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Evidence Guide: MSS025003 - Report environmental data

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS025003 - Report environmental data

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Perform scientific calculations

  1. Ensure raw data are consistent with expectations and reasonable ranges.
  2. Calculate scientific quantities involving algebraic, power, exponential and/or logarithmic functions.
  3. Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations.
  4. Present results using the appropriate units, uncertainties and number of significant figures.
Ensure raw data are consistent with expectations and reasonable ranges.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculate scientific quantities involving algebraic, power, exponential and/or logarithmic functions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present results using the appropriate units, uncertainties and number of significant figures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine variation and/or uncertainty in data distributions

  1. Organise raw data into appropriate frequency distributions.
  2. Calculate means, medians, modes, ranges and standard deviations for ungrouped and grouped data.
  3. Interpret frequency distributions to determine the characteristics of the sample or population.
  4. Calculate standard deviations and confidence limits for means and replicates.
  5. Estimate the sampling error and/or uncertainty in data using statistical analysis.
  6. Determine data acceptability using statistical tests and workplace procedures.
Organise raw data into appropriate frequency distributions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculate means, medians, modes, ranges and standard deviations for ungrouped and grouped data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interpret frequency distributions to determine the characteristics of the sample or population.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculate standard deviations and confidence limits for means and replicates.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate the sampling error and/or uncertainty in data using statistical analysis.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine data acceptability using statistical tests and workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interpret data and related statistics

  1. Recognise significant trends in data.
  2. Use standard statistical methods to test for an association or correlation between variables.
  3. Use standard statistical methods to test hypotheses involving the same variable between samples, samples with more than one variable and for paired samples.
  4. Verify data interpretation with supervisor, as necessary.
Recognise significant trends in data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use standard statistical methods to test for an association or correlation between variables.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use standard statistical methods to test hypotheses involving the same variable between samples, samples with more than one variable and for paired samples.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verify data interpretation with supervisor, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check for aberrant data sets

  1. Identify data that cannot be reconciled with sample, data set and/or documentation, monitoring procedures and/or expected outcomes.
  2. Determine appropriate actions in consultation with supervisor, as necessary.
Identify data that cannot be reconciled with sample, data set and/or documentation, monitoring procedures and/or expected outcomes.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine appropriate actions in consultation with supervisor, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report data and analysis

  1. Use charts, tables and graphs to present summarised data and analysis results in the required format.
  2. Verify that entry of data and results are correct.
  3. Clearly identify summary information and any significant trends and/or problems with data.
  4. Prepare reports in a format and style consistent with their intended use and workplace guidelines.
  5. Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.
Use charts, tables and graphs to present summarised data and analysis results in the required format.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verify that entry of data and results are correct.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly identify summary information and any significant trends and/or problems with data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare reports in a format and style consistent with their intended use and workplace guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Perform scientific calculations

1.1

Ensure raw data are consistent with expectations and reasonable ranges.

1.2

Calculate scientific quantities involving algebraic, power, exponential and/or logarithmic functions.

1.3

Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations.

1.4

Present results using the appropriate units, uncertainties and number of significant figures.

2

Determine variation and/or uncertainty in data distributions

2.1

Organise raw data into appropriate frequency distributions.

2.2

Calculate means, medians, modes, ranges and standard deviations for ungrouped and grouped data.

2.3

Interpret frequency distributions to determine the characteristics of the sample or population.

2.4

Calculate standard deviations and confidence limits for means and replicates.

2.5

Estimate the sampling error and/or uncertainty in data using statistical analysis.

2.6

Determine data acceptability using statistical tests and workplace procedures.

3

Interpret data and related statistics

3.1

Recognise significant trends in data.

3.2

Use standard statistical methods to test for an association or correlation between variables.

3.3

Use standard statistical methods to test hypotheses involving the same variable between samples, samples with more than one variable and for paired samples.

3.4

Verify data interpretation with supervisor, as necessary.

4

Check for aberrant data sets

4.1

Identify data that cannot be reconciled with sample, data set and/or documentation, monitoring procedures and/or expected outcomes.

4.2

Determine appropriate actions in consultation with supervisor, as necessary.

5

Report data and analysis

5.1

Use charts, tables and graphs to present summarised data and analysis results in the required format.

5.2

Verify that entry of data and results are correct.

5.3

Clearly identify summary information and any significant trends and/or problems with data.

5.4

Prepare reports in a format and style consistent with their intended use and workplace guidelines.

5.5

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Perform scientific calculations

1.1

Ensure raw data are consistent with expectations and reasonable ranges.

1.2

Calculate scientific quantities involving algebraic, power, exponential and/or logarithmic functions.

1.3

Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations.

1.4

Present results using the appropriate units, uncertainties and number of significant figures.

2

Determine variation and/or uncertainty in data distributions

2.1

Organise raw data into appropriate frequency distributions.

2.2

Calculate means, medians, modes, ranges and standard deviations for ungrouped and grouped data.

2.3

Interpret frequency distributions to determine the characteristics of the sample or population.

2.4

Calculate standard deviations and confidence limits for means and replicates.

2.5

Estimate the sampling error and/or uncertainty in data using statistical analysis.

2.6

Determine data acceptability using statistical tests and workplace procedures.

3

Interpret data and related statistics

3.1

Recognise significant trends in data.

3.2

Use standard statistical methods to test for an association or correlation between variables.

3.3

Use standard statistical methods to test hypotheses involving the same variable between samples, samples with more than one variable and for paired samples.

3.4

Verify data interpretation with supervisor, as necessary.

4

Check for aberrant data sets

4.1

Identify data that cannot be reconciled with sample, data set and/or documentation, monitoring procedures and/or expected outcomes.

4.2

Determine appropriate actions in consultation with supervisor, as necessary.

5

Report data and analysis

5.1

Use charts, tables and graphs to present summarised data and analysis results in the required format.

5.2

Verify that entry of data and results are correct.

5.3

Clearly identify summary information and any significant trends and/or problems with data.

5.4

Prepare reports in a format and style consistent with their intended use and workplace guidelines.

5.5

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

storing, retrieving and manipulating environmental data in accordance with workplace procedures and traceability requirements

performing calculations with or without a calculator/computer software and presenting accurate results in the required format and timeframe

calculating at least four (4) scientific quantities relevant to their work

choosing appropriate graphical/statistical methods to analyse given data sets

preparing frequency distributions for given data, and calculating and interpreting measures of central tendency and dispersion

analysing data to determine relationships between variables and samples

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

maintaining the security and confidentiality of data in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

reporting results in the required formats and expected timeframe.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

characteristics of a valid measurement and valid sample

sources and estimates of uncertainty in measurements

role of statistics in the interpretation/analysis of environmental data

relevant terminology, such as variables, dispersion, central tendency, normal distribution, confidence level and replication, inference, causation, association, correlation and hypothesis

calculations involving evaluation of formulae containing algebraic, power, exponential and/or logarithmic functions, measures of central tendency, sum of squares, variance and standard deviation

preparation and interpretation on linear and non-linear graphs, and frequency distribution plots

determination of regression line equations and correlation coefficients

statistical analysis and significance tests, such as t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi squared test and data acceptability tests, such as Q, T and Youden

procedures for ensuring data traceability

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

procedures for maintaining and filing records, and maintaining security of data.

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering: environmental management such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set; ISO 5725 Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results, ISO/IEC Guide covering uncertainty in measurement, and Eurachem/CITAC Guide CG4 Quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurement

national measurement regulations and guidelines, registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements, and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) technical notes

sampling/testing methods, procedures, guidelines provided by workplace or regulator

validation of equipment and associated software, validation of spreadsheets developed in-house for routine calculations where applicable

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), work schedules, quality manual, recording and reporting procedures, equipment manuals, supplier catalogues, handbooks; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Data records include one or more of:

worksheets

spreadsheets or databases linked to information management systems

results of tests, measurements, analyses and surveys.

Laboratory computations include one or more of:

calculations involving fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percentages

evaluation of formulae containing powers, exponents and logarithms functions

use of scientific notation, correct units and correct number of significant figures

calculation of percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

use of calculators and/or computer software, such as spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages.

Calculations of scientific quantities include one or more of:

density and salinity

noise (dB and dBA)

dose (mg), dilution(1:10), concentration (molarity, g/mL, mg/L, ppm and ppb)

pH, [H+], [OH-], buffer calculations, Ka, pKa, Kb, pKb and Kw

solubility constants Ks and pKs

radioactive half-life, dose, activity and exposure

optical properties, such as absorbance, transmittance, path length, extinction coefficient, concentration (Beers law) and detection limits

electrical properties such as: conductivity and resistivity.

Graphical analysis includes one or more of:

preparation and interpretation of linear, semi-log and log-log graphs

determination of linear, logarithmic, exponential and power relationships

determination of regression lines and interpretation of correlation coefficients.

Statistical analysis includes one or more of:

preparing frequency distributions/plots, histograms, stem and leaf plots, box plots and scatter plots

probability and normal probability plots

calculation and interpretation of statistical quantities, such as central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion (range, variance and standard deviation)

regression methods for calibration, linearity checks and comparing analytical methods

Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient

chi squared tests

ANOVA

data acceptability tests, such as Q, t and Youden.

Records include information associated with one or more of:

purchase of equipment and materials

service records

safety procedures

history of calibration and test results

management of data sets.

Work health and safety (WHS) and environmental management requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.