Duration
2 Years½ Day/Week
Location
Geelong CityPlacement
RecommendedScored
Yes
Entry requirements
- Attending a secondary school.
- Applicants are required to be aged 15 years and over.
- Literacy and numeracy level equivalent to the successful completion of Year 9*.
*Students selecting this course are recommended to be studying complimentary science subjects at school; Biology and/or Chemistry and a General maths subject.
- Review the personal learning requirements essential to this course and discuss with your school VET Coordinator before you apply.
You will learn
- Learn industry procedures for sample collection, laboratory solution preparation and microbiological techniques.
- Gain hands-on experience with equipment in microbiology, chemistry and general-purpose laboratories.
- Develop knowledge of work health and safety practices in a laboratory setting.
- Understand the importance of quality systems in ensuring precise and dependable laboratory test results.
Course outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive:
- Recognition of up to two VCE VET units at Units 1 and 2 level, and a VCE VET Units 3 and 4 sequence.
- ATAR contribution: if you undertake scored assessment, the study score can contribute directly to the ATAR, either as one of your best four studies (the primary four) or as a fifth or sixth study increment.
- Certificate III in Laboratory Skills qualification.
Dress code and course materials
- Lap tops own or borrowed from library
- Excel software
- ScientificCalculators
- Stationary
Assessment is based on
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Portfolio (work samples)
- Product (reports, projects, role plays etc.)
Further study options
- Certificate IV in Laboratory Skills
- Diploma of Laboratory Technology
- Bachelor of Science
Applications and attendance
How to apply
You must first speak to your school about VETDSS before proceeding with the below application.
- Watch our how to apply video.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit VDSS - How to apply.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 VET Full Year Geelong City Campus |
Open: 6 Aug 2026 Close: 15 Mar 2027 |
Class Day | Part Time | Intake Only for Gordon VCE Student | Apply |
| 2027 VET Full Year Geelong City Campus |
Open: 6 Aug 2026 Close: 15 Mar 2027 |
Class Day | Part Time | Delivered Geelong City Campus | Apply |
Unfortunately we cannot always guarantee you will secure a place in your selected course. We recommend you apply early.
Units
| Year 1 Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply communication skills | BSBCMM211 | 40 |
| Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety | MSL943004 | 40 |
| Plan and conduct laboratory/field work | MSL913004 | 40 |
| Record and present data | MSL922002 | 40 |
| Year 1 Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Collect routine site samples | MSL952003 | 30 |
| Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose | MSL933005 | 30 |
| Perform basic tests | MSL973025 | 60 |
| Receive and prepare samples for testing | MSL953005 | 30 |
| Year 2 Core Units | Code | Hours |
| Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | MSL933009 | 30 |
| Year 2 Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Perform microscopic examination | MSL973028 | 40 |
| Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination | MSL973027 | 40 |
| Prepare culture media | MSL973015 | 30 |
| Prepare working solutions | MSL973026 | 50 |
Please note that the electives listed are those delivered by the Gordon but you may not be required to complete all of these to successfully complete this qualification. In order to clarify what is required to complete this qualification, please check https://training.gov.au/Home/Tga