Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1

Identify a need for the application of numerical methods

1.1

Identify a problem requiring application of numerical methods

1.2

Define the problem

1.3

Determine data currently available for analysis

1.4

Identify ways of obtaining other required data

1.5

Determine information required from outcome

2

Prepare to solve problem by numerical methods

2.1

Determine numerical methods to be applied

2.2

Identify and gain access to appropriate computational devices

2.3

Collect required input data

2.4

Analyse collected data for suitability and completeness

2.5

Take appropriate action to address any deficiencies found

3

Solve problem using numerical methods

3.1

Apply appropriate techniques to collected data

3.2

Check answer by appropriate means

3.3

Interpret answer to determine information required by problem definition

4

Communicate outcomes

4.1

Communicate outcome to relevant stakeholders by appropriate means

4.2

Explain outcome to stakeholders, as appropriate

4.3

Check outcome has addressed problem

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Required skills include:

• identifying and defining problems
• collecting and analysing data
• reporting and presenting data and quantitative information
• communicating effectively with stakeholders on problem resolution

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge includes:

• numerical solutions:

• finite difference techniques
• polynomial interpolation

• errors:

• computer arithmetic
• propagation of errors

• solution of non-linear equations:

• fixed point and bisection method
• Secant and Newton-Raphson iterative methods
• convergence

• solution of systems of linear equations:

• Gaussian elimination
• pivoting strategies
• LU factorisation
• Ill-conditioning
• errors and residuals
• iterative methods

• solution of differential equations:

• Euler method
• Taylor and Runge-Kutta methods
• convergence

• Interpolation and Approximation:

• polynomial interpolation
• Lagrange form
• Newton’s divide formula
• error bound

• finite difference techniques:

• solution of problems in electrostatics and wave propagation

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

• identify appropriate numerical methods for engineering or related problems
• apply the appropriate technique to the problem
• communicate the outcome of the analysis in an appropriate way.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

• This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competency covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
• Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

• Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
• Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
• Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
• Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
• Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
• Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Data available 

Data currently available includes:

• all relevant data which is currently available within the organisation or could be readily obtained

Information required 

Information required is the outcome which needs to be produced in order to solve/assist in resolving the defined problem

Numerical methods 

Numerical methods may include:

• one or more or any of the techniques listed under ‘required knowledge’
• a related technique

Computational device 

Computational devices include:

• calculators with numerical methods functions
• computer software packages

Appropriate action 

Appropriate action may include:

• taking necessary steps to obtain required data
• obtaining some relevant proxy for the desired data
• choosing a different numerical method/computational device which will function with available data

Appropriate technique 

Appropriate technique includes:

• selected numerical method which will yield required outcome
• technique which is appropriate for the available data and which is relevant to the problem

Check answer 

Checking answer means examining the answer to ensure it is within the range of expected logical results

Interpret answer 

Interpret answer means translating the result of the numerical analysis into a form which is useable by the relevant stakeholders

Appropriate communication 

Appropriate communication may include:

• report
• presentation
• verbal communication
• web-based
• electronic or hard copy

Check outcome 

Check outcome includes:

• ensuring that the result of the analysis does assist in the resolution of the problem