MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

National ID
MSL30118
WA Course Code
BDV6
CRICOS code
099965F
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Why choose this course?

Turn your love of science into a career in laboratory technology with this qualification.

Learn the essential laboratory skills required to carry out recording and measurement of results and assist in the collection and preparation of samples.

During your studies you will gain the skills to maintain a laboratory, to undertake routine sampling and testing and record data using a variety of specialised laboratory computing programs. This course can provide you with a hands on career in a number of industries including food technology, pathology, schools and trades.

After completing this course, you will have the foundation skills to continue into MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

Career opportunities

  • Field Assistant
  • Instrument Operator
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Sampler and Tester

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 10.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Please refer to the Non-Tuition Fees section of your Letter of Offer for any additional requirements where a cost may be incurred.

Your study options

Semester 2, 2023

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 2, 2023
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $6,240
  • Resources fee: $425
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however this course is mostly delivered in a simulated laboratory setting with organised field trips to sampling sites and workplaces.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 13 units. These 13 are comprised of 6 core units and 7 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL913003 Communicate with other people
  • MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
  • MSL922001 Record and present data
  • MSL933006 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
  • MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL914002 Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
  • MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing
  • MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
  • MSL973013 Perform basic tests
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL973022 Conduct laboratory based acceptance tests for construction materials

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written tests, assignments such as projects, evidence portfolios and case studies, and direct observation of practical activities including role plays.   These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines.  Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency.  Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.  Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, training manuals, learner guides, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, simulations, quizzes and additional notes.         Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, fully equipped laboratories, specialised equipment such as analytical balances, autoclaves, auto-pipettes, biohazard cabinets, Bunsen Burners, microscopes, digital cameras, test kits, sampling equipment, thermometers, and disposable equipment.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2024

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 1, 2024
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $6,240
  • Resources fee: $425
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however this course is mostly delivered in a simulated laboratory setting with organised field trips to sampling sites and workplaces.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 13 units. These 13 are comprised of 6 core units and 7 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL913003 Communicate with other people
  • MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
  • MSL922001 Record and present data
  • MSL933006 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
  • MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL914002 Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
  • MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing
  • MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
  • MSL973013 Perform basic tests
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL973022 Conduct laboratory based acceptance tests for construction materials

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written tests, assignments such as projects, evidence portfolios and case studies, and direct observation of practical activities including role plays.   These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines.  Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency.  Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.  Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, training manuals, learner guides, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, simulations, quizzes and additional notes.         Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, fully equipped laboratories, specialised equipment such as analytical balances, autoclaves, auto-pipettes, biohazard cabinets, Bunsen Burners, microscopes, digital cameras, test kits, sampling equipment, thermometers, and disposable equipment.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 2, 2024

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 2, 2024
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $6,240
  • Resources fee: $425
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however this course is mostly delivered in a simulated laboratory setting with organised field trips to sampling sites and workplaces.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 13 units. These 13 are comprised of 6 core units and 7 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL913003 Communicate with other people
  • MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
  • MSL922001 Record and present data
  • MSL933006 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
  • MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL914002 Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
  • MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing
  • MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
  • MSL973013 Perform basic tests
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL973022 Conduct laboratory based acceptance tests for construction materials

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written tests, assignments such as projects, evidence portfolios and case studies, and direct observation of practical activities including role plays.   These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines.  Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency.  Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.  Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, training manuals, learner guides, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, simulations, quizzes and additional notes.         Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, fully equipped laboratories, specialised equipment such as analytical balances, autoclaves, auto-pipettes, biohazard cabinets, Bunsen Burners, microscopes, digital cameras, test kits, sampling equipment, thermometers, and disposable equipment.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $6,240
  • Resources fee: $425
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however this course is mostly delivered in a simulated laboratory setting with organised field trips to sampling sites and workplaces.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 13 units. These 13 are comprised of 6 core units and 7 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL913003 Communicate with other people
  • MSL913004 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
  • MSL922001 Record and present data
  • MSL933006 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
  • MSL943004 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL914002 Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
  • MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing
  • MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
  • MSL973013 Perform basic tests
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL973022 Conduct laboratory based acceptance tests for construction materials

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written tests, assignments such as projects, evidence portfolios and case studies, and direct observation of practical activities including role plays.   These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines.  Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency.  Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.  Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, training manuals, learner guides, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, simulations, quizzes and additional notes.         Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, fully equipped laboratories, specialised equipment such as analytical balances, autoclaves, auto-pipettes, biohazard cabinets, Bunsen Burners, microscopes, digital cameras, test kits, sampling equipment, thermometers, and disposable equipment.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on January 6, 2023