Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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.Thinking about studying at Swinburne? Classes are still on!
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Duration
On-campus: 12 months full-time or equivalent part-time; Workplace Training (Traineeship): minimum of 12 months to maximum of 3 years.
Intakes
Hawthorn (March, August) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day)
VTAC course code
- 3400211464
Hawthorn (fee type determined by provider)
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.
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, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
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.
Graduate skills
On completion of this course students will have the competence to meet the entry level technological and administrative demands of laboratory work.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate IV in Laboratory TechniquesEstimated course fees for 2021* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $15,040 | $4,820 | $964 |
Please note: 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 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 990.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Minimum of completion of Year 11, or, completion of Certificate III in Laboratory Skills.
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
To apply for workplace training (Traineeship), applicants must be working in a relevant workplace and have employer and other necessary approvals to enrol.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059