Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to review diagnostic testing models, analyse their performance, contextualise the test for a range of tree domains and execute a diagnostic test project.
The unit applies to individuals with highly specialised advanced theoretical and technical knowledge for professional work and research in arboriculture. They exercise advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills and demonstrate complete autonomy, judgement and adaptability in research and analysis for complex problems.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
1. Research diagnostic testing principles and processes | 1.1 Conduct a literature review on tree-related research and diagnostic test case studies 1.2 Operate diagnostic testing equipment to industry and manufacturer standards 1.3 Interpret underpinning scientific principles of test processes 1.4 Determine diagnostic assumptions and limitations of testing process for selected diagnostic tool |
2. Analyse requirements and calibration processes | 2.1 Analyse quantification, variance and tolerance requirements for selected diagnostic tools 2.2 Investigate and verify calibration baselines for diagnostic equipment 2.3 Verify calibration processes have been performed on diagnostic equipment according to verified baselines |
3. Determine project parameters and execute a diagnostic test project | 3.1 Select testing processes for primary tree domains 3.2 Select diagnostic tools for each domain and contextualise the testing process 3.3 Define research method to be used 3.4 Conduct a literature review for current research and science of each primary domain 3.5 Establish efficacy of test for each primary domain 3.6 Conduct a diagnostic test project |
4. Interpret testing results | 4.1 Analyse test results for performance metrics of each of the selected diagnostic tools 4.2 Interpret results against benchmark and anticipated ranges 4.3 Confirm predictive responses in terms of pre-treatment results to projected post-treatment outcomes 4.4 Articulate meaning of results within context of primary domain |
5. Provide prognosis and prepare management plans | 5.1 Provide an informed prognosis 5.2 Research management options and lag time 5.3 Prepare a report that documents management plans |
Evidence of Performance
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
There must be evidence that the individual has contextualised diagnostic test results for each of the following five primary domains for trees:
anatomy
physiology
pathology
dynamics
edaphic environment.
There must also be evidence that the individual has:
conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed research and relevant case studies
operated diagnostic testing equipment
interpreted underpinning scientific principles of test processes
determined the diagnostic assumptions and limitations of the testing process for the selected diagnostic tool
analysed quantification, variance and tolerance requirements
investigated and verified calibration baselines for diagnostic equipment
verified calibration processes have been performed on test equipment
selected testing processes for each of five primary tree domains
selected diagnostic tools and contextualised the testing process for each domain
defined research method to be used
conduct a literature review for current research and science of each primary domain
established efficacy of the test for each primary domain
conducted a diagnostic test project
analysed test results for performance metrics of selected diagnostic tools
interpreted results against benchmark and anticipated ranges
confirmed predictive responses in terms of post-treatment to pre-treatment results
articulated meaning of results within context of primary domain
provided an informed prognosis
researched management options and lag time
formulated a report documenting management plans.
Evidence of Knowledge
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
conducting literature reviews for peer-reviewed documentation, scientific research and case studies
diagnostic testing processes and test equipment, and their purpose and functional operation, used for tree domains, including:
limitations of the testing process
assumptions and limitations of tools used in diagnostics
standardising test equipment and determining baselines and calibration
verifying efficacy of testing methodologies
primary tree domains and testing regimes and diagnostics used for each, including:
tree anatomy
tree physiology
tree pathology
tree dynamics
the edaphic environment of trees
developing scientific research projects and selecting a research method, including:
setting goals and outcomes for research
hypothesis testing
observational research
measurement of functional relationships
establishing performance metrics and normal anticipated ranges of test result
test results; their documentation and interpretation, including:
diagnostic test projects and processes
contextual understanding of results
statistical analysis of results
prognostics
use of diagnostic outcomes in the development of management plans.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:
physical conditions:
trees and forests or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions
resources, equipment and materials:
computer with word processing and statistical analysis software
diagnostic tools for selected testing
access to diagnostic test equipment and operating instructions
specifications:
standard procedures and quality standards of performing diagnostics tests and analysis
reference materials, reports and scientific literature for reviews.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:
arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed
current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.
Foundation Skills
Skill | Description |
Reading | Compare and contrast technical specifications and procedures for diagnostic tests from case studies to analyse and formulate views and opinions |
Numeracy | Perform complex analytical calculations for testing and evaluating the accuracy and tolerances of diagnostic tests and to establish baselines and calibration requirements for testing and equipment |
Sectors
Arboriculture (ARB)