Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

At a glance
Course overview
Ways to study
Payment options
Important Information
How to apply

At a glance

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.

JOB PROSPECTS

Laboratory Technician
Testing Technical Assistant
Laboratory Assistant
Field Assistant

COURSE OUTCOME

MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

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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.

Job-ready training

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.

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).

Units

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

Core units

UNIT CODE	UNIT NAME

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.	Communicate with other people
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.	Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
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.	Record and present data
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.	Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
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.	Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
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.	Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Elective units

UNIT CODE	UNIT NAME
Existing workers
MSL914002 Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations Unit code: MSL914002 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to manage the day-to-day running of science teaching laboratories and the preparation of practical experiments, demonstrations and field trips.	Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
MSL924003 Process and interpret data Unit code: MSL924003 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and 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.	Process and interpret data
MSL924004 Use laboratory application software Unit code: MSL924004 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to use and apply computer software for analysing and reporting in the laboratory, field and/or production plants.	Use laboratory application software
MSL933005 Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose Unit code: MSL933005 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to clean laboratory work surfaces, clean and store laboratory equipment and monitor laboratory stocks under direct supervision.	Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose
MSL933008 Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance Unit code: MSL933008 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform set-up, pre-use and in-house calibration/validation checks on laboratory equipment and assist with laboratory equipment maintenance.	Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
MSL934006 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes Unit code: MSL934006 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to exercise good laboratory practice (GLP) and effective participation 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.	Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL934007 Maintain and control stocks Unit code: MSL934007 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to order, maintain and control the use of laboratory materials and/or equipment in the work area.	Maintain and control stocks
MSL952001 Collect routine site samples Unit code: MSL952001 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the ability to collect samples at field or production sites using specified equipment and standard or routine procedures.	Collect routine site samples
MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing Unit code: MSL953003 Unit description: 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.	Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan Unit code: MSL954004 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to obtain a range of samples that are representative of the source material and to prepare the samples for testing. All sampling activities are conducted in accordance with a defined sampling plan. This unit does not cover the subsequent testing of the samples.	Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL973013 Perform basic tests Unit code: MSL973013 Unit description: 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.	Perform basic tests
MSL973014 Prepare working solutions Unit code: MSL973014 Unit description: 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.	Prepare working solutions
MSL973015 Prepare culture media Unit code: MSL973015 Unit description: 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.	Prepare culture media
MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques Unit code: MSL973016 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures.	Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination Unit code: MSL973019 Unit description: 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.	Perform microscopic examination
MSL973020 Perform histological procedures Unit code: MSL973020 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) of plant and/or animal tissues in paraffin wax.	Perform histological procedures
Non-existing workers
MSL904002 Perform standard calibrations Unit code: MSL904002 Unit description: 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.	Perform standard calibrations
MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan Unit code: MSL954004 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to obtain a range of samples that are representative of the source material and to prepare the samples for testing. All sampling activities are conducted in accordance with a defined sampling plan. This unit does not cover the subsequent testing of the samples.	Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL973013 Perform basic tests Unit code: MSL973013 Unit description: 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.	Perform basic tests
MSL973014 Prepare working solutions Unit code: MSL973014 Unit description: 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.	Prepare working solutions
MSL973015 Prepare culture media Unit code: MSL973015 Unit description: 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.	Prepare culture media
MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques Unit code: MSL973016 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures.	Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination Unit code: MSL973019 Unit description: 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.	Perform microscopic examination
TAFE at School
MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques Unit code: MSL973016 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures.	Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination Unit code: MSL973019 Unit description: 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.	Perform microscopic examination

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

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Ways to study

By location

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

Greater Brisbane

Campus	START DATES When your course is scheduled to begin	Duration	WORKLOAD How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements.	STUDY MODE Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more	COST The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more
South Bank	24 January 2022	6 months	Full time up to 3 days per week	Mixed mode	Full fee: $4,865 Subsidised: $1,055 Concession: $585 JobTrainer: $0
South Bank	31 January 2022	up to 18 months	Workplace delivery: Self-paced	Online	Full fee: $4,865 Subsidised: $1,055 Concession: $585 JobTrainer: $0
South Bank	04 April 2022	up to 18 months	Workplace delivery: Self-paced	Online	Full fee: $4,865 Subsidised: $1,055 Concession: $585 JobTrainer: $0
South Bank	13 June 2022	up to 18 months	Workplace delivery: Self-paced	Online	Full fee: $4,865 Subsidised: $1,055 Concession: $585 JobTrainer: $0
South Bank	19 September 2022	up to 18 months	Workplace delivery: Self-paced	Online	Full fee: $4,865 Subsidised: $1,055 Concession: $585 JobTrainer: $0

South BankFull time up to 3 days per week