NZQA registered unit standard
8023 version 5
Page 1 of 3
Title
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of microorganism biochemical
pathways
Level
5
Credits
6
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: explain
microbial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) producing biochemical
pathways; and perform biochemical tests for identification of
microorganisms.
Classification
Science > Microbiology
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Recommended skills
and knowledge
Unit 8040, Perform aseptic laboratory techniques; and Unit
26117, Work safely in a science laboratory; or demonstrate
equivalent knowledge and skills.
Explanatory notes
1
All work must be carried out in accordance with the quality management system,
documented protocol system or Standard Operating Procedures acceptable in a
commercial or research laboratory.
2
Health and Safety practices must conform to Australian/New Zealand Standard
AS/NZS 2243:2006 Set – Safety in Laboratories Parts 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10 available at
http://www.standards.co.nz and http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store.
3
Legislation applicable to this unit standard includes:
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992;
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.
4
Glossary
Anaerobic respiration refers to respiration in the absence of oxygen and includes
fermentation.
Laboratory procedures refer to documented systems or processes of operation which
may be found in a SOP manual, quality management system, or in protocol system
documentation. These procedures are external and/or internal laboratory
requirements governing laboratory work.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8023 version 5
Page 2 of 3
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Explain microbial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) producing biochemical pathways.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Microbes are explained in terms of their electron and carbon source in
biochemical pathways.
Range
1.2
Autotrophs and heterotrophs are compared in terms of biochemical pathways.
Range
1.3
biochemical pathways include – photosynthesis, respiration.
Respiration is explained in terms of biochemical pathways.
Range
1.4
microbes include – chemolithotrophs, chemoorganotrophs,
photolithotrophs, photoorganotrophs.
respiration includes – anaerobic, aerobic.
Inorganic electron donors for ATP generation are explained in terms of
biochemical pathways.
Outcome 2
Perform biochemical tests for identification of microorganisms.
Range
oxidase, catalase, oxidation-fermentation, methyl red, Vogues Proskauer,
nitrate reduction, carbohydrate fermentation, citrate.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Biochemical tests are carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
or laboratory procedures.
2.2
Test results are interpreted and documented in accordance with laboratory
procedures.
2.3
Test results are related to the metabolic activity of bacteria.
Planned review date
31 December 2018
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8023 version 5
Page 3 of 3
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
22 December 1996
31 December 2014
Review
2
24 February 1998
31 December 2014
Review
3
23 November 1999
31 December 2014
Review
4
21 May 2010
N/A
Rollover
5
27 January 2015
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0152
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact NZQA National Qualifications Services nqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016