Course History

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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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

The COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory to be eligible to attend a WIL placement for this course. Students will be required to provide evidence of having completed a COVID-19 vaccination schedule by the closing date prior to a WIL placement. The vaccine received must be a vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia.

Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $5,018.00 (2023)
Subsidised Full Fee $1,014.00 (2023)
Subsidised Concession Fee $520.00 (2023)
Fee for service per unit $386.00 (2023)
Subsidised full fee per unit $78.00 (2023)
TAFE Priority Training Program fee per unit $30.00 (2023)
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

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*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.

2022 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
Mackay - Cohort 2 July 2021 commencements only
Location Mackay Ooralea, MKY 03/G.03-1 , MKY 03/G.03-2
Start Date 31/05/2022
End Date 08/06/2022
Start Time 8:00 AM
End Time 5:00 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 read your unit's learning guide, practical manual, practical book 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. You must wear fully enclosed shoes in the laboratory at all times. Please see examples in the 'More details' page of this handbook. 
  3. Your own PC/Laptop
  4. A calculator
  5. Ensure you have the relevant learning materials e.g. Laboratory manual, practical assessments, observation check sheets) with you. Further details as to what learning materials you will need will be available in the Assessment section of Moodle, for each unit.
  6. A fine tip permanent marker to write on glassware during your practical class

Mackay - Cohort 1 February 2022 commencements only
Location Mackay Ooralea, MKY 03/G.03-1 , MKY 03/G.03-2
Start Date 02/11/2022
End Date 11/11/2022
Start Time 8:00 AM
End Time 5:00 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 read your unit's learning guide, practical manual, practical book 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. You must wear fully enclosed shoes in the laboratory at all times. Please see examples in the 'More details' page of this handbook. 
  3. Your own PC/Laptop
  4. A calculator 
  5. Ensure you have the relevant learning materials e.g. Laboratory manual, practical assessments, observation check sheets) with you. Further details as to what learning materials you will need will be available in the Assessment section of Moodle, for each unit.
  6. A fine tip permanent marker 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.

Domestic 2022 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
July: Full Time

Trainee Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2023 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

Compulsory Attendance - Residential Schools

Attending the practical Residential Schools at a simulated laboratory at CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus is MANDATORY for all students in the course. The practical week is designed for you to complete the practical components of all the units in the course.

Mackay Ooralea Campus - Cohort 2 July 2022 commencements only

Start date: 12/04/2023  End date: 18/04/2023

9am – 5pm

Mackay Ooralea Campus - Cohort 1 February 2023 commencements only

Start date: 31/10/2023  End date: 06/11/2023

9am – 5pm

Requirements for your attendance at the practical week:

  • You MUST enrol into all of the course units as outlined in the course planner, prior to attendance at the residential school.
  • You MUST read your unit's learning guide and assessment material prior to attending the residential school sessions. 
  • It is also advised that students bring a printed copy of the assessments with them to the residential school for reference. 

What do you need to bring with you?

  • Your PPE such as lab coat, safety glasses. You can purchase those items at CQU Bookshop online.
  • Permanent pen to write on glassware during your practical class.
  • You must wear fully enclosed shoes in the laboratory at all times.
  • Your own PC/Laptop or a digital device (e.g. Ipad)
  • Ensure you have access to the relevant learning materials e.g. Laboratory manual, practical assessments, observation check sheets) with you. See the Moodle unit site for further details.  

Contact Us

To apply, or to find out more about this course, contact the Student Advice Team on 13 27 86.

 

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 experience as well as formal and informal training.  This may be applied for through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/study-information/credit-transfer-and-rpl/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 www.cqu.edu.au/student-life