Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
Overview
The Certificate III in Laboratory Skills offers entry-level technical training in laboratory operations across a range of industries. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge to safely handle chemicals, use basic equipment and follow procedures. This course is ideal for existing laboratory assistants and instrument operators who want to refine their abilities.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
-
Nationally recognised training
Course currently in transition
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies.
Put Swinburne to the test
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Join us online for the VTAC Applications and Scholarship Webinar on 29 August, or attend our on-campus Aviation Info Session on 31 August.
Skills you’ll learn
- Basic laboratory techniques
- Handling chemical safety techniques
- Laboratory equipment
- Following & understanding of laboratory procedures
Your career opportunities
- Laboratory attendant
- Chemical process operator
- Entry level positions
Why Swinburne?
Our students have gained employment in pathology labs.
Completing this course allows you to pathway into the Bachelor of Science.
Admissions
VET in School students apply via their school.
To apply for workplace training (traineeship), applicants must be working in a relevant workplace and have employer approval to enrol.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
-
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Course structure
To be awarded a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills, competency must be achieved in a total of 13 units, consisting of six core units and seven elective units.
This course is only offered as a VET in Schools course (units pre-selected) or for workplace training (units selected as per work requirements).
Workplace electives will be chosen based on employee workplace roles, employer and trainer / assessor arrangements.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Core unit |
MSMENV272 |
|
Communicate with other people
Core unit |
MSL913003 |
|
Plan and conduct laboratory / field work
Core unit |
MSL913004 |
|
Record and present data
Core unit |
MSL922001 |
|
Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
Core unit |
MSL933006 |
|
Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety
Core unit |
MSL943004 |
| Elective units | |
|
Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose
Elective unit |
MSL933005 |
|
Apply critical control point requirements
Elective unit |
MSL933007 |
|
Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
Elective unit |
MSL933008 |
|
Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation
Elective unit |
MSL943003 |
|
Receive and prepare samples for testing
Elective unit |
MSL953003 |
|
Operate a robotic sample preparation system
Elective unit |
MSL953004 |
|
Perform basic tests
Elective unit |
MSL973013 |
|
Prepare working solutions
Elective unit |
MSL973014 |
|
Prepare culture media
Elective unit |
MSL973015 |
2023 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$8350
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
2,280
Concession rate* ($AUD)
$456
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2023 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VETSS
(VETDSS) gives Year 10, 11 and 12 students the opportunity to undertake nationally recognised training that contributes to the VCE or VCE Vocational Major (VM).