Hypothesis, methodology, supporting information and activities are recorded in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 
Resources to conduct the research are attracted in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Tasks are scheduled, assigned and carried out in accordance with research methodology. 
Research performance is monitored, data is analysed and interpreted and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with research requirements. 
Research results are determined and documented in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Research report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 
Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements. 
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. 
Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSCI503A - Develop and undertake scientific_technological research
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

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSCI503A - Develop and undertake scientific_technological research

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:

Date: