Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.
This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Retrieve and check data | 1.1 | Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software |
1.2 | Verify the quality of data using workplace procedures | ||
1.3 | Rectify errors in data using workplace procedures | ||
2 | Calculate scientific quantities | 2.1 | Calculate statistical values for given data |
2.2 | Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties | ||
2.3 | Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations | ||
2.4 | Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures | ||
3 | Present data | 3.1 | Present data in clearly labelled tables, charts and graphs |
3.2 | Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends | ||
3.3 | Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures | ||
4 | Interpret data | 4.1 | Interpret significant features of tables, charts and graphs, including gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines |
4.2 | Recognise and report trends in data | ||
5 | Keep accurate records | 5.1 | Transcribe information accurately |
5.2 | Verify the accuracy of records following workplace procedures | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Data