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Certificate III in Laboratory Skills MSL30118
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Overview

This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a limited range of laboratory operations across all industry sectors.

This course is in transition. You may be transferred to a replacement course in 2024.

Qualification:

 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills MSL30118

Course No:

 C3-HS31

Campus:

 CIT Bruce 

Duration:

 1 semester full-time (approx. 20 hours per week) OR part-time equivalent.

Cost Info:

Enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. The total course cost may vary depending on the choice of elective subjects or if subjects are attempted more than once. Subject costs identified as Standard are partially subsidised by the ACT Government. Concessions may be available to eligible students.

Indicative Cost:

 $2,046

Likely Job Outcome:

 Laboratory assistant in a variety of industry settings eg food industry, pathology laboratory, schools.

Application Type:

 Standard
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Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.

Additional Information

A materials fee of $420 applies to this course.

Skills Recognition

Entry Requirements

ACT Year 12 or equivalent. If you do not have a Year 12 qualification (or equivalent) you will be asked to attend an informal interview to evaluate your ability to succeed in the course.

To study any course at CIT (excluding degrees and non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 13 subjects

Core: Complete all 6

  • MSMENV272   Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    • CIT Code: ENVI143
      Cost: Standard $65.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with environmental regulations, identify environment issues and minimise the risks of negative impact on work and carry out improvements in own work area. This unit applies to operators and team members who are required to follow procedures to work in an environmentally sustainable manner. This unit applies to all sectors of the manufacturing industry and members of its value chain. It may also be applied to all sections of an organisation, including office and warehouse. This unit will need to be contextualised for the industry sector, organisation and section. This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL913003   Communicate with other people
    • CIT Code: LABT247
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to receive and pass on written and oral messages, provide relevant information in response to requests within timelines and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL913004   Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
    • CIT Code: LABT248
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities.This unit of competency applies to instrument operators, laboratory assistants and technical assistants working in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL933006   Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
    • CIT Code: LABT253
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to apply quality principles to laboratory/field work to achieve quality outcomes.This unit of competency apples to samplers/testers, production operators and laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. These personnel have roles and responsibilities within the workplace's quality system which are set out in quality manuals and workplace procedures.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL922001   Record and present data
    • CIT Code: MATH175
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the ability to record and store data, perform simple calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs. The unit of competency requires personnel to solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited or apparent. This unit of competency is applicable to production operators, field assistants and laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL943004   Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
    • CIT Code: LABT261
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety. This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete minimum 4

  • MSL933005   Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose
    • CIT Code: LABT252
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to clean laboratory work surfaces, clean and store laboratory equipment and monitor laboratory stocks under direct supervision.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. It forms a major part of the work of laboratory assistants, who work in accordance with work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) which incorporate all relevant aspects of work health and safety (WHS) legislation and the codes, guidelines, regulations and Australian Standards applying to environmental hazards and dangerous goods.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973013   Perform basic tests
    • CIT Code: LABT268
      Cost: Standard $194.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare samples and perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily available advice from supervisors. This unit of competency applies to laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. In general, they do not calibrate equipment and make only limited adjustments to the controls. They do not interpret or analyse results or troubleshoot equipment problems.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973014   Prepare working solutions
    • CIT Code: LABT269
      Cost: Standard $172.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks of solutions are suitable for use. Working solutions include those required to perform laboratory tests. Personnel are required to calculate quantities and make dilutions.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973016   Perform aseptic techniques
    • CIT Code: LABT271
      Cost: Standard $191.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973019   Perform microscopic examination
    • CIT Code: LABT274
      Cost: Standard $139.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics. This unit of competency applies to laboratory or technical assistants in all industry sectors. The unit of competency covers limited interpretation and analysis of results. Troubleshooting of equipment and procedures is not required.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL953003   Receive and prepare samples for testing
    • CIT Code: LABT263
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to log samples, check sample documentation, and schedule and prepare samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures. This unit does not include testing, tissue processing or similar techniques.This unit of competency applies to field and laboratory assistants in all industry sectors who receive and prepare samples as part/all of their job in a sample reception area.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973020   Perform histological procedures
    • CIT Code: LABT275
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) of plant and/or animal tissues in paraffin wax. This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants working in biomedical, biotechnology, environmental and education sectors. Personnel will work under direct supervision and have ready access to workplace procedures. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete maximum 3

  • MSL934006   Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
    • CIT Code: LABT257
      Cost: Standard $176.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to exercise good laboratory practice (GLP) and effective participation in quality improvement teams. Personnel are required to ensure the quality and integrity of their own work, detect non-conformances and work with others to suggest improvements in productivity and quality.This unit of competency applies to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors who contribute to quality improvements in areas or processes associated with their own job function and/or specialisation. This unit of competency is relevant to experienced technical officers who may work individually or as part of a team.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL974021   Perform biological procedures
    • CIT Code: LABT285
      Cost: Standard $440.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, and perform routine biological procedures. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify organisms and biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and/or chemical characteristics. This unit includes interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures.This unit of competency applies to technical assistants working in the biomedical, environmental, biotechnology and education industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL924003   Process and interpret data
    • CIT Code: LABT250
      Cost: Standard $154.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL944002   Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
    • CIT Code: LABT262
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to monitor and maintain work health and safety (WHS) within a work area where the person has supervisory responsibility for others. This unit applies to laboratory technicians, senior technicians and laboratory managers in all industry sectors. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL974017   Prepare, standardise and use solutions
    • CIT Code: LABT280
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare, standardise and monitor the quality of solutions.This unit of competency applies to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL974019   Perform chemical tests and procedures
    • CIT Code: LABT282
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes basic data processing and interpretation of results.This unit applies to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL924004   Use laboratory application software
    • CIT Code: LABT251
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to use and apply computer software for analysing and reporting in the laboratory, field and/or production plants.This unit of competency applies to technical officers and laboratory technicians in all industry sectors. It describes the application and use of software packages, this software would be for the storage, retrieval, analysis and display of information. There is no expectation that candidates would be able to customise the software to meet specific needs. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Certificate IV Laboratory Techniques MSL40118

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au