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MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques~

Laboratory Technology

Next intake January 2024
LocationsGeelong City Campus
DurationFull-time: 12 months

Course description

If you’re looking for a hands-on science course that will make you job-ready, our laboratory techniques course is ideal.

The course will equip you to successfully enter the pathology, biotechnology, biological and environmental sector, or related science industries. The course teaches you fundamental theory and practice in a variety of laboratory techniques. In addition to the technical skills, you also learn to apply quality, WHS and sustainability skills to the workplace. Areas of study include microbiology, chemistry, food testing, histology testing, data management and communication.

~ This course is in transition.

The course code, title, units and content may change in future. Further information will be provided on The Gordon website, upon enrolment and/or during the course of your training.

Possible career outcomes

  • Laboratory Assistant – in Industry
  • Laboratory Assistant – in a School
  • Laboratory Technician

Wondering if this industry will suit you?

We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.


Applications & attendance

How to apply

  1. Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
  2. Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.

If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.

IntakeApplicationsAttendanceClassesDuration 
2024 January
Geelong City Campus Open: 1 Aug 2023
Close: 12 Jan 2024 Class DayStart: 29 Jan 2024
Mon, Tues & Thurs - 9am to 4pm
 Full-time: 12 months  Apply  

 

Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessment activities outside class time. This will be different for each course and will depend on a student’s level of skill and experience.

Class days and times in the above table are indicative. Prior to course commencement, changes may be necessary. Follow the link for more information on Attendance mode definitions. When you submit your application, please make sure you answer all the questions. Only successful applicants with complete applications will receive an offer. We issue offers as soon as possible. Follow the link for more information on Offer timing.

Many courses have limited places and high demand. We may close an intake before the date above. We recommend you apply early. If student numbers are insufficient we may cancel an intake or a course.

  • Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3.

  • You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.

Pre-training review

Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills .

In order to prepare for your LLN, you may wish to attempt some practise tests in which you will find similar questions (with solutions too). These practice tests are not VSL approved but may be similar in question type and level of difficulty to what may be asked in the VSL approved LLN. Click here for practice tests. Please note, the VSL approved LLN cannot be resat within 3 months of undertaking it.

Personal Learning Requirements

There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.

Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.

Selection mode

Core Units Code Hours
Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes MSL934006 80
Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment MSL934004 60
Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety MSL944002 50
Process and interpret data MSL924003 70
Receive and prepare samples for testing MSL953003 30
Elective Units Code Hours
Perform aseptic techniques MSL973016 40
Perform biological procedures MSL974021 130
Perform chemical tests and procedures MSL974019 100
Perform food tests MSL974020 100
Perform histological procedures MSL973020 40
Perform microscopic examination MSL973019 40
Prepare culture media MSL973015 30
Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations MSL914002 60
Prepare standardise and use solutions MSL974017 100
Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples MSL954003 100

 

Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.

Assessment is based on:

  • Hands-on projects
  • Written assignments
  • Team projects

This course is eligible for Free TAFE!

Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply. Follow the link for further information and to check the eligibility criteria.

FeesRateUnitIndicative Course HoursIndicative Tuition Payable by StudentMax. Indicative Government Subsidy Total
Concession Tuition AUD $0.67 per hour 1030 AUD $690.00 AUD $13,965.00
Standard Tuition AUD $3.34 per hour 1030 AUD $3,440.00 AUD $13,965.00
Full Fee Tuition AUD $14.43 per hour 1030 AUD $14,863.00

Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee

Materials AUD $690.00 Once
Resources AUD $300.00
Education Levy AUD $154.50

 

All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.

Which fee will I pay?

Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.

Fee help and student loans

VET Student Loans are available for eligible students for tuition fees ONLY.
The current years maximum VET Student Loan Course Cap is $

Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.

  • MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology
  • Bachelor of Science

Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.

Date published: 20/11/2023 4:16:02 PM
MSL40118-Certificate-IV-in-Laboratory-Techniques