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.
MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
TAFE at School Full fee | $1,855 |
Subsidised | $1,015 |
Concession | $550 |
Full fee | $4,735 |
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.
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.
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).
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
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MSL913003Communicate with other peopleUnit code: MSL913003 |
Communicate with other people | |
MSL913004Plan and conduct laboratory/field workUnit code: MSL913004 |
Plan and conduct laboratory/field work | |
MSL922001Record and present dataUnit 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 | |
MSL933006Contribute to the achievement of quality objectivesUnit code: MSL933006 |
Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | |
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safetyUnit code: MSL943004 |
Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety | |
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesUnit code: MSMENV272 |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
Existing workers | ||
MSL914002Prepare practical science classes and demonstrationsUnit code: MSL914002 |
Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations | |
MSL924003Process and interpret dataUnit code: MSL924003 |
Process and interpret data | |
MSL924004Use laboratory application softwareUnit code: MSL924004 |
Use laboratory application software | |
MSL933005Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purposeUnit code: MSL933005 |
Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose | |
MSL933008Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenanceUnit code: MSL933008 |
Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance | |
MSL934006Apply quality system and continuous improvement processesUnit code: MSL934006 |
Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes | |
MSL934007Maintain and control stocksUnit code: MSL934007 |
Maintain and control stocks | |
MSL952001Collect routine site samplesUnit 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 | |
MSL953003Receive and prepare samples for testingUnit code: MSL953003 |
Receive and prepare samples for testing | |
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling planUnit code: MSL954004 |
Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan | |
MSL973013Perform basic testsUnit code: MSL973013 |
Perform basic tests | |
MSL973014Prepare working solutionsUnit code: MSL973014 |
Prepare working solutions | |
MSL973015Prepare culture mediaUnit code: MSL973015 |
Prepare culture media | |
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniquesUnit code: MSL973016 |
Perform aseptic techniques | |
MSL973019Perform microscopic examinationUnit code: MSL973019 |
Perform microscopic examination | |
MSL973020Perform histological proceduresUnit code: MSL973020 |
Perform histological procedures | |
Non-existing workers | ||
MSL904002Perform standard calibrationsUnit code: MSL904002 |
Perform standard calibrations | |
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling planUnit code: MSL954004 |
Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan | |
MSL973013Perform basic testsUnit code: MSL973013 |
Perform basic tests | |
MSL973014Prepare working solutionsUnit code: MSL973014 |
Prepare working solutions | |
MSL973015Prepare culture mediaUnit code: MSL973015 |
Prepare culture media | |
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniquesUnit code: MSL973016 |
Perform aseptic techniques | |
MSL973019Perform microscopic examinationUnit code: MSL973019 |
Perform microscopic examination | |
TAFE at School | ||
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniquesUnit code: MSL973016 |
Perform aseptic techniques | |
MSL973019Perform microscopic examinationUnit code: MSL973019 |
Perform microscopic examination |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
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
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 | 12 July 2021 | 6 months | Full time up to 3 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $4,735 Subsidised: $1,015 Concession: $550 |
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.
Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more
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 | 12 July 2021 | 6 months | Part time 1 day per week | Classroom | TAFE at School Full fee: $1,855 |
You must be a Year 10, 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school. In addition, the duration of your TAFE at School course cannot be longer than your remaining high school studies. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.
Course placements are subject to availability.
MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
QCE points: 8
Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
South Bank | Traineeship |
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply 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. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
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 pathwaysNo 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.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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