Course Overview

About This Course

Take the next step in your career with this mid-level course designed to enhance laboratory skills and broaden scientific knowledge in your chosen technical field. This qualification is perfect for people looking to enhance their laboratory skills and increase their employment opportunities in industries experiencing steady growth. This course will teach you how to work effectively, meet quality standards, and perform a range of tests for use across a variety of industry sectors. Learn how to log samples, check sample documentation, prepare samples for testing, perform scientific calculations, interpret results, and maintain laboratory equipment. Specialist subjects include chemistry, biology, histology, microbiology and tissue culture. Our highly-experienced staff are available every step of the way to provide the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed. Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a technician or technical assistant in a range of fields including biotechnology, environmental science and food technology.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

South Bank, Greater Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Skills Check: You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital Technology.
The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 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.
Due to the high-level content of this qualification competency in Mathematics and Science are highly desirable but not a requirement.
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

Biological Technical Assistant, Food Testing Technical Assistant, Environmental Technician, Laboratory Technician. Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a technician or technical assistant in a range of fields including biotechnology, environmental science and food technology.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units4 units

MSL924005

Process and interpret data

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to retrieve data, evaluate formulae, perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.

MSL934008

Maintain instruments and equipment

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to check the serviceability and calibration of laboratory or field instruments and equipment and perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning and replacement of consumables and minor components. Personnel are also required to perform basic troubleshooting and repairs consistent with warranty and service agreements.

MSL934009

Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to use quality laboratory practice and effectively participate in quality improvement teams. Personnel are required to ensure the quality and integrity of their own work, detect non-conformances and work with others to suggest improvements in productivity and quality.

MSL944002

Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to monitor and maintain work health and safety (WHS) within a work area where the person has supervisory responsibility for others.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques?

There are three fee options depending on your eligibility: a Concession fee of $6,530 (for eligible students with fee concessions), a Subsidised fee of $8,065 (for eligible students accessing government funded courses), and a Full Fee of $13,185 (the total course fee). Payment plans and student loans are also available.

How is the course delivered and what is the study schedule?

The course is delivered on campus with some online learning at the South Bank campus in Greater Brisbane. It is full time, 5 days per week, with approximately 80% of training on campus and 20% online. Classes are teacher-led and scheduled, with no virtual (Zoom) classes. Teacher communication is available via phone, email, face-to-face, and Zoom.

What specialist subjects are covered in this course?

Specialist subjects covered in the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques include chemistry, biology, histology, microbiology, and tissue culture. You will also learn to log samples, check sample documentation, prepare samples for testing, perform scientific calculations, interpret results, and maintain laboratory equipment.

How many units do I need to complete to finish the qualification?

To successfully achieve the qualification, you are required to complete all core units and 12 elective units from the prescribed list. The course includes 4 core units covering areas such as data processing, instrument maintenance, quality systems, and workplace safety.

Are there further study or university pathway options after completing this course?

Yes, TAFE Queensland offers university pathway options for students who wish to continue their studies. In many cases, completing one of their diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of their partner universities. You can also apply through QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre) for further tertiary study.

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.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $47,000 to $60,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $60,000 to $78,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $78,000 to $97,000 per year

Career Paths

Laboratory TechnicianTechnical AssistantLaboratory AssistantInstrument OperatorPathology Assistant

Key Skills

Collecting, labelling and preparing biological and chemical samples for laboratory analysisPerforming manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory tests and proceduresConducting microbiological tests including aseptic techniques and microbial culturePerforming microscopic examination of cells, tissues and micro-organismsCalibrating, operating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment

Full Course Overview

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