Course History

Please note that the information shown below is for an obsolete version of the course. Please select the 'Next Version' button to view more relevant data

Version Effective: 4th of September, 2023 Next Version
Version Effective: 4th of September, 2023

MSL40122 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Course Details

Course Summary

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 production 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.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements exist at the time of publication.


Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Technology.

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 $6,784.00 (2024)
$7,008.00 (2025)
Subsidised Full Fee $2,000.00 (2024)
$2,032.00 (2025)
Subsidised Concession Fee $560.00 (2024)
$560.00 (2025)
Fee for service per unit $424.00 (2024)
$438.00 (2025)
Subsidised full fee per unit $125.00 (2024)
$127.00 (2025)
RPL Fee for service per Unit $212.00 (2024)
$329.00 (2025)
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 4: Certificate IV

Admission Codes

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

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

This qualification reflects the role of workers who perform a range of laboratory techniques, 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.

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 4 core units
  2. Complete 12 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

1 - 2 years

  • Mixed Mode
Cluster 1
MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes More Information Training.gov Details
MSL954007 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan More Information Training.gov Details
MSL974031 Prepare, standardise and use solutions More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 2
MSL973025 Perform basic tests More Information Training.gov Details
MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment More Information Training.gov Details
MSL904003 Perform standard calibrations More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 3
MSL953005 Receive and prepare samples for testing More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973026 Prepare working solutions More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 4
MSL934010 Maintain and control stocks More Information Training.gov Details
MSL924006 Use laboratory application software More Information Training.gov Details
MSL924005 Process and interpret data More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 5
MSL974032 Perform chemical tests and procedures More Information Training.gov Details
MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety More Information Training.gov Details
MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

For the following units, you may choose your own order of study, while taking into account pre-requisite requirements and the unit availability.
Unit Code Unit Name
MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL954007 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL974031 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL973025 Perform basic tests
MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment
MSL904003 Perform standard calibrations
MSL953005 Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination
MSL973026 Prepare working solutions
MSL934010 Maintain and control stocks
MSL924006 Use laboratory application software
MSL924005 Process and interpret data
MSL974032 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

Trainee

1 - 2 years

  • Mixed Mode
Core
MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes More Information Training.gov Details
MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment More Information Training.gov Details
MSL924005 Process and interpret data More Information Training.gov Details
MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety More Information Training.gov Details
Elective

MSL973027 and MSL973028 are clustered units and must be enrolled in together.

MSL954007 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan More Information Training.gov Details
MSL974031 Prepare, standardise and use solutions More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973025 Perform basic tests More Information Training.gov Details
MSL904003 Perform standard calibrations More Information Training.gov Details
MSL953005 Receive and prepare samples for testing More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973026 Prepare working solutions More Information Training.gov Details
MSL934010 Maintain and control stocks More Information Training.gov Details
MSL924006 Use laboratory application software More Information Training.gov Details
MSL974032 Perform chemical tests and procedures More Information Training.gov Details
MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

For the following units, you may choose your own order of study, while taking into account pre-requisite requirements and the unit availability.
Unit Code Unit Name
MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment
MSL924005 Process and interpret data
MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL954007 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL974031 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL973025 Perform basic tests
MSL904003 Perform standard calibrations
MSL953005 Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination
MSL973026 Prepare working solutions
MSL934010 Maintain and control stocks
MSL924006 Use laboratory application software
MSL974032 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

RPL Course Structure

RPL only

  • RPL/RCC/Credit
Core
MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes More Information Training.gov Details
MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment More Information Training.gov Details
MSL924005 Process and interpret data More Information Training.gov Details
MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety More Information Training.gov Details
Elective

MSL973027 and MSL973028 are clustered units. RPL can only be granted if the student has achieved competency for both units.

MSL954007 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan More Information Training.gov Details
MSL974031 Prepare, standardise and use solutions More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973025 Perform basic tests More Information Training.gov Details
MSL904003 Perform standard calibrations More Information Training.gov Details
MSL953005 Receive and prepare samples for testing More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination More Information Training.gov Details
MSL973026 Prepare working solutions More Information Training.gov Details
MSL934010 Maintain and control stocks More Information Training.gov Details
MSL924006 Use laboratory application software More Information Training.gov Details
MSL974032 Perform chemical tests and procedures More Information Training.gov Details
MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

For the following units, you may choose your own order of study, while taking into account pre-requisite requirements and the unit availability.
Unit Code Unit Name
MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment
MSL924005 Process and interpret data
MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL954007 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL974031 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL973025 Perform basic tests
MSL904003 Perform standard calibrations
MSL953005 Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination
MSL973026 Prepare working solutions
MSL934010 Maintain and control stocks
MSL924006 Use laboratory application software
MSL974032 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

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
RPL
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

Domestic 2024 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
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time

Trainee

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

RPL 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
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.

Please check with your teacher prior to booking travel and accommodation to ensure you will be required for the full residential school duration. 

 

Mackay Ooralea Campus - Cohort 2 July 2023 continuing students only

Start date: 09/04/2024  End date: 17/04/2024

9am – 5pm

 

Mackay Ooralea Campus - Cohort 1 February 2024 commencements only

Start date: 29/10/2024  End date: 06/11/2024

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.
  • Ensure you have access to the relevant learning materials (printed copies) 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