Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
 

Traineeship
National Code
: 
MSL40109
Short Course Guide
CRICOS Code:  
Centre:
Biotechnology and Animal Sciences
Location:
Study Area: Science;
Study Area Sub Category:  
Career Card:
Laboratory Worker
Jump to:
Units of Competency

What does this course involve?

You need to be currently employed in industry - this course is only delivered part time.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

This course is Government accredited and has National recognition.

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

Part time - 1 year

Where will I study?

What costs and other fees should I expect?

For this course, there are two fee structures. Visit the Government Subsidised Place Eligibility page to see if you are eligible for a Government subsidised place.

Government Subsidised Fees

  1. Tuition Fee - $2.17 per hour *
  2. Concession Tuition Fee - $187.50
  3. Service and Amenities Fee - $65.00 or 90.00
  4. Material Fees - contact the Institute

*Annual indicative tuition fee for full-time commencing students, and maximum for continuing students		Fee For Service Fees

Fee for Service - this course will cost $15,000.00 if you aren't eligible for government subsidised training.

If you are an employer seeking training for groups of employees, contact the Institute for a customised package.

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.

 
Units of Competency

MSAENV272B
Participate In Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices
30.00 hr

This competency covers the outcomes required to effectively measure current resource use and carry out improvements including those reducing negative environmental impacts of work practices.

MSL913001A
Communicate With Other People
40.00 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.

MSL913002A
Plan And Conduct Laboratory/Field Work
40.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability 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.

MSL915001A
Provide Information To Customers
30.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to respond to both internal and external inquiries of a specialised technical nature. The advice and information requested should require the gathering of information, such as: trend analysis, collection of data and samples, confirmation of validity of results, revision of plans, or product advice additional to that on data sheets.

MSL924001A
Process And Interpret Data
70.00 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.

MSL924002A
Use Laboratory Application Software
60.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to use and apply computer application software in the laboratory, field and production plants for analysis and reporting.

MSL934002A
Apply Quality System And Continuous Improvement Processes
80.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the exercise of good laboratory practice and effective participation in quality improvement teams. Personnel are required to ensure the quality and integrity of their own work and detect non-conformances and work with others to suggest improvements in productivity and quality.

MSL943002A
Participate In Laboratory/Field Workplace Safety
40.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to follow workplace occupational health and safety (OHS) 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.

MSL973004A
Perform Aseptic Techniques
40.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability 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.

MSL973007A
Perform Microscopic Examination
40.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare routine samples and examine them using a light microscope, standard methods and readily available advice. Personnel are required to set up microscopes for optimum resolution and observe, identify and report sample characteristics. The unit covers limited interpretation and analysis of results. Troubleshooting of equipment and procedures is not required.

MSL973008A
Perform Histological Procedures
40.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to perform straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) of plant and animal tissues in paraffin wax. Personnel will work under direct supervision and have ready access to enterprise procedures. Viewing of slides is covered in MSL973007A Perform microscopic examination. More complex histological tests involving specialised stains, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry are covered in MSL975003 Perform histological tests.

MSL974001A
Prepare, Standardise And Use Solutions
100.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare, standardise and use solutions to monitor the quality of prepared solutions.

MSL974003A
Perform Chemical Tests And Procedures
100.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.

MSL974006A
Perform Biological Procedures
130.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine biological procedures, including sample preparation. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify cell types, species and biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and chemical characteristics. This unit includes data processing, interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures. This unit of competency has the following prerequisite(s): MSL973004A - Perform aseptic techniques and MSL973007A - Perform microscopic examination.

MSL974011A
Prepare Tissue And Cell Cultures
50.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare primary tissue cultures for applications, such as maintenance of animal cell lines and propagation of plants by tissue culture and basic subculture procedures. Personnel are required to manipulate equipment and materials and samples to prevent contamination at all preparation stages. They will have ready access to enterprise procedures and will work under direct supervision. This unit of competency has the following prerequisite: MSL973004A - Perform aseptic techniques.

MSL975001A
Perform Microbiological Tests
140.00 hr

This unit of competency describes the ability of technical personnel to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of micro-organisms for investigating the physiology and pathology of plants and animals; for monitoring the natural environment; and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials. This unit of competency provides for the development of skill in procedures that can be applied in investigations of bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, as well as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications. This unit of competency has the following prerequisite: MSL974006A - Perform biological procedures.

MSL975003A
Perform Histological Tests
150.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the ability to perform tests and procedures associated with processing and staining tissues for examination of tissue structure and abnormalities by pathologists and scientists to assist with disease diagnosis. The unit covers tests and procedures that are associated with anatomical pathology (including frozen sections), and may involve the use of automated processors and staining machines. The unit principally refers to techniques performed on human tissues, but many aspects may be relevant to animal and plant tissues. This unit of competency has the following prerequisites: MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques, MSL973007A Perform Microscopic examination, MSL974006A Perform biological procedures.

All fees quoted are annual indicative fees and are correct at the time of publishing. The Victorian state government recently announced a series of government funding and fee policy changes for TAFEs. As a result, the advertised tuition fee rates are subject to change, for students commencing their course from 1 July 2012. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. The student tuition fee is indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as student services and amenities fees. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. An offer of a place is always subject to places being available. The Institute reserves the right to close applications when the course is full. Where minimum course numbers are not met, the course may be cancelled at short notice. In such instances and only when possible, an alternative option may be suggested for accredited courses. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.

Course Enquiries

Local Students
1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)

International Students
+61 3 9286 9425

Please click here to see the list of courses offered to International students