VET Cert 3: Lab Skills- Aseptic Techniques

Year Level:	Year 11 / Year 12
Industry Focus:	Lab Skills
Technologies used:	Aseptic Lab Equipment / Compound Microscopes

Introduction

This program provides an opportunity for students to experience microbiological techniques in the KIOSC laboratory under the guidance of KIOSC staff. The program includes laboratory work on aseptic and microscopic techniques, incorporating several of the performance criteria in two Units of Competency for Unit 3 and 4 in the VCE VET Lab Skills – MSL30118.
 MSL973016 – Perform aseptic techniques
 MSL973019 – Perform microscopic examination

The session introduces students to a range of skills and it is expected that students will revisit and practise the skills throughout their course to achieve the competency. Some of the criteria encountered through the day program are listed below.

Program Overview

Perform aseptic techniques
- Principles, demonstrations and practical:
  - Safety
  - Set up and maintain clean work spaces
  - Introduction to cultures and types of contamination
  - Transfer of nutrient broth
- Practical – Culturing bacteria
  - Inoculate nutrient growth
  - Streak plate techniques
  - Growth characteristics
Perform microscopic examinations
- Practical- Microscopy using a compound microscope:
  - Maintain and use a compound microscope
  - Prepare a wet mount of yeast
  - Stain and count yeast cells
  - Measurement of cell numbers by calculation

Curriculum Focus

Unit 3 and 4 in the VCE VET Lab Skills – MSL30118.
 MSL973016 – Perform aseptic techniques
 MSL973019 – Perform microscopic examination

Note: KIOSC staff can deliver the content, but cannot sign off the competency. The VET teacher must accompany the class and complete student competency grading.