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Version Effective: 1st of February, 2021
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MSL30118 - Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

Course Details

Course Summary

This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a limited range of laboratory operations across all industry sectors and is the entry level required for laboratory personnel across all industry sectors.

This course includes two one-week compulsory on-campus attendance (the CQU Ooralea-Mackay Campus). Please see the More Details tab for further information.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification.

Students are required to have completed the literacy and numeracy assessment pre-enrolment in the form of the Basic Key Skills Builder online literacy and numeracy assessment or to have completed an equal or higher level course.

Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $4,550.00 (2021)
Subsidised Full Fee $1,079.00 (2021)
Subsidised Concession Fee $247.00 (2021)
Fee for service per unit $350.00 (2021)
Subsidised full fee per unit $83.00 (2021)
Subsidised concession fee per unit $19.00 (2021)
TAFE Priority Training Program fee per unit $15.20 (2021)
For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire or Apply Now
Study Area
  • Science and Environment
Skill Area
  • Laboratory Technology
AQF Level Level 3: Certificate III

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes 		Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes 		Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Employment outcomes targeted by this qualification include laboratory technicians, instrument operators and similar personnel.

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 6 core units
  2. Complete 7 elective units

Study Mode Definitions

  • Mixed Mode courses are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools and/or workshops.
  • Online courses are delivered using online resources only.
  • On-campus courses are delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching at CQUniversity campuses.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details , including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Please select a course structure from the options below:
Standard Course Structure

12 months full-time

24 months part-time

  • Mixed Mode
Core

All Core units must be completed.  
MSL922001 Record and Present data More Information Training.gov Details
MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety More Information Training.gov Details
MSL933006 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives More Information Training.gov Details
MSL913003 Communicate with other people More Information Training.gov Details
MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details
MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work More Information Training.gov Details
Elective Units - Group A

A minimum of four elective units must be selected from Group A elective units. The remaining three units can be chosen from Group B elective units.

Elective units have no specific enrolment order but have to be aligned with the unit's availability. Please see the More Details tab for a list of units and the months they are available.

MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973013 Perform basic tests More Information Training.gov Details
MSL933008 Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance More Information Training.gov Details
Elective Units - Group B

The remaining three elective units may be selected from Group B elective units. 

Elective units have no specific enrolment order but have to be aligned with the unit's availability. Please see the More Details tab for a list of units and the months they are available.

MSL904002 Perform standard calibrations More Information Training.gov Details
MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan More Information Training.gov Details
MSL934007 Maintain and control stocks More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Please refer to the VET Course Planners for the recommended study sequence of this course. Please enrol in your units as per those instructions.

Trainee Course Structure

12 - 24 months part-time

  • Mixed Mode
Core Units

All Core Units must be completed.

MSL922001 Record and Present data More Information Training.gov Details
MSL933006 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives More Information Training.gov Details
MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety More Information Training.gov Details
MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work More Information Training.gov Details
MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details
MSL913003 Communicate with other people More Information Training.gov Details
Elective Units - Group A

A minimum of four elective units must be selected from Group A elective units. The remaining three units can be chosen from  Group B elective units. Elective units have no specific enrolment order but have to be aligned with unit's availability. Please see the More Details tab for a list of units and the months they are available.

MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973013 Perform basic tests More Information Training.gov Details
MSL933008 Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance More Information Training.gov Details
Elective Units - Group B
The remaining three units can be chosen from Group B elective units. Please note: If you want to upgrade to Cert IV in Laboratory Technique in the near future, select elective units in this group which align with the requirements in Cert IV.
MSL934007 Maintain and control stocks More Information Training.gov Details
MSL904002 Perform standard calibrations More Information Training.gov Details
MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Please refer to the VET Course Planners for the recommended study sequence of this course. Please enrol in your units as per those instructions.

Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Written/Electronic Assessment
Practical Task
Third Party Verification
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

2020 Residential Schools/Workshops

Standard Course Structure

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Mackay Ooralea
Practical Week
Location Mackay Ooralea, 1/G.13 & 14 and 3/G.03-2
Start Date 07/05/2020
End Date 15/05/2020
Start Time 8:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes
Additional Information

You are not required to be at the practical week for the whole time. You are ONLY required to be at the practical week for the date/s of the unit/s you already enrolled for your studying period.

The practical week is designed for you to complete the practical components of all the units in the course. 

Requirements for your attendance at the practical week:

  1. You MUST enrol in the unit
  2. You MUST complete and submit all theoretical assessments (assignment, workbook, exam) one (1) week before the practical day
  3. You MUST read your unit's learning guide, practical manual, practical book one day before your practical day

What do you need to bring with you?

  1. Your PPE such as lab coat, safety glasses. You can purchase those items at CQU Bookshop online
  2. Steel cap shoes or cover toe shoes but not closed cover toe sandals
  3. Your own PC/Laptop
  4. Print out Practical Workplace Observation Check List under assessment section in Moodle for all your units. Complete the front page and sign
  5. Your practical assignment
  6. Permanent pen to write on glassware during your practical class

Domestic 2019 Availabilities

Standard Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
March: Part Time
July: Part Time

Trainee Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2020 Availabilities

Standard Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time

Trainee Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2021 Availabilities

Standard Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time

Trainee Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.
For individual class days and times for each intake please check the TAFE Timetable located here
The availabilities shown above are for the current and future years. To view any historic availabilities please press "Show Historic Availabilities" below:

Show Historic Availabilities
More Details

More Details

Competency-based training can be completed sooner than the stated duration if the required skill levels have been met for each unit under the qualification. Students studying part time may take longer to complete.

v  Standard Course is one year

v  Sugar Stream Students wanting to study outside of the Cane Season Harvest period can apply for early admission into the course in December during Term 3, finishing with a Residential School in May.  Students undertaking the Sugar Stream must note the shorter training period which has been put in place to enable those students who want to complete the qualification in time for the Sugar Cane Seasonal work. This is a full-time study load and students must be prepared for this commitment.  

v  RPL** and Credit Transfer are also available for eligible applicants

Compulsory Attendance – Practical Residential School/s

Attending the practical Residental School at a simulated labratory in Ooralea, CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus is MANDATORY for all students in the course.  Students MUST enrol in the relevant units and FINISH their theory assessment before attending the practical Residential School. 

Mainstream Students: Two one-week compulsory on-campus practical blocks will be held (at the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus) in May and November each year.  The practical components of the course will be delivered and assessed during these practical blocks.  


First Residential School is from 26 May - 04 June 2021

Second Residential School is from 03 November - 12 November 2021

Sugar Stream Students: Two-week compulsory on-campus practical block will be held at the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus in May each year.  The practical components of the course will be delivered and assessed during these practical blocks.  Contact your teacher for the practical residential dates. 

You will be required to register yourself for the practical Residential School on Moodle.  Contact your teacher for more details. 

If you cannot attend the practical Residential School, you MUST contact your teacher prior to the practical Residential School date. 

Enrolment and Residential School Schedule

Below is the timetable for the unit enrolments and the Residential Schools for standard stream students.

*Clustered units MSL973016 and MSL973019.  You are required to enrol in these units together.  


Unit Code/s

Group Number

Unit Enrolment Study Periods

February Intake

 

February Intake

MSMENV272

1

Feb

MSL913003

1

Feb

MSL913004

2

March

MSL943004

2

March

MSL933006 

3

April

MSL922001

3

April

MSL973016*

4

May

MSL973019*

4

May

Residential School (26/5 – 4/6 2021)

MSL933008 

5

July

MSL934007 

6

August

MSL954004

6

August

MSL904002

7

September

MSL973013 

8

October

July Intake

 

July Intake

                   MSMENV272

1

July

MSL913003

1

July

MSL913004

2

August

MSL943004

2

August

MSL933006 

3

September

MSL922001

3

September

MSL973016

4

October

MSL973019

4

October

MSL933008 

5

November

Residential School (3/11 -12/11/2021)                               

MSL954004

6

Feb-22

MSL934007 

7

Mar-22

MSL904002

8

Apr-22

MSL973013 

9

May-22


Is what I already know taken into account?

Yes. Your history of study, skills and experience does matter. Consideration is given to your prior life and work experiences as well as formal and informal training. This may be applied using the national standard for Mutual Recognition or through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Documentary evidence will be requested. 

What else might I find useful?

Financial assistance with fees may be available through concessions or via ‘Time to Pay’ payment plan. This and other information such as student support, study and library assistance can be found at https://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life