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Qualification details

MSL50109 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Release 5)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Superseded
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Is superseded by and equivalent to MSL50116 - Diploma of Laboratory TechnologyRelease 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL50109 Diploma of Laboratory Technology 29/Feb/2016
Supersedes PML50104 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology 13/Jan/2011

Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
5 (this release) 11/Mar/2013
(View details for release 4) 19/Dec/2012
(View details for release 3) 17/Dec/2012
(View details for release 2) 10/Dec/2012
(View details for release 1) 14/Jan/2011

Delivery:
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Training packages that include this qualification

Units of competency

CodeSort Table listing Units of Competency by the Code columnTitleSort Table listing Units of Competency by the Title columnUsage RecommendationSort Table listing Units of Competency by the Usage Recommendation columnEssentialSort Table listing Units of Competency by the Essential column
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MSL975008A - Apply electrophoretic techniquesApply electrophoretic techniquesSupersededN/A
MSL974003A - Perform chemical tests and proceduresPerform chemical tests and proceduresSupersededN/A
MSL943002A - Participate in laboratory/field workplace safetyParticipate in laboratory/field workplace safetySupersededN/A
MSL935004A - Maintain instruments and equipmentMaintain instruments and equipmentSupersededN/A
MSL935001A - Monitor the quality of test results and dataMonitor the quality of test results and dataSupersededN/A
MSL916001A - Develop and maintain laboratory documentationDevelop and maintain laboratory documentationSupersededN/A
MSL935002A - Assist in the maintenance of reference materialsAssist in the maintenance of reference materialsSupersededN/A
MSAENV672B - Develop workplace policy and procedures for environmental sustainabilityDevelop workplace policy and procedures for environmental sustainabilitySupersededN/A
MSL974002A - Conduct geotechnical site investigationsConduct geotechnical site investigationsSupersededN/A
MSL925001A - Analyse data and report resultsAnalyse data and report resultsSupersededCore
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Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ANZSCO Identifier 311000 Agricultural, Medical And Science Technicians 
ASCO (occupation type) Identifier 3112 Science Technical Officers 
ASCED Qualification/Course Field of Education Identifier 0199 Other Natural And Physical Sciences 
Qualification/Course Level of Education Identifier 421 Diploma 
Taxonomy - Industry Sector N/A Laboratory Operations 
Taxonomy - Occupation N/A Food Laboratory Technician,Manufacturing Testing Technical Officer,Forensic Science Technician,Biotechnology Technical Officer,Scientific Glassblower,Laboratory Technical Officer,Calibration Technician,Mineral Assay Technical Officer,Pathology Laboratory Technician 

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ANZSCO Identifier 311000 Agricultural, Medical And Science Technicians 02/Aug/2010 
ASCO (occupation type) Identifier 3112 Science Technical Officers 02/Aug/2010 
ASCED Qualification/Course Field of Education Identifier 0199 Other Natural And Physical Sciences 02/Aug/2010 
Qualification/Course Level of Education Identifier 421 Diploma 14/Jan/2011 
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Modification History

Release 5 - ISC upgrade

  • Publishing errors corrected
  • Prerequisite units now marked with an asterisk
  • Elective unit updated to latest version

Release 4 - ISC upgrade

  • Correction of data error in core units – MSAENV472B reinstated as per original release.

Release 3 - ISC upgrade

  • Correction of wrong MSAENV unit listed in core and elective units in release 2
  • Prerequisite listed for HLTPAT419A removed – unit has no prerequisite
  • HLTPAT units updated to current versions - equivalent
  • Incorrect elective units listed in Group 2 in Release 2

Release 2 - inclusion of new electives for forensic testing

Description

This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to apply a range of laboratory technologies to conduct scientific-technical tests and sampling in most industry sectors.

Job roles/employment outcomes 

The Diploma of Laboratory Technology offers broad or specialised technical training in a range of laboratory technologies. Employment outcomes targeted by this qualification include technical officers, laboratory technicians, analysts and similar personnel.

Technical officers conduct a wide range of sampling and testing that requires the application of broad scientific-technical knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas. Although technical officers generally work in a laboratory, they often work closely with personnel in other teams within a section of the workplace.

They may liaise with suppliers to troubleshoot product non-conformance at the direction of laboratory supervisors or managers. They gather information on non-conformance and events that may lead to the modification of workplace procedures. They may also demonstrate methods to others and train them to collect samples and conduct basic tests reliably.

The work of technical officers involves frequent peak periods and interruptions. They:

  • work according to established procedures in a structured environment
  • collect and prepare samples and communicate sample requirements to other personnel
  • conduct a wide range of routine and specialised tests where atypical samples may be involved and the instrumentation used has a wide range of operating variables
  • contribute to the modification of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enterprise methods when necessary
  • define and solve problems where alternatives are not obvious and where investigations and trials may be required and the implications of various solutions considered
  • work under the direction and supervision of senior technical staff, laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals
  • generally work as part of a team and may have a role in the planning of schedules and monitoring of resources in their work area.

Examples of the work of technical officers are given below.

  • Technical officers who work in a pathology laboratory perform a range of tests on body tissues and fluids to measure quantities such as:
  • the amount of biological substances, (for example, cholesterol or creatine)
  • biological function (for example, clotting)
  • the presence of drugs (for example, heparin or alcohol).

They also prepare cultures, stained tissue sections and thin films to count and classify cells, bacteria and parasites.

They also perform routine calibration and maintenance of instruments.

  • A technical officer who works in a major food processing plant conducts a range of tests on the company products to measure:
  • the concentration of nutrients and food additives, such as dyes and flavourings
  • the concentration of contaminants, such as heavy metals and microbial toxins
  • pH, salt, moisture and fat content.

The officer also conducts a range of tests on the packaging material used for the company’s products.

Application 

This qualification is typically used to prepare new employees or develop the skills of existing workers performing specialised scientific-technical tests and sampling in most industry sectors.

Training programs for this qualification are suitable to be undertaken as part of a formal training contract with an employer under an Australian Traineeship or Apprenticeship arrangement.

Pathways Information

Pathways into the qualification 

This qualification may be accessed by direct entry. Credit may be granted towards this qualification by those who have completed the MSL40109 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. Credit for this qualification may include units contained within relevant skill sets.

Pathways from the qualification  

Further training pathways from this qualification include MSL60109 Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations.

Career paths for senior technicians, technical specialists and laboratory supervisors are becoming increasingly constrained unless technicians undertake university study. With this in mind, particular attention has been given to stating the critical aspects of competency and essential knowledge required for each unit of competency in sufficient detail to maximise articulation and credit transfer arrangements between the vocational education and training (VET) and higher education sectors.

Additional qualification advice 

Because specialisation is an industry requirement for the Diploma, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) may choose to issue a generic:

  • Diploma of Laboratory Technology

or, where elective units of competency are packaged to suit a particular industry sector or specialisation, RTOs might issue a:

  • Diploma of Laboratory Technology

 (specialising in xxxxxxx)

Industry sector/specialisations could include, but are not limited to:

  • biological testing
  • biological and environmental testing
  • biotechnology
  • calibration
  • chemical testing
  • construction materials testing
  • environmental monitoring
  • forensic testing
  • food testing
  • manufacturing testing
  • mineral assay
  • pathology testing
  • scientific glassblowing.

It should be noted that a qualification with a specialisation does not change the title of the qualification, although RTOs may choose to record the specialisation. The AQTF requirements must be complied with and the qualification or Statement of Attainment should clearly specify the units of competency achieved and where appropriate, the specialisation.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification. However, some units in this qualification may have licensing or regulatory requirements. Local regulations should be checked for details.

Entry Requirements

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Summary

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS QUALIFICATION SUMMARY 

Employability Skill 

Industry /enterprise requirements for this qualification include :

Communication
  • Communicate appropriately with internal and external customers in order to respond effectively to requests of a specialised technical nature
  • Write procedures using an unambiguous, logical sequence of instructions that meet statutory and regulatory requirements
  • Record and store data, perform calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs
  • Report using verbal responses, data entry into laboratory information management system (LIMS) and brief written reports

Teamwork
  • Work effectively with team members who may have diverse work styles, cultures and perspectives when reporting problems, hazards and incidents and results or contributing to productivity improvements
  • Promote cooperation and good relations in the team
  • Liaise with peers and technical staff from other laboratories

Problem solving
  • Modify and revise existing procedures or substitute alternative instruments and measurement standards
  • Detect potential or actual non-conformances, assess their significance and recommend preventative or corrective actions
  • Apply specialised technical knowledge to critically analyse and resolve complex problems and non-conformances where solutions are not obvious or readily available

Initiative and enterprise
  • Recommend appropriate preventative/corrective actions to improve sampling, testing and/or calibration activities
  • Identify hazards associated with samples, preparation methods, reagents and equipment and implement enterprise control measures
  • Research current, alternative methods and equipment
  • Suggest improvements in productivity and quality

Planning and organising
  • Modify work plans to suit changing conditions and priorities
  • Assemble, organise, check and optimise specified laboratory/ filed equipment and materials
  • Plan/adjust maintenance schedules in accordance with operational requirements
  • Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples

Self-management
  • Communicates in an efficient and polite manner, taking into account cultural diversity and disabilities
  • Follow enterprise procedures which reflect equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and non-harassment legislative requirements
  • Conduct work based on ethical values and principles and ensure quality and integrity of own work
  • Review own strengths, weaknesses and work practices for opportunities to continuously improve performance
  • Maintain security and confidentiality of all client/enterprise data and information
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety when sampling, processing, transferring or disposing of samples

Learning
  • Review feedback from other laboratories to assess acceptance of newly created calibration procedures
  • Update knowledge and skills and take advantage of skill development opportunities
  • Coach others in participating in occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management issues

Technology
  • Create, edit, test and document computer controlled calibration procedures for test and measurement instruments
  • Select and use computers and software to collect and report information
  • Select, use and optimise laboratory/filed equipment, such as calibration equipment, autoanalysers, containment facilities and spectrometers

Packaging Rules

To be awarded a Diploma of Laboratory Technology competency must be achieved in a total of twenty one (21)  units of competency, consisting of:

  • nine (9)  core units of competency
  • twelve (12)  elective units of competency.

Units listed under core  are considered essential for all technical officers. The units listed as electives  may only apply to some personnel according to the size and scope of the particular enterprise and laboratory.

Note : Units marked with an asterisk have one or more prerequisite requirements and must be considered in the total number of units. Please refer to individual units for details.

Core units of competency 

  • Select all nine (9)  units of competency listed below.

Unit code 

Unit title 

Prerequisites 

MSAENV472B

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

MSL913001A

Communicate with other people

MSL913002A

Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

MSL915001A

Provide information to customers

MSL924001A

Process and interpret data

MSL924002A

Use laboratory application software

MSL925001A

Analyse data and report results

*

MSL934002A

Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

MSL944001A

Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety

Elective units of competency 

Select twelve (12)  elective units from Groups A, B, C and D as specified below:

  • a minimum of five (5)  units must be selected from Group A.
  • the remainder may be chosen from Groups A, B, C and D, with a maximum of three (3)  units from Group B, a maximum of five (5)  units from Group C and a maximum of two (2)  units from Group D, to bring the total electives to twelve (12) .

Note that four (4)  of the elective units may be chosen from this Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, where those units are available at Diploma.

Group A 

Unit code 

Unit title 

Prerequisites 

MSL905001A

Perform non-standard calibrations

*

MSL905002A

Create or modify calibration procedures

*

MSL905003A

Create or modify automated calibration procedures

*

MSL915002A

Schedule laboratory work for a small team

MSL925002A

Analyse measurements and estimate uncertainties

*

MSL935001A

Monitor the quality of test results and data

*

MSL935002A

Assist in the maintenance of reference materials

MSL935003A

Authorise the issue of test results

*

MSL935004A

Maintain instruments and equipment

MSL955001A

Supervise a robotic sample preparation system

*

MSL965001A

Design and manufacture glass apparatus and glass systems

*

MSL965002A

Perform glass coating, grinding and finishing operations

*

MSL965003A

Construct, modify and maintain high vacuum systems

*

MSL975001A

Perform microbiological tests

*

MSL975002A

Perform haematological tests

*

MSL975003A

Perform histological tests

*

MSL975004A

Perform chemical pathology tests

*

MSL975005A

Conduct sensory analysis

MSL975006A

Perform immunohaematological tests

*

MSL975007A

Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites

*

MSL975008A

Apply electrophoretic techniques

*

MSL975009A

Apply routine chromatographic techniques

*

MSL975010A

Perform fire assay techniques

*

MSL975011A

Design and supervise complex environmental field surveys

*

MSL975012A

Provide input to production trials

*

MSL975013A

Perform tissue and cell culture techniques

*

MSL975014A

Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

*

MSL975015A

Prepare animal and plant material for display

*

MSL975016A

Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials

*

MSL975017A

Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques

*

MSL975018A

Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials

*

MSL975019A

Apply complex instrumental techniques

*

MSL975020A

Apply routine spectrometric techniques

*

MSL975021A

Apply routine electrometric techniques

*

MSL975022A

Perform food analyses

*

MSL975023A

Supervise geotechnical site investigations

*

MSL975024A

Locate record and collect forensic samples

MSL975025A

Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

MSL975026A

Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Group B 

Unit code 

Unit title 

Prerequisites 

MSL933001A

Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose

MSL933003A

Apply critical control point requirements

MSL933004A

Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

MSL943001A

Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

MSL943002A

Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

MSL953001A

Receive and prepare samples for testing

MSL953002A

Operate a robotic sample preparation system

MSL963001A

Operate basic handblowing equipment

MSL963002A

Repair glass apparatus using simple glassblowing equipment

*

MSL973001A

Perform basic tests

MSL973002A

Prepare working solutions

MSL973003A

Prepare culture media

MSL973004A

Perform aseptic techniques

MSL973005A

Assist with fieldwork

MSL973006A

Prepare trial batches for evaluation

MSL973007A

Perform microscopic examination

MSL973008A

Perform histological procedures

MSL973009A

Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials

MSL973010A

Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials

MSL973011A

Perform fire pouring techniques

MSL973012A

Assist with geotechnical site investigations

HLTPAT317C

Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

TAEDEL301A

Provide work skill instruction

Group C 

Unit code 

Unit title 

Prerequisites 

MSL904001A

Perform standard calibrations

MSL914001A

Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations

MSL934001A

Contribute to the ongoing development of HACCP plans

MSL934003A

Maintain and control stocks

MSL954001A

Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan

MSL954002A

Prepare mineral samples for analysis

MSL974001A

Prepare, standardise and use solutions

MSL974002A

Conduct geotechnical site investigations

*

MSL974003A

Perform chemical tests and procedures

MSL974004A

Perform food tests

MSL974005A

Perform physical tests

MSL974006A

Perform biological procedures

*

MSL974007A

Undertake environmental field-based monitoring

MSL974008A

Capture and manage scientific images

MSL974009A

Undertake field-based, remote-sensing monitoring

MSL974010A

Perform mechanical tests

MSL974011A

Prepare tissue and cell cultures

*

MSL974012A

Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials

*

MSL974013A

Monitor performance of structures

*

HLTPAT419C

Perform pathology tests

Group D 

Unit code 

Unit title 

Prerequisites 

MSL916001A

Develop and maintain laboratory documentation

MSL916002A

Manage and develop teams

MSL916003A

Supervise laboratory operations in work/functional area

MSL916004A

Maintain registration and statutory or legal compliance in work/functional area

MSL916005A

Manage complex projects

MSL936001A

Maintain quality system and continuous improvement processes within work/functional area

MSL936002A

Conduct an internal audit of the quality system

MSL946001A

Implement and monitor OHS and environmental management systems

MSL976001A

Classify building sites

*

MSL976002A

Prepare plans and quality assurance procedures for environmental field activities

*

MSL976003A

Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures

MSL977001A

Contribute to the development of products and applications

*

MSL977002A

Troubleshoot equipment and/or production processes

*

MSL977003A

Contribute to the validation of test methods

*

MSL977004A

Develop or adapt analyses and procedures

*

MSL977005A

Integrate data acquisition and interfacing systems

*

MSAENV672B

Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

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