At a glance
Take your career in the lab further with this advanced-level course which is perfect for people looking to upgrade their qualification while working in the industry.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Analyst
- Laboratory Technician
- Technical Officers
COURSE OUTCOME
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Course overview
Gain practical skills to increase your employability or increase your skills if you are already working in a laboratory. This high level tertiary qualification focuses on a range of cutting edge science techniques for you to stand out in a crowd of science graduates. Your skills will be transferable across a diverse number of industries including but not limited to: clinical science, pathology pharmaceutical and forensic science.
You will learn how to interpret information using current scientific data analysis approaches and record data in accordance with industry standard protocols. Gain experience in a range of practical areas and learn from industry current and highly qualified teachers on scientific equipment found in a real working laboratory.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a technical officer or laboratory technician in a range of industries including biotechnology, chemical and environmental analysis and food and beverage testing.
The upgrade option is available for students who have completed the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques and wish to upgrade to the Diploma of Laboratory Technology. Please refer to Need to know for further information.
We put theory into practice, which is why you will spend more time training in our laboratories than in a classroom. Our strong industry partnerships mean you'll graduate with confidence, knowing you have employee sought after skills and be industry ready to hit the ground running.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 10 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| MSL954003 |
Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples | |
| MSL973020 |
Perform histological procedures | |
| MSL974017 |
Prepare, standardise and use solutions | |
| MSL974019 |
Perform chemical tests and procedures | |
| MSL974021 |
Perform biological procedures | |
| MSL975033 |
Perform tissue and cell culture techniques | |
| MSL975034 |
Perform molecular biology tests and procedures | |
| MSL975035 |
Perform microbiological tests | |
| MSL975039 |
Apply electrophoretic techniques | |
| MSL975040 |
Apply routine chromatographic techniques | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
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
Payment options
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.
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.
Vet Student Loan - $10,717 cap
This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Entry requirements
You must have successfully completed a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (or equivalent), or can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant science discipline to any of the above qualifications to gain entry to this course.
Selection criteria
If you do not have a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, but are approved for direct entry, you must still complete all 15 units in the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (plus any pre-requisite units), either by course work. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), or credit transfer.
Full-time delivery: Due to the high-level content of this course, competency in mathematics, science and English (equivalent to Year 10 or above) are highly desirable but not a requirement. If you’re under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions may apply.
Workplace/TAFE delivery: Applicants for the workplace delivery, self-paced mode must currently be employed in a laboratory testing environment with support from a suitably qualified workplace supervisor. The scope of tasks and training available in the workplace must enable the applicant to complete the practical requirements of this program
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.
Need to know
Upgrade to Diploma Program
This option is available to students who have successfully completed the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques and wish to upgrade to the Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
Please note: at a minimum your Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques must contain the following units, plus at least two diploma level electives (units coded at 5000 or above):
- MSL924003 Process and interpret data
- MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
- MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
- MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
- MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
The upgrade program is delivered over a 6 month duration – classroom delivery up to 3 days per week. To achieve this upgrade program, the following units will need to be successfully completed:
- MSL924004 Use laboratory application software
- MSL925004 Analyse date and report results
- MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data
- MSL975034 Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
- MSL975039 Apply electrophoretic techniques
- MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques
Fees for the upgrade program are as follows:
- Full fee - $7,230
- Subsidised fee - $4,945
- Concession fee - $4,945
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.
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.
How to apply
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.
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 