Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques 
 

 
Traineeship
National Code
: 
PML40104 
CRICOS Code:  
Centre:
Biotechnology and Animal Sciences
Location:
Industry Site
Study Area: Science 
Study Area Sub Category:  
Jump to:
Units of Competency

What does this course involve?

As you read this information, please note the course is going to be re-accredited. There will be minor changes to the information provided here.

This course provides you with the essential training to work as a technical officer or laboratory technician in a range of science-based industries.

You will develop technical skills and scientific knowledge for use in generic and/or specific laboratories that may include chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and histology laboratories.

You will learn to process and interpret data, communicate effectively in a workplace environment, apply quality systems and continuous improvement process and perform a range of scientific procedures and examinations.

What employment opportunities will I have?

This qualification may lead to employment as a laboratory technician or technical officer in a science-based industry.


As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

Nationally Recognised

What further study options will I have?

You may wish to progress into the Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

Can I apply?

You must

  • have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent)
  • be currently working in the industry in a technical role

How do I apply?

Direct Entry - Rolling enrolments

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

Assessment of application

Length of course

Full time - 1 year
Part time - 2 years

Where will I study?

Industry Site

What costs and other fees should I expect?

Government Subsidised Fees (Skills Building)

Fees for government-subsidised students are made up of three main components:
1.   Tuition Fee
2.   Service and Amenity Fee
3.   Materials Fees (including course teaching materials fee and/or retained course items fees).
1. Tuition Fee - 2010
If you are enrolling for the first time in 2010 and eligible for a government subsidised place, the Tuition Fee will be $1.62 per hour with a minimum Tuition Fee of $120 per year and a maximum of $1,000 per year depending upon number of hours enrolled and eligibility for concession.

If you commenced your current course prior to 1 July 2009, but need to enrol in additional units for the same course in 2010 you will pay the Fee Maintenance rate of $1.40 per hour with a minimum fee of $56 per year and a maximum of $896 per year depending upon eligibility for a concession.
2. Service and Amenities Fee
For enrolments up to 404 hours a $58 fee will be charged. For enrolments 405 hours and higher, an $80 fee will be charged.
3. Material Fees
Course teaching materials fees and/or retained course items fees are charged per course. This fee covers materials used in the course, plus some items that you are issued with and retain beyond the life of the course. Fees will vary from course to course, and can range from $100 to $1,000.

How will I be assessed?

  • Written assessment
  • Practical assessment
  • Project work
  • Examination or testing
  • Online assessment
  • Workplace assessment

Will my previous experience or study count?

Advanced Standing is approved recognition of prior learning that is displayed as an Exemption (EX) on the student’s academic record. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.
All fees quoted are indicative fees and are correct at the time of print. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.
^Top

 
Units of Competency

PMLCOM300B
Communicate with other people
40 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability to receive and pass on written and oral messages, provide relevant information in response to requests within timelines and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. This unit of competency has no prerequisites. This unit of competency is applicable to personnel in all industry sectors covered by this Training Package. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section. This competency in practice'.
PMLCOM500B
Provide information to customers
30 hr
PMLDATA400A
Process and interpret data
70 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability 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. This unit of competency is based on, and equivalent to, the unit PMLDATA300A Process and record data in PML99. This unit of competency has no prerequisites. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors covered by this Training Package. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section This competency in practice'.
PMLDATA500B
Analyse data and report results
80 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability to perform scientific calculations, analyse trends and uncertainty in data and report results within the required timeframe. This unit of competency has the following prerequisite: PMLDATA400A Process and interpret data This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers and laboratory technicians working in all industries. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These can be found at the end of this unit of competency under the section This competency in practice' at end of Introduction.
PMLDATA501B
Use laboratory application software
50 hr
PMLOHS400A
Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety
50 hr
PMLORG301A
Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
40 hr
PMLQUAL401B
Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
80 hr
PMLTEST308A
Perform microscopic examination
40 hr
PMLTEST310A
Perform histological procedures
40 hr
PMLTEST402B
Prepare, standardise and use solutions
80 hr
PMLTEST404A
Perform chemical tests and procedures
80 hr
PMLTEST407A
Perform biological procedures
130 hr
PMLTEST501B
Perform microbiological tests
140 hr
PMLTEST512A
Apply electrophoretic techniques
100 hr
PMLMAIN300B
Maintain the laboratory fit for purpose
30 hr
PMLMAIN400A
Maintain and control stocks
50 hr
PMLMAIN501B
Assist in the maintenance of reference materials
30 hr
PMLMAIN502A
Maintain instruments and equipment
40 hr
PMLORG400A
Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
60 hr
PMLORG500B
Schedule laboratory work for a small team
50 hr
PMLQUAL300B
Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
30 hr
PMLSAMP302A
Receive and prepare samples for testing
30 hr
PMLSAMP400B
Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
40 hr
PMLTEST300B
Perform basic tests
60 hr
PMLTEST303B
Prepare working solutions
50 hr
PMLTEST513A
Apply routine chromatographic techniques
120 hr
PMLTEST524A
Apply routine spectrometric techniques
150 hr
^Top

Course Enquiries

Phone:
1300 BOX HILL
(1300 269 445)