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MSL40118 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Are you looking to extend your laboratory skills? Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of laboratory techniques, and conduct tests and sampling applicable to a variety of industries by completing the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

DOMESTIC
STUDY MODES

Mixed Mode

DURATION

There are multiple durations. Please refer to Course Structure below.

AVAILABILITY

Mackay, Mixed Mode

UNITS/CREDITS

15 units

JOB PROSPECTS

This qualification offers entry-level technical training across a range of employment outcomes including laboratory technician, instrument operator. Depending on unit selections, industry sector specialisations include environmental monitoring, food testing, mineral assaying.

This qualification reflects the role of workers who perform a range of laboratory techniques, including manual, semi-automated and fully automated, to collect and prepare samples in a laboratory. They conduct a wide range of basic, and limited range of specialist tests across a variety of industry sectors. Workers may be required to assist other personnel to solve technical problems and to adjust formulations and product mixes. They may also train them to collect samples and conduct basic tests reliably.

Workers have responsibility for their own outputs according to established procedures. Work is carried out according to established procedures often under the direction and supervision of laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals. Work is normally subject to frequent progress and quality checks.

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

This is a nationally recognised accredited course.

Standard Course Structure

Duration:

up to 18 months full-time

24 months part-time.

Core
MSL924003Process and interpret data
MSL944002Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL934004Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
MSL934006Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL953003Receive and prepare samples for testing
Elective
MSMENV472Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL973019Perform microscopic examination
MSL974019Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniques
MSL974017Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL934007Maintain and control stocks
MSL904002Perform standard calibrations
MSL924004Use laboratory application software

Trainee Course Structure

Duration:

18 months full time

24 months part-time

Core
MSL953003Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL944002Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL934006Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL934004Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
MSL924003Process and interpret data
Elective
MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSMENV472Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL973013Perform basic tests
MSL934007Maintain and control stocks
MSL904002Perform standard calibrations
MSL974019Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL973016Perform aseptic techniques
MSL974017Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL954004Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL973019Perform microscopic examination
MSL924004Use laboratory application software
MSL974022Undertake environmental field-based monitoring
MSL943004Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

Standard Course Structure

2023 FebruaryMixed Mode, Mackay
2023 JulyMixed Mode, Mackay
Work-integrated learning does not apply to this course.

Standard Course Structure

Mackay Cohort 2 July 2022 commencements only
CampusMackay Ooralea
RoomMKY 03/G.03-2
Start Date12/04/2023
End Date20/04/2023
Start Time9:00 AM
End Time5:00 PM
CompulsoryYes
Additional Information

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:

You MUST enrol into all of the course units prior to attendance at the residential schoolYou MUST read your unit's learning guide, practical manual, practical book before your practical day

What do you need to bring with you?

Your PPE such as lab coat, safety glasses. You can purchase those items at CQU Bookshop onlineYou must wear fully enclosed shoes in the laboratory at all times. Please see examples in the 'More details' page of this handbook. Your own PC/Laptop or a digital device (e.g. Ipad)A calculator 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.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
CampusMackay Ooralea
Room MKY 03/G.03-2
Start Date31/10/2023
End Date08/11/2023
Start Time9:00 AM
End Time5:00 PM
CompulsoryYes
Additional Information

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:

You MUST enrol into all of the course units prior to attendance at the residential schoolYou MUST read your unit's learning guide, practical manual, practical book before your practical day

What do you need to bring with you?

Your PPE such as lab coat, safety glasses. You can purchase those items at CQU Bookshop onlineYou must wear fully enclosed shoes in the laboratory at all times. Please see examples in the 'More details' page of this handbook. Your own PC/Laptop or a digital device (e.g. Ipad)A calculator 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.VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure you bring a fine tip permanent marker to write on glassware during your practical class

There are no entry requirements for MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. It is strongly advised that students not currently working in industry complete MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills prior to enrolling into MSL40118.

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.

This qualification offers entry-level technical training across a range of employment outcomes including laboratory technician, instrument operator. Depending on unit selections, industry sector specialisations include environmental monitoring, food testing, mineral assaying.

Professional recognition is not applicable to this course.
Fee for service$6,460.00 (2023)
Subsidised full fee$1,870.00 (2023)
Subsidised concession fee$510.00 (2023)
Fee for service per unit$380.00 (2023)
Subsidised full fee per unit$110.00 (2023)
Subsidised concession fee per unit$30.00 (2023)
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit$23.80 (2023)
JobTrainer$391.00 (2023)
JobTrainer fee per unit$23.00 (2023)

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.

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