Course Overview

About This Course

Begin your career in science with this entry-level course. This course is perfect for people already employed in the industry and are looking to gain a qualification while working, or those looking to make a start. Your skills will be highly transferable across a diverse range of industries such as mining, food technology, and in the health sector. This course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to plan and conduct laboratory and field work, perform simple scientific calculations, present information, and record and store data. You'll also develop effective interpersonal skills, learn how to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, and comply with environmental regulations. Our highly experienced staff are still strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed. Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a laboratory assistant in food technology, pathology, schools or trades. It will also give you the foundation knowledge you need to undertake further studies in the field.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Concession $715 · Subsidised $1,275 · Full fee $5,750 (TAFE at School $2,760)

Duration

6 months (full-time) or 1 year (part-time)

Study Mode

Full time / Part time / TAFE at School

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Skills Check (Domestic students): You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.
Full-time delivery: Applicants for full-time delivery can study without being employed. If you're under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions may apply.
TAFE at School delivery: You are required to have successfully completed MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement prior to enrolment into this course. You must be a Year 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school (in some instances Year 10 students may be considered).
Traineeship pathway: To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer. Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.
International students – English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
International students – Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion.
International students – Age: Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.
Resources: It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Laboratory Technician
Testing Technical Assistant
Laboratory Assistant
Field Assistant

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units15 units

BSBCMM211

Apply communication skills

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic communication skills in the workplace, including identifying, gathering and conveying information along with completing assigned written information.

MSL913004

Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities.

MSL922002

Record and present data

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to record and store data, perform simple calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs. The unit requires personnel to solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited or apparent.

MSL933009

Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to apply quality principles to laboratory or field work to achieve quality outcomes.

MSL943004

Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety.

MSL904003

Perform standard calibrations

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to calibrate test and measurement equipment in accordance with standard calibration procedures and documented test methods. These procedures/methods specify all associated reference standards, materials, equipment and methods to be used and the required parameters or quantities and ranges to be tested, including the criteria for rejection or approval.

MSL952003

Collect routine site samples

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to collect samples at field or production sites using specified equipment and workplace procedures.

MSL953005

Receive and prepare samples for testing

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to log samples, check sample documentation, and schedule and prepare samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures. This unit does not include testing, tissue processing or similar techniques.

MSL973015

Prepare culture media

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare culture media which is free of contamination to facilitate optimal growth of organisms and cells. It includes the ability to organise the materials, equipment and work environment and follow standard methods. Media may be prepared from formulated powders obtained from microbiological companies or by first principles under supervision of a technical officer or scientist.

MSL973025

Perform basic tests

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare samples and perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily available advice from supervisors.

MSL973026

Prepare working solutions

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks of solutions are suitable for use. Working solutions include those required to perform laboratory tests. Personnel are required to calculate quantities and make dilutions.

MSL973027

Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination to maintain the integrity of both the sample source, and the sample and protect people and the environment. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture, generic microbiological, molecular and chemical procedures.

MSL973028

Perform microscopic examination

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics.

MSL973029

Perform histological procedures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by rotary microtome) of plant and/or animal tissues in paraffin wax.

MSMENV272

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with environmental regulations, identify environment issues and minimise the risks of negative impact on work and carry out improvements in own work area.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What fees will I pay for the Certificate III in Laboratory Skills?

Fees vary depending on your eligibility: Concession fee is $715 (for eligible students), Subsidised fee is $1,275 (for eligible government-funded students), Full fee is $5,750, TAFE at School Full Fee is $2,685 (for high school students studying at TAFE), and International fee is $7,000. Fee concessions may apply for eligible students.

Can I study this course while still in high school?

Yes, through the TAFE at School pathway you can study this course while in Year 11 or 12 (in some instances Year 10 students may be considered) at a participating high school. You must have successfully completed MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement prior to enrolment. The TAFE at School option is delivered 100% on campus, part time at 1 day per week, and earns you up to 8 QCE points. The total course fee for this pathway is $2,685.

What further study options are available after completing this course?

Successful completion of this course makes you eligible for entry into the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. TAFE Queensland also has university pathway options where completing a diploma may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of their partner universities.

How will I be assessed throughout the course?

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning.

Is there a traineeship option available for this course, and what does it cost?

Yes, a traineeship pathway is available at South Bank campus. To study via this pathway, you must already be employed and indentured as a trainee with your employer. Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour, calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour, with concession rates available for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost confirmed prior to commencement of training.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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