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MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Next intake

February 2025

Location

Geelong City Campus

Duration

Full-time: 1 Year

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.  

Information sessions


5:00pm
Auditorium (H1.03)
Geelong City

Possible career outcomes

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

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.

Intake Applications Attendance Classes  
2025 February
Geelong City Campus
Open: 1 Aug 2024
Close: 1 Feb 2025
Class Day Full Time Mon9am-4.30pm, Tue9am-4pm & Thurs9am-4pm Apply

Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.

Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.

An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.

Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.

Entrance requirements

  • Applicants are expected to have literacy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3 and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 4.
  • 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.

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.

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.

Units & assessments

Core Units Code Hours
Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes MSL934009 80
Maintain instruments and equipment MSL934008 60
Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety MSL944002 50
Process and interpret data MSL924005 70
Elective Units Code Hours
Apply communication skills BSBCMM211 40
Perform biological procedures MSL974034 130
Perform chemical tests and procedures MSL974032 100
Perform food tests MSL974033 100
Perform histological procedures MSL973029 40
Perform microscopic examination MSL973028 40
Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination MSL973027 40
Prepare culture media MSL973015 30
Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations MSL914002 60
Prepare, standardise and use solutions MSL974031 100
Receive and prepare samples for testing MSL953005 30
Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples MSL954006 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:

  • Questioning 
  • Observations and practical demonstrations 
  • Portfolio (work samples) 
  • Product (reports, projects, role plays etc) 

Fees

Fees Rate Unit Indicative Course Hours Indicative Tuition Indicative Gov Total
Concession Tuition AUD $0.69 per hour 1070 AUD $738.00 AUD $13,965.00
Standard Tuition AUD $3.44 per hour 1070 AUD $3,681.00 AUD $13,965.00
Full Fee Tuition AUD $14.43 per hour 1070 AUD $15,440.00
Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee
Resources AUD $480.00 Charged at enrolment
Education Levy AUD $160.50 Charged at enrolment
Materials AUD $690.00 Once charged at enrolment

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

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

Further study options

  • MSL50122 Diploma of Laboratory Technology

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.