Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques | International Student Courses | Swinburne University

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Swinburne code: MSL40118 Certificate (TAFE) Hawthorn Send me a link to this course

Our Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques will provide you with the scientific and technical knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform key duties within a laboratory or laboratory-related workplace.

You’ll learn how to use basic equipment, safely handle chemicals and follow procedures.

Upon completion of this course, you could go on to further study in laboratory techniques or pursue entry-level employment as a laboratory technician.

Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.

Duration

1 Year/s

Intakes

Hawthorn (March, August) - View application and start dates

CRICOS code

099234G

Fees

A$18170 (total for 2023)*

The indicative course fees shown in Course Search 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.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Course information in detail

- Course detail, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques offers entry level technical training in laboratory operations across a range of industries. This course is designed to maximise the portability of the qualification across all industry sectors. The course is the pre-requisite for the Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Course structure

To be awarded a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, competency must be achieved in a total of 15 units consisting of five core and ten elective units. Workplace electives (for students undertaking a Traineeship) will be chosen based on employee workplace role/s and experience.

Units of study

Core units:

Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety (MSL944002)

Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment (MSL934004)

Receive and prepare samples for testing (MSL953003)

Process and interpret data (MSL924003)

Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes (MSL934006)

Elective units:

Perform aseptic techniques (MSL973016)

Perform microscopic examination (MSL973019)

Prepare, standardise and use solutions (MSL974017)

Use laboratory application software (MSL924004)

Perform food tests (MSL974020)

Capture and manage scientific images (MSL974023)

Perform histological procedures (MSL973020)

Perform chemical tests and procedures (MSL974019)

Perform biological procedures (MSL974021)

Prepare tissue and cell cultures (MSL974025)

Careers and graduate outcomes

- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.

Career opportunities

This course is targeted at applicants seeking to change career or return to work, or who wish to gain entry level employment in laboratory related workplaces in roles such as technical assistants, laboratory attendants, and chemical process operators. It is also suitable for applicants already working in such roles seeking to gain accredited workplace training.

Possible employment outcomes include laboratory assistants, instrument operators and similar positions. Laboratory assistants perform straightforward sampling and testing. They follow set procedures and recipes and apply well developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. Work will usually be inside a laboratory, however, laboratory assistants may also perform technical tasks in the field or within production plants, as well as a range of laboratory maintenance and office tasks. The majority of their work involves a predictable flow of parallel or similar tasks within one scientific discipline.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills and basic underpinning knowledge to safely handle chemicals, use basic laboratory equipment, follow procedures and perform other duties within a laboratory related workplace.

Course fees and requirements

- Fees and English language requirements.

Course fees

A$18170 (total for 2023)*

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level) with overall 65%, all skills 60%
minimum IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 65 with no band less than 15
Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 42 (no communicative skills less than 36)
any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.

Find out more about English language requirements.

How to apply

Find out more about how to apply.

Find out more

Submit an online enquiry
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)

Free call: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au