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MSL30118

Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

Kick start your career in science with this entry-level course that qualifies you to work as a laboratory assistant in food technology, pathology, schools or trades.

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NEXT INTAKE On campus: South Bank Start date: 03 Apr 2023 Duration: up to 18 months
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$615
Subsidised
$1,105
Full Fee
$5,100
Eligibility Calculator

Course overview

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.

What can I do?

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Testing Technical Assistant
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Field Assistant

Course outcome:

MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

Easy upgrade options

If you are passionate about a career in science have a chat to our friendly staff about upgrading your qualification. By successfully completing this course you'll be eligible for entry into our Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40118).

Fee-Free TAFE

Seize your opportunity with Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion and choose from over 90 industry-recognised courses. With a wide range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready in 2023 with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL913003
    Communicate with other people
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL913003
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to receive and pass on written and oral messages, provide relevant information in response to requests within timelines and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate with other people

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL913004
    Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL913004
    Unit description :
    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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL922001
    Record and present data
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL922001
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency covers the ability to record and store data, perform simple calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs. The unit of competency requires personnel to solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited or apparent.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Record and present data

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL933006
    Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL933006
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to apply quality principles to laboratory/field work to achieve quality outcomes.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSL943004
    Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
    UNIT CODE :
    MSL943004
    Unit description :
    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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSMENV272
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    MSMENV272
    Unit description :
    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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
03 Apr 2023
up to 18 months
Workplace delivery: Self-paced
Online
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $615
  • Subsidised: $1,105
  • Full fee: $5,100
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP/TRAINEESHIP DELIVERY MODE
South Bank
Traineeship
WORKPLACE
DROP IN DAYS
BLOCK TRAINING
DAY RELEASE
MOBILE VAN
MIXED MODE
CAMPUS START DATES DURATION WORKLOAD STUDY MODE WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
03 Apr 2023
up to 18 months
Workplace delivery: Self-paced
Online
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $615
  • Subsidised: $1,105
  • Full fee: $5,100
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP/TRAINEESHIP DELIVERY MODE
South Bank
Traineeship
WORKPLACE
DROP IN DAYS
BLOCK TRAINING
DAY RELEASE
MOBILE VAN
MIXED MODE

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Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30118)

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Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

COURSE CODE: MSL30118
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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Important Information

Read this before applying

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

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.

Workplace/TAFE delivery: Applicants for this workplace based qualification are required to be currently employed in a laboratory or testing environment with support from a suitably qualified workplace supervisor. The scope of work based tasks available to the applicant must be sufficient to fulfil the practical requirements of this program.

TAFE at School delivery: Although there are no formal entry requirements for this course, TAFE Queensland requires successful completion of MSL20118 certificate II in sampling and measurement prior to enrolment.

Resources required

No specific resources are required to successfully complete this course.

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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Transition statement

Replacement qualification
This qualification has been replaced by MSL30122 - Certificate III in Laboratory Skills, as of 19 December 2022. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 18 December 2023.  If required, enrolments will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.

Assessment Methods

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

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to Apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course Disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more