MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

The MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques qualification is the latest nationally accredited unit for individuals who want to perform a range of laboratory techniques, including manual, semi-automated and fully automated, to collect and prepare samples in a laboratory.

This course is perfect for learners who want to be:

• Manufacturing Testing Technician
• Mineral Assay Technician
• Construction Materials Testing Technical Assistant
• Laboratory Technician

Training is delivered via blended method (Workplace Face to Face + Online).

Course Duration: This course is designed to be completed up to 48 weeks (excluding holidays).

Expected Study Hours: Typical learners are expected to spend up to 633 hours depending on existing knowledge, skills, and experience.

Note: Please read the MTI Student Handbook and other policies and procedures including Refund Policy, Complaints and Appeals Policy, RPL Procedure prior to enrolling.

This course is designed to develop your expertise in agriculture. Among others, you will learn to:

• Process and interpret data
• Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
• Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
• Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
• Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
• Perform standard calibrations

All learners will be assessed through the following:

• Observation during on-the-job or role play
• Questioning may include self-assessment, verbal answers, written questionnaires, activity modules or interview
• Structured Activities may include Projects, Case studies, presentations, role play, demonstration, progressive tasks

There are no entry requirements to the course. However, Melbourne Tech Institute requires that applicants:

• Are 18 years old and above
• Are currently employed/affiliated with a workplace*
• Have sound language and literacy skills (at least Year 10 English, or equivalent),
• Have basic computer skills, and
• Those who do not hold either a minimum qualification of Certificate III or above from an Australian institution, will be required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment (LL&N)**

*Melbourne Tech Institute will check suitability of the learner’s workplace prior to enrolment.

**Learners who fail the LL&N assessment may still be enrolled to a course if endorsed by the trainer/assessor, and corresponding additional support strategies are in place.

To support you in your new course with Melbourne Tech Institute, we will provide the following:

• MSL40122 learning and assessment suite which includes:
  • Learner Guides
  • Assessment Workbooks
  • Templates for Projects and other activities
  • Handouts
• Additional course readings and resources recommended by trainers

To complete your course, you will need ongoing access to the following:

• Computer/laptop with relevant software such as, but not limited to, the following:
  • Internet access through Google Chrome
  • MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Software packages that cover databases, statistical analysis and simple graphics output

Melbourne Tech Institute will also ensure suitability of the learner’s workplace:

• Use of standard laboratory facilities, equipment and resources, including:
  • typical laboratory and field work equipment and materials, such as:
    • containers (including sampling containers)
    • tubes
    • sampling equipment
    • materials and equipment for preparing for sampling
    • PPE
    • safety equipment
    • data sets and technical/administrative records
    • calculator
    • appropriate instruments
    • cleaning, decontamination and/or disinfection agents and equipment
  • sample preparation and test equipment and materials specified in the test method
  • test methods and description of test set-up, data sets and records
  • specialised calibration/test equipment
  • source material for sampling
  • input and output data
  • a variety of sample types (simulated samples when authentic samples are unavailable or inappropriate)
  • emergency equipment including first aid equipment, eye wash kit or shower and fire extinguisher
  • stock order forms and documentation
  • a laboratory information management system (LIMS) system and workplace procedures covering the receipt and preparation of samples for testing
  • request forms and sample documentation
  • online information systems, inventories, print records, databases and catalogues
  • workplace procedures
  • sampling plans and procedures
  • calibration methods, procedures and equipment specifications
  • workplace quality manual and procedures
  • calibration and maintenance schedules
  • equipment manuals
  • supplier catalogues
  • customer complaints and rectifications
  • workplace WHS documentation, management system, policies and procedures
  • codes of practice and regulations concerning the handling, storage and transport of the stock

There are 16 total units of competency in this qualification.

4 core units:

• MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety

• MSL934008 Maintain instruments and equipment

• MSL924005 Process and interpret data

• MSL934009 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

12 elective units: NOTE: Melbourne Tech Institute can change the elective units for the students to suit their workplace laboratories, if required.

Students enrolled in this course may also choose to study other course that will support them in their laboratory skills as well as training skills. Other options available for students may include the following qualifications:

• MSL50122 Diploma of Laboratory Technology
• MSL60122 Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Technology*
• TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment*

^{*These qualifications are not currently being offered by Melbourne Tech Institute}

Melbourne Tech Institute has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process in place which is discussed in details in the RTO’s Recognition Policy and Procedure.

Prospective students are informed of the RPL Policy and procedures prior  to enrolment in the course and through a variety of means, including pre-enrolment interview, enrolment form, student handbook, and website.