courses/

MSL30118 - Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

DurationThere are multiple durations. Please refer to Course Structure below.
Location
Mackay and Mixed Mode
Study modeMixed Mode
Total units13
Fee-Free TAFE course for eligible applicants in 2023.

Overview

Laboratory technicians are the backbone of the scientific world. If you are looking to don the white coat and start your scientific journey, this course may be for you. This course is part of Fee-Free TAFE it's funded by the Queensland Government in partnership with the Australian Government.

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 a compulsory on-campus residential school (practical component). Please see the 'Where and When' and 'More Details' tabs for further information.



This is a nationally recognised accredited course.

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  • rahimi-rezvan.jpg
    “
    The staff have been very helpful. I enjoyed the hands-on practical component and I would highly recommend this course, it really prepares you for working in a laboratory.

    Rezvan Rahimi

    Certificate III in Laboratory Skills, Iran

Career Opportunities

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

Structure & Availability

Standard Course Structure

Duration:

12 months full-time, 24 months part-time


Core

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL913003Communicate with other people
MSL913004Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL933006Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
MSL922001Record and Present data

Elective Units - Group A

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL933008Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973019Perform microscopic examination

Elective Units - Group B

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL934007Maintain and control stocks
MSL904002Perform standard calibrations

Cluster 1

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL913003Communicate with other people
MSL913004Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

Cluster 2

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL933006Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
MSL922001Record and Present data

Cluster 3

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan

Cluster 4

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL934007Maintain and control stocks
MSL904002Perform standard calibrations

Cluster 5

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL933008Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973019Perform microscopic examination

Sugar Industry Course Structure

Duration:

12 months full-time, 24 months part-time


Core

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL913003Communicate with other people
MSL913004Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL933006Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
MSL922001Record and Present data

Elective Units - Group A

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL973014Prepare working solutions
MSL953003Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL933008Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
MSL933005Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose

Elective Units - Group B

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL912001Work within a laboratory or field workplace (induction)
MSL952001Collect routine site samples
MSL952002Handle and transport samples or equipment

Cluster 1

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL913003Communicate with other people
MSL913004Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

Cluster 2

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL933006Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
MSL922001Record and Present data

Cluster 3

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL952001Collect routine site samples
MSL973014Prepare working solutions

Cluster 4

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL912001Work within a laboratory or field workplace (induction)
MSL952002Handle and transport samples or equipment
MSL953003Receive and prepare samples for testing

Cluster 5

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL933005Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose
MSL933008Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

Trainee Course Structure

Duration:

12 - 24 months part-time


Core Units

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL913004Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL922001Record and Present data
MSL913003Communicate with other people
MSL933006Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

Elective Units - Group A

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniques
MSL933008Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL973019Perform microscopic examination

Elective Units - Group B

Unit CodeUnit Name
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL904002Perform standard calibrations
MSL934007Maintain and control stocks

Standard Course Structure

IntakeLocations
February, 2023Mixed Mode, Mackay
July, 2023Mixed Mode, Mackay

Sugar Industry Course Structure

IntakeLocations
February, 2023Mixed Mode, Mackay
July, 2023Mixed Mode, Mackay
Standard Course Structure
Mackay - Cohort 2 July 2022 commencements only
LocationMackay Ooralea
RoomMKY 03/G.03-2
Start Date12/04/2023
End Date18/04/2023
Start Time9:00 AM
End Time5:00 PM
CompulsoryYes

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 into all of the course units prior to attendance at the residential school
  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 or a digital device (e.g. Ipad)
  4. A calculator 
  5. Ensure you have access to 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. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure you bring a fine tip permanent marker to write on glassware during your practical class
Mackay - Cohort 1 February 2023 commencements only
LocationMackay Ooralea
RoomMKY 03/G.03-2
Start Date31/10/2023
End Date06/11/2023
Start Time9:00 AM
End Time5:00 PM
CompulsoryYes

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 into all of the course units prior to attendance at the residential school
  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 or a digital device (e.g. Ipad)
  4. A calculator 
  5. Ensure you have access to 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. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure you bring a fine tip permanent marker to write on glassware during your practical class

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.

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
Fee for service$5,018
Fee for service per unit$386
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit$30
Co-Contribution Fee$1,014
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee$520
Co-Contribution Fee per unit$78
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit$40

This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply. 

Queensland Government subsidies are available for eligible applicants to greatly reduce the cost of apprentice and trainee training.

User Choice funding provides a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Free apprenticeships for under 25s will cover the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new apprentice or trainee, or already have an existing apprentice or trainee aged under 25. Find out more.

For further information please refer to the VET student fees price lists, eligibility criteria applies for subsidised funding. If you are unsure, please call us on 13 27 86.

At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more. 

How to apply

Step 1: Get a Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Visit usi.gov.au to create a USI or find an existing one.

Step 2: Prepare your eligibility documentation

So that we can assess your application and eligibility for Government funding options, you’ll need to upload documentation as part of your application. You will need to provide confirmation of identity with the following documentation: 

  • Queensland Residency and Date of Birth. (e.g. Queensland Driver’s License photo must be of the back and front of the license)
  • Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency (e.g. Medicare Card or Birth Certificate)

For further information on eligible documentation, visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

To fast-track your application, make sure you provide a clear photo showing all the information and upload it with your application.

Step 3: Apply Online

Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way, call us on 13 27 86.

Click on the Apply button below to start your application.

Apply Now