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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Amplify DNA with the polymerase chain reaction 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243244  Amplify DNA with the polymerase chain reaction 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will enable learners to perform the polymerase chain reaction for DNA analysis within the field of biology for diagnostic, research and forensic purposes. It will result in learners being able to prepare master mixes and also prepare final reaction mixes for amplification. They will also be able to ascertain which equipment to use and will be able to perform elementary troubleshooting on equipment and procedures. The competencies embedded in quality control mechanisms will also be used by qualifying learners to assess the quality of the amplification results. Qualified learners will possess detailed knowledge of the principles and amplification methods employed in biology.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare the master mix.
  • Prepare the final reaction mix for amplification.
  • Amplify DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

    The unit standards:
  • Implement basic safety procedures in emergencies. ID 114863 or equivalent.
  • Monitor the quality system in a laboratory ID 110464 or equivalent.
  • Isolate DNA ID 243256 or equivalent.
  • Quantify DNA isolate ID 243249 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • This unit standard includes real time polymerase chain reaction only pertaining to the amplification process but does not include the analysis process pertaining to real time polymerase chain reaction.
  • The quality assurance and quality control policies of a laboratory should be followed and all procedures must comply with the quality management system of an organisation.
  • A given situation refers to but is not limited to structured scenario's, actual scenario's and case studies. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare the master mix. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Master mix refers to the mixing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) constituents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The PCR process is explained in terms of the phases which occur during PCR. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Phases must also include but are not limited to annealing, denaturing and extension.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reagents used when preparing the master mix are justified taking into account the factors that influence the result. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors refer to but are not limited to purpose of reagents, order in which they are added to the master mix, location in the laboratory environment and their interrelationships.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare the final reaction mix for amplification. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Amplification refers to PCR. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality control measures are assessed in terms of their influence on sample management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Quality control measures include but are not limited to positive and negative controls, blanks, size and composition of batch, use of the unique identifier of sample.
  • Sample management also refers to accuracy of measurement.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dilution ratios of stock samples are calculated in order to prepare a working solution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dilution ratios must be determined from quantification values of stock samples.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A final polymerase chain reaction mix is prepared for amplification in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Final mix refers to the combination of the master mix and the sample.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Amplify DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality control measures are assessed in terms of their influence on the amplification result. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Quality control measures include but are not limited to use of thermal-cycler, calibration of thermal-cycler, regular maintenance, environment, contamination, documentation management.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of the thermo cycler is demonstrated according to its operating principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating principles must include but are not limited to reference to the underlying scientific principles according to which the equipment operates such as ramp rate, heating, cooling and selection of the amplification program.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Amplification of DNA samples is performed in a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Results of amplification are analysed in order to determine their validity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Validity refers to the successful amplification of sample and controls.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Assessor must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Limitation and functions related to polymerase chain reaction.
  • Principles and procedures of amplification methods.
  • The operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment.
  • Chain of custody.
  • The Occupational Health And Safety Act 85 of1993.
  • Equipment:
    > Thermal cycler.
    > Micro pipettes.
    > Laminar flow cabinet.
  • Good laboratory practices (GLP as defined by the international standard organization).
  • Calculations:
    > Ratio.
    > Concentration and Molarity.
    > Molecular weight.
  • Laboratory management systems.
  • National and international quality assurance guidelines.
  • Validation studies and articles on PCR principles.
  • Potential hazardous nature of components.
  • Prevention of contamination (filter tips, loading procedure, gloves and dedicated laboratory coat). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Utilise appropriate standard operating procedures in DNA amplification to achieve desired outcomes, in line with international accepted forensic practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team within the process of DNA amplification. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in bloodstain pattern analysis. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organize and critically evaluate information related amplifying DNA samples so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with others within the process of DNA analysis, as well as external role-players in order to achieve the aims of documentation, report writing and expert witness testimony utilizing the modes of oral and written communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Abbreviations and definitions:
  • DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid.
  • Stock sample: Refers to the initial DNA isolate prior to further dilution.
  • Working solution: Refers to the specific dilution which was made from the stock sample for use in the final reaction mixture.
  • Final reaction mixture: refers to a reaction mixture containing DNA template and all reagents necessary for amplification.
  • PCR: Polymerase chain reaction. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57977   National Certificate: Forensic Biology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.