MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology

National ID
MSL50118
WA Course Code
BDV4
CRICOS code
099966E
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Why choose this course?

Take your science skills to the next level with this qualification. If you want to work in laboratories in a range of exciting fields, this course provides you with the essential technical skills and techniques to use industry standard equipment, laboratory application software and the methodology to communicate findings to customers.

This course teaches how to analyse, process and interpret data, report results and apply quality system and continuous improvement processes. You will be able to transfer your skills across a diverse range of industries such chemical, medical and pathological, mining, biological and environmental fields.

Career opportunities

  • Instrument Operator
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Laboratory Supervisor
  • Laboratory Technician

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

  • Completion of MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques is required for entry into this course.

​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 1, 2024

Duration | 2 semesters
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: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,300
  • Materials fee: $0

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.

Year 10
MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills - BDV6
1 semester
MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - BDV3
1 semester
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology - BDV4
2 semesters
Year 11/12
MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - BDV3
2 semesters
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology - BDV4
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 5 core units and 10 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
  • MSL924003 Process and interpret data
  • MSL924004 Use laboratory application software
  • MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
  • MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
  • MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL974017 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
  • MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
  • MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
  • MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests
  • MSL975036 Perform haematological tests
  • MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques
  • MSL975046 Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials
  • MSL975048 Apply routine spectrometric techniques

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

Observation – where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace, role play or exercise, or a demonstration of practical skills and complete an observation checklist;Written assessment – which includes case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, reflective tasks, self-evaluation, and research projects;Questioning – such as written question and answers, tests or online quizzes. It may also include verbal questions and answers;Portfolio – which provides evidence of your skills and may include samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, products with supporting documentation, historical evidence, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries;Work samples – which may include products or items that you produce during your practical activities; and Third-party feedback – where information is gathered from the people training or supervising you throughout your work experience or work placement. This may include interviews with employers, supervisors or peers, testimonials, reports or references from employers or supervisors, evidence of workplace training or vocational placement and peer observation.

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, PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, handouts, simulations, and additional notes.      

Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, specialised software, fully equipped laboratories and instrumentation and 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 | 2 semesters
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: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,300
  • Materials fee: $0

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.

Year 10
MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills - BDV6
1 semester
MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - BDV3
1 semester
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology - BDV4
2 semesters
Year 11/12
MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - BDV3
2 semesters
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology - BDV4
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 5 core units and 10 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
  • MSL924003 Process and interpret data
  • MSL924004 Use laboratory application software
  • MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
  • MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
  • MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL974017 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
  • MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
  • MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
  • MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests
  • MSL975036 Perform haematological tests
  • MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques
  • MSL975046 Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials
  • MSL975048 Apply routine spectrometric techniques

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

Observation – where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace, role play or exercise, or a demonstration of practical skills and complete an observation checklist;Written assessment – which includes case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, reflective tasks, self-evaluation, and research projects;Questioning – such as written question and answers, tests or online quizzes. It may also include verbal questions and answers;Portfolio – which provides evidence of your skills and may include samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, products with supporting documentation, historical evidence, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries;Work samples – which may include products or items that you produce during your practical activities; and Third-party feedback – where information is gathered from the people training or supervising you throughout your work experience or work placement. This may include interviews with employers, supervisors or peers, testimonials, reports or references from employers or supervisors, evidence of workplace training or vocational placement and peer observation.

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, PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, handouts, simulations, and additional notes.     

Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, specialised software, fully equipped laboratories and instrumentation and 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 | 2 semesters
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: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,300
  • Materials fee: $0

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.

Year 10
MSL30118 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills - BDV6
1 semester
MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - BDV3
1 semester
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology - BDV4
2 semesters
Year 11/12
MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - BDV3
2 semesters
MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology - BDV4
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 15 units. These 15 are comprised of 5 core units and 10 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
  • MSL924003 Process and interpret data
  • MSL924004 Use laboratory application software
  • MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
  • MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
  • MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • MSL974017 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
  • MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
  • MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
  • MSL975035 Perform microbiological tests
  • MSL975036 Perform haematological tests
  • MSL975040 Apply routine chromatographic techniques
  • MSL975046 Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials
  • MSL975048 Apply routine spectrometric techniques

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include:

Observation – where an assessor will directly observe your performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace, role play or exercise, or a demonstration of practical skills and complete an observation checklist;Written assessment – which includes case studies, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, reflective tasks, self-evaluation, and research projects;Questioning – such as written question and answers, tests or online quizzes. It may also include verbal questions and answers;Portfolio – which provides evidence of your skills and may include samples of your work, observation checklists, third-party reports, products with supporting documentation, historical evidence, training records, journals, logbooks or work diaries;Work samples – which may include products or items that you produce during your practical activities; and Third-party feedback – where information is gathered from the people training or supervising you throughout your work experience or work placement. This may include interviews with employers, supervisors or peers, testimonials, reports or references from employers or supervisors, evidence of workplace training or vocational placement and peer observation.

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, PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, handouts, simulations, and additional notes.    

Facilities and equipment may include access to computer labs, specialised software, fully equipped laboratories and instrumentation and 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 November 30, 2022