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

Develop elementary calibration systems for reference weights, balances and pipettes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242711  Develop elementary calibration systems for reference weights, balances and pipettes 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
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 is intended for learners who will develop elementary calibration systems for mass pieces, balances and pipettes. This unit standard will enable a learner to be familiar with the elementary concepts of metrology and their applications for use.

A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Define the concepts and methods to determine the uncertainty of measurement.
  • Analyse the contributors to uncertainty of measurement.
  • Define the need for measurement methods/procedures for calibration.
  • Develop an elementary measurement procedure for calibration.
  • Perform a calibration. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Physical Science on NQF level 4.
  • Mathematics on NQF level 4.
  • Computer literacy on NQF level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    When this unit standard is assessed, it must be assessed in relation to mass, volume and temperature calibrations. Whenever the term "development" is used in this unit standard, the elementary or basic level is implied. This unit standard is not intended for metrologists, but for the learner who needs to be familiar with the elementary concepts of metrology and their applications. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Define the concepts and methodology of uncertainty of measurement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methodology of calibration is explained in relation to current quality guidelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Current quality guidelines refer to, but are not limited to: current ISO guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of scientific accuracy measurements are explained in terms of their inter-relationships. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scientific accuracy measurements must include, but is not limited to: accuracy, precision, errors and uncertainties.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identified contributors to uncertainty of measurement are described with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Analyse the contributors to uncertainty of measurement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An elementary mathematical model is formulated in terms of the measurement system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mathematical models refer to spreadsheets and basic calculations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An uncertainty matrix is produced in line with given measurement data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The contributors are evaluated in terms of type A or B method of analysis. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Type A and B refer to the types as indicated in the current ISO standards.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Define the need for measurement methods/procedures for calibration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of digital balances and pipettes are described in terms of their characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics must include, but are not limited to, mass range, functions, sensitivities and basic maintenance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for detailed measurement procedures are explained to ensure accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements for measurement procedures are identified for use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures refer to, but are not limited to, quality management systems such as current International Standards Organisation (ISO) guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for development, authorisation and application are described in terms of the allocation of responsibilities. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Develop a measurement procedure for calibration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A measurement procedure is developed according to given specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Measurement procedure refers to and must include a detailed method, and must be developed in line with current International Standards Organisation (ISO) guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Statistical calculations are applied in a spreadsheet format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Statistical calculations are as specified in the current International Standards Organisation (ISO) guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A procedure for calibration is developed in line with given specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedure refers to and includes current International Standards Organisation (ISO) guidelines.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform a calibration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Measurement data is collated in a spreadsheet format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A schedule for calibration measurement is developed according to quality control guidelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Quality control guidelines refer to, but are not limited to: current International Standards Organisation (ISO) guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Environmental conditions are evaluated in order to determined suitability for calibration measurements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A calibration is done in accordance with given specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specifications refer to, but are not limited to: the current International Standards Organisation (ISO) guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Results of the calibration are interpreted in order to issue certificates. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Results must include appropriate resolution and uncertainty of measurement according to current quality guidelines, and must also be rounded-off and expressed in unit and decimal notation.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Current international standards organisation guidelines.
  • Quality guidelines.
  • Scientific processes.
  • Mathematical and statistical concepts.
  • Matrices.
  • Spreadsheet software.
  • Operational procedures.
  • Occupational health and safety.
  • International system of units.
  • Physical properties of mass.
  • Function of pipettes, mass pieces and balances. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, show responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. 
    		•

    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 
    Glossary of terminology

    Metrology:
  • The science of measurement. This includes the measurement of quantities, calibration of instruments, and determining the uncertainty of a measurement, and ensures that a measurement meets the relevant requirements in terms of accuracy and precision.

    Metrologist:
  • Expert in the science and process of measurement.

    List of abbreviations

    ISO
  • International standards organisation. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57651   National Certificate: Forensic Science  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  61729   National Diploma: Policing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  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.