| Duration | Please refer to Course Structure below. |
| Next intake | February, 2025 |
| Study mode | Mixed Mode |
| Total units | 13 |
Overview
The Certificate III in Laboratory Skills aims to offer students a professional pathway towards a successful career in laboratory sciences. Helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in laboratory spaces.
This qualification reflects the role of workers who perform a limited range of laboratory operations and is the entry-level qualification required for laboratory personnel across all industry sectors. Job roles include laboratory technicians, instrument operators and similar personnel.
Laboratory technicians perform straightforward laboratory work involving a predictable flow of parallel or similar tasks, usually within one scientific discipline. They follow set procedures and recipes using well- developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. Technicians generally work inside a laboratory but may also perform technical tasks in the field or within production plants. They may also perform laboratory maintenance and office tasks.
Laboratory technicians:
- perform straightforward technical tasks to prepare and test samples using relevant procedures, Australian Standards and readily available advice. These tasks generally require close attention to detail and to the accuracy and precision of measurements. They may require the use of manual or semi-automated techniques
- operate test equipment and instruments and make limited adjustments to their controls
- process and record data and recognise trends and out of control conditions
- solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited and apparent
- work under close and regular supervision, although they may have autonomy for specific tasks and responsibility for their own outputs
- take decisions within defined limits of responsibility
- work as part of a team.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
This is a nationally recognised accredited course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
This qualification reflects the role of workers who perform a limited range of laboratory operations and is the entry-level qualification required for laboratory personnel across all industry sectors. Job roles include laboratory technicians, instrument operators and similar personnel.
Structure & Availability
Standard Course
Duration:1 - 2 Years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
| MSL904003 | Perform standard calibrations |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
| MSL934010 | Maintain and control stocks |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
Sugar Industry Course
Duration:1 - 2 Years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL913004 | Plan and conduct laboratory/field work |
| MSL943004 | Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety |
| MSL952003 | Collect routine site samples |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL912002 | Work within a laboratory or field workplace |
| MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL952004 | Handle and transport samples or equipment |
| MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| MSL922002 | Record and present data |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL974032 | Perform chemical tests and procedures |
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
Duration:8 Months
For students who have successfully completed MSL20118/MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement at CQUniversity.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination |
| MSL953005 | Receive and prepare samples for testing |
| MSL973025 | Perform basic tests |
| MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination |
Sugar Industry Course
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| March, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
Standard Course
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
STN pathway (year 12 students) with compulsory residential school
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
Standard Course
| Mackay - Cohort 2 2023 Continuing Students only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mackay Ooralea |
| Room | Building 3/G.03-1 |
| Start Date | 09/04/2024 |
| End Date | 17/04/2024 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Please check with your teacher prior to booking your travel and accommodation. Depending on your previous completions, some students may not be required to attend for the full duration. | |
| Mackay - Cohort 1 February 2024 commencements only | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mackay Ooralea |
| Room | Building 3/G.03-1 |
| Start Date | 29/10/2024 |
| End Date | 06/11/2024 |
| Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| End Time | 5:00 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Please check with your teacher prior to booking your travel and accommodation. Depending on your previous completions, some students may not be required to attend for the full duration. | |
Requirements
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.
There are no training package entry requirements for MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills mainstream students. However, STN pathway students (year 12) are required to have successfully completed MSL20118 or MSL20122 at CQUniversity. Mainstream and STN pathway students (year 12) enrolling in this course must attend the compulsory residential schools on the dates specified.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government subsidies, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee, will require the individual to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee. Government subsidies are subject to eligibility.
The fee will vary based on the course chosen and the eligibility of the student for a concession rate. The co-contribution fee represents the total cost to the student for tuition. There are other costs that the student may have to pay, including but not limited to uniforms and course resources. This will vary depending on the training. If you are required to pay Co-Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying 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 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
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your application options
Follow these steps
Start Your Application
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 with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
