University of Technology Sydney

60108 Laboratory Management

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Science
Credit points: 4 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject covers, in depth, knowledge and skills considered essential in the management of a laboratory. Students are introduced to Workplace Health and Safety regulations and the roles and responsibilities of managers, as well as exploring how the concepts of regulation, organisational leadership, culture, and ethics are linked to create a safe and efficient working environment

Laboratory managers are required to liaise with employees, colleagues, and external stakeholders and as such need to develop advanced interpersonal communication skills. Students learn to communicate effectively in order to; delegate tasks, deal with conflict resolution, manage staff morale and wellbeing and contribute to professional development of team members. Students learn to appropriately prepare for accreditation and compliance inspections as required by different authorities and governing bodies

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Evaluate and explain the role and responsibilities of a laboratory manager, including staff training and supervision, and workplace health and safety (WHS)
2. Apply WHS regulations to setup and maintain safe scientific laboratory practices that comply with industry standards and accreditation requirements
3. Communicate effectively and collaborate with a range of stakeholders and external contractors to ensure a safe and productive laboratory environment

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:

  • Critically engage with the appraisal and application of advanced knowledge, technical skills and research principles relevant to professional practice in forensic science. (1.1)
  • Develop and execute - individually or collaboratively - ethical, safe and sustainable work practices, accountable to stakeholder requirements in forensic science, locally and globally. (3.1)
  • Communicate complex ideas and justifications in a rigorous and professional manner using a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to discipline experts, scientists, stakeholders, and the general public. (5.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

1.Disciplinary Knowledge

Students will develop a working knowledge of scientific professional practice by looking into the regulations and governing bodies that are encountered in a laboratory environment. Students will apply this knowledge to a series of scenarios relating to various laboratory settings and be assessed on their ability to convey this information through the end of module quizzes.

3.Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility

Students will be required to develop, and integrate a range of technical and professional skills, in appropriate and ethical ways within a professional context across a range of disciplinary and professional areas. You will also build upon existing time management, organisation, and interpersonal skills relevant to the management of a laboratory and a team working environment. Students will be assessed based on their ability to develop frameworks for a safe working environment with consideration for the health and wellbeing of staff.

5.Communication

Communication skills are an essential part to your professional development in any area of work. Students will further develop skills in communicating key information relating to safety and enhance their interpersonal skills by participating in discussions and role play in the online sessions. You be assessed on your ability to convey complex information to a range of audiences through each assessment item, with formative and summative feedback available for students to reflect and build upon.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject will be delivered entirely online through the learning platform Canvas. You will work through content areas or ‘modules’ which are designed to build your knowledge and confidence in laboratory management skills.

You will be using a variety of interactive tools and videos designed to provide an active and engaging learning experience. You will have the opportunity to connect with your peers during the subject by using the discussion board within Canvas, allowing you to ask questions of each other and discuss the subject content.

At the conclusion of each module you will be assessed on your understanding of the content, in an end of module quiz. The major assessment item will incorporate written and verbal communication skills relating to Workplace Health and Safety and professional development. Formative feedback is available through the end of module quizzes and should be reviewed and incorporated into the major assessment items.

Content (topics)

Content to be covered throughout this course includes:

  • WHS Legislation
  • Training and induction
  • Laboratory Hazards
  • Communication for Management
  • Working with a team (local management)
  • Accreditation & Governing Bodies

Assessment

Assessment task 1: End of Module Quizzes

Intent:

This task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

1. Disciplinary Knowledge
3. Professional, Ethical & Social Responsibility
5. Communication

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

1 and 2

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

1.1, 3.1 and 5.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Criteria:

Students will be assessed based on the correctness of the responses to the assessed questions, with feedback provided

Assessment task 2: Laboratory Induction

Intent:

This task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

3. Professional, Ethical & Social Responsibility
5. Communication

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s):

3.1 and 5.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 60%
Criteria:

Students are assessed based on the marking scheme available through Canvas

Minimum requirements

Students must receive 50% of all available marks in order to pass this subject.