Diploma of Laboratory Technology
 

Traineeship
National Code
: 
MSL50109
Short Course Guide
CRICOS Code: 073340J
Centre:
Biotechnology and Animal Sciences
Location:
Elgar Campus
Study Area: Science;
Study Area Sub Category:  
Career Card:
Laboratory Worker
Jump to:
Units of Competency

What does this course involve?

Do you have a desire to work within a scientific area where you will be able to make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the community? This course will allow you to fulfil this ambition and gain the skills needed to work in a large variety of scientific laboratories.

You will acquire the scientific knowledge and technical skills in the fields of molecular biology (recombinant DNA technologies), microbiology, tissue culture, electrophoresis and chemical testing. You will learn how to plan and conduct laboratory work, use application software, analyse data and report on the results.

The use of cutting edge instrumentation in modern laboratories encourages practical hands-on experience in small group sizes in a supportive environment. You will also undertake a practical work placement component in the second year of your studies which will equip you with real life skills allowing you to demonstrate to potential employers that you are experienced in laboratory work.

This course is also available to international students.

What employment opportunities will I have?

This course may provide you with employment opportunities as a technical officer, laboratory assistant or scientific officer in both private and government biotechnology laboratories including biological, environmental or chemical testing laboratories, medical research facilities, diagnostic pathology laboratories and pharmaceutical R & D laboratories.

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 be eligible to articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Biotechnology and Innovation which is offered at Box Hill Institute. Alternatively you might be eligible to progress into the Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations, particularly if you are employed in a biotechnology laboratory.

Can I apply?

You must have completed VCE or equivalent. Relevant industry experience will be considered.

How do I apply?

Direct entry - beginning and mid-year.

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

2 years full time

Where will I study?

Elgar Campus

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 - $4.33 per hour *
  2. Service and Amenities Fee - $65.00 or 90.00
  3. Material Fees - contact the Institute

*Annual indicative tuition fee for full-time commencing students, and maximum for continuing students
For a breakdown of unit prices, view the 2012 Fee Schedule.

You may be eligible for VET FEE-HELP (an Australian Government loan scheme).

Fee For Service Fees

Fee for Service - this course will cost $24,000.00 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?

  • Oral presentation
  • 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

Core
MSAENV472B
Implement And Monitor Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices
40.00 hr

This competency covers the outcomes required to effectively analyse the workplace in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices and to implement improvements and monitor their effectiveness. This unit is based on the sustainability guideline standard GCSSUS02A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable 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.

MSL925001A
Analyse Data And Report Results
80.00 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: MSL924001A- Process and interpret data.
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.

MSL944001A
Maintain Laboratory/Field Workplace Safety
50.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability to monitor and maintain the occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental programs within a work area where the person has some supervisory responsibility for others. Personnel will be able to participate in risk assessment and management processes, such as working with other staff to assess and manage risks associated with technical activities, coaching others in participating in OHS and environmental management issues, being a safety representative or participating in a safety committee. Their work is done in accordance with defined enterprise policies and procedures. This unit is based on the outcomes of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) Generic Competency Standard B [NOHSC: 7025(1998 2nd Edition]
Elective
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.

MSL975008A
Apply Electrophoretic Techniques
100.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability to analyse samples using electrophoretic techniques. The unit also includes establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples, optimising enterprise procedures and instruments for specific samples, obtaining valid and reliable data and reporting test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results and troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems. This unit of competency has the following prerequisites: MSL974001- Prepare, standardise and use solutions and MSL974003A - Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975013A
Perform Tissue And Cell Culture Techniques
100.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare, maintain and preserve cells and cell lines for a variety of applications, such as large scale culture, production of monoclonal antibodies, production of viral vaccines and amniocentesis studies. Personnel are required to optimise equipment set-up, media and growth techniques. They are required to detect and investigate contamination and take preventative and/or corrective actions under supervision. This unit of competency has the following prerequisites: MSL974006A - Perform biological procedures and MSL974011A - Prepare tissue and cell cultures
MSL975014A
Perform Molecular Biology Tests And Procedures
150.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the ability to isolate, purify, verify and manipulate biomolecules and their products. This work requires close attention to working with small volumes, multiple-step procedures and prevention of contamination. Personnel are required to apply a wide range of molecular biology tests and procedures. This unit of competency has the following prerequisite: MSL974006A - Perform biological procedures and MSL973004A - Perform aseptic techniques and MSL973007A – Perform microscopic examinations and 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