Diploma of Laboratory Technology

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.

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.


Subjects

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) mandatory units of competency from Group 1

twelve (12) elective units of competency from Groups 2 and 3, chosen as described below.

Units listed under mandatory 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: Prerequisite units are listed and must be considered in the total number of units.

Group 1 Mandatory units

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

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSL913001A

Communicate with other people

add topic MSL913002A

Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

add topic MSL915001A

Provide information to customers

add topic MSL924001A

Process and interpret data

add topic MSL924002A

Use laboratory application software

add topic MSL925001A

Analyse data and report results

add topic MSL924001A

add topic MSL934002A

Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

add topic MSL944001A

Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety

add topic MSAENV272A

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Group 2 Elective units

A minimum offive (5) unitsof competency must be selected from Group 2.

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSL905001A

Perform non-standard calibrations

add topic MSL904001A

add topic MSL905002A

Create or modify calibration procedures

add topic MSL905001A

add topic MSL904001A

add topic MSL905003A

Create or modify automated calibration procedures

add topic MSL905002A

add topic MSL905001A

add topic MSL904001A

add topic MSL915002A

Schedule laboratory work for a small team

add topic MSL925002A

Analyse measurements and estimate uncertainties

add topic MSL924001A

add topic MSL935001A

Monitor the quality of test results and data

add topic MSL924001A

add topic MSL935002A

Assist in the maintenance of reference materials

add topic MSL935003A

Authorise the issue of test results

add topic MSL925001A

add topic MSL924001A

add topic MSL935004A

Maintain instruments and equipment

add topic MSL955001A

Supervise a robotic sample preparation system

add topic MSL953002A

add topic MSL965001A

Design and manufacture glass apparatus and glass systems

add topic MSL963001A

add topic MSL963002A

add topic MSL965002A

Perform glass coating, grinding and finishing operations

add topic MSL963001A

add topic MSL963002A

add topic MSL965003A

Construct, modify and maintain high vacuum systems

add topic MSL963001A

add topic MSL963002A

add topic MSL975001A

Perform microbiological tests

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975002A

Perform haematological tests

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975003A

Perform histological tests

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975004A

Perform chemical pathology tests

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975005A

Conduct sensory analysis

add topic MSL975006A

Perform immunohaematological tests

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975007A

Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites

add topic MSL974002A

add topic MSL973012A

add topic MSL975008A

Apply electrophoretic techniques

add topic MSL973002A

OR

add topic MSL974001A

and

add topic MSL974003A

add topic MSL975009A

Apply routine chromatographic techniques

add topic MSL974003A

OR

add topic MSL974004A

OR

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

and

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975010A

Perform fire assay techniques

add topic MSL973011A

OR

add topic MSL954002A

add topic MSL975011A

Design and supervise complex environmental field surveys

add topic MSL974007A

add topic MSL975012A

Provide input to production trials

add topic MSL974003A OR

add topic MSL974004A OR

add topic MSL974005A

OR add topic MSL974010A

add topic MSL975013A

Perform tissue and cell culture techniques

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975014A

Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975015A

Prepare animal and plant material for display

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975016A

Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials

add topic MSL974012A

add topic MSL973001A

add topic MSL973010A

add topic MSL975017A

Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975018A

Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials

add topic MSL975009A

OR

add topic MSL975020A

AND

add topic MSL974003A

OR

add topic MSL974004A

OR

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

and

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975019A

Apply complex instrumental techniques

add topic MSL975009A

OR

add topic MSL975020A

AND

add topic MSL974003A

OR

add topic MSL974004A

OR

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

and

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975020A

Apply routine spectrometric techniques

add topic MSL974003A

OR

add topic MSL974004A

OR

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

and

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975021A

Apply routine electrometric techniques

add topic MSL974003A

OR

add topic MSL974004A

OR

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

and

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975022A

Perform food analyses

add topic MSL974004A

OR

add topic MSL974006A

add topic MSL973004A

and

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL975023A

Supervise geotechnical site investigations

add topic MSL974002A

add topic MSL973012A

add topic MSL975024A

Locate record and collect forensic samples

add topic MSL975025A

Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

add topic MSL975026A

Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Group 3 Other elective units

The balance of units, to a maximum of seven (7), may be selected in any combination from:

units not already chosen from Group 2 above

a maximum offour (4) relevant units from other endorsed Training Packages where those units are aligned at Diploma level

a maximum of three (3) units from Group 3A

a maximum of five (5) units from Group 3B

a maximum of two (2) units from Group 3C.

Group 3A

Unit code

Unit title

Pre-requisites

add topic MSL933001A

Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose

add topic MSL933003A

Apply critical control point requirements

add topic MSL933004A

Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

add topic MSL943001A

Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

add topic MSL953001A

Receive and prepare samples for testing

add topic MSL953002A

Operate a robotic sample preparation system

add topic MSL963001A

Operate basic handblowing equipment

add topic MSL963002A

Repair glass apparatus using simple glassblowing equipment

add topic MSL963001A

add topic MSL973001A

Perform basic tests

add topic MSL973002A

Prepare working solutions

add topic MSL973003A

Prepare culture media

add topic MSL973004A

Perform aseptic techniques

add topic MSL973005A

Assist with fieldwork

add topic MSL973006A

Prepare trial batches for evaluation

add topic MSL973007A

Perform microscopic examination

add topic MSL973008A

Perform histological procedures

add topic MSL973009A

Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials

add topic MSL973010A

Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials

add topic MSL973011A

Perform fire pouring techniques

add topic MSL973012A

Assist with geotechnical site investigations

add topic HLTPAT317A

Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

add topic TAADEL301C

Provide training through instruction and demonstration of work skills

Government Skills Australia Radiation Safety units where those units are aligned at Certificate III

Group 3B

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSL904001A

Perform standard calibrations

add topic MSL914001A

Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations

add topic MSL934001A

Contribute to the ongoing development of HACCP plans

add topic MSL934003A

Maintain and control stocks

add topic MSL954001A

Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan

add topic MSL954002A

Prepare mineral samples for analysis

add topic MSL974001A

Prepare, standardise and use solutions

add topic MSL974002A

Conduct geotechnical site investigations

add topic MSL973012A

add topic MSL974003A

Perform chemical tests and procedures

add topic MSL974004A

Perform food tests

add topic MSL974005A

Perform physical tests

add topic MSL974006A

Perform biological procedures

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL973007A

add topic MSL974007A

Undertake environmental field-based monitoring

add topic MSL974008A

Cpture and manage scientific images

add topic MSL974009A

Undertake field-based, remote-sensing monitoring

add topic MSL974010A

Perform mechanical tests

add topic MSL974011A

Prepare tissue and cell cultures

add topic MSL973004A

add topic MSL974012A

Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials

add topic MSL9730001A

OR

add topic MSL973010A

add topic MSL974013A

Monitor performance of structures

add topic MSL973009A

add topic MSAENV472A

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic HLTPAT419A

Perform pathology tests

add topic HLTPAT317A

Government Skills Australia Radiation Safety units where those units are aligned at Certificate IV

Group 3C

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSL916001A

Develop and maintain laboratory documentation

add topic MSL916002A

Manage and develop teams

add topic MSL916003A

Supervise laboratory operations in work/functional area

add topic MSL916004A

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

add topic MSL916005A

Manage complex projects

add topic MSL936001A

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

add topic MSL936002A

Conduct an internal audit of the quality system

add topic MSL946001A

Implement and monitor OHS and environmental management systems

add topic MSL976001A

Classify building sites

add topic MSL975023A

OR

add topic MSL975007A

AND

add topic MSL974002A

add topic MSL973012A

add topic MSL976002A

Prepare plans and quality assurance procedures for environmental field activities

add topic MSL975011A

add topic MSL974007A

add topic MSL976003A

Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures

add topic MSL977001A

Contribute to the development of products and applications

add topic MSL976003A

add topic MSL977002A

Troubleshoot equipment and/or production processes

add topic MSL976003A

add topic MSL977003A

Contribute to the validation of test methods

add topic MSL976003A

add topic MSL977004A

Develop or adapt analyses and procedures

add topic MSL976003A

add topic MSL977005A

Integrate data acquisition and interfacing systems

add topic MSL924002A

add topic MSAENV672A

Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Government Skills Australia Radiation Safety units where those units are aligned at Advanced Diploma level


Pathways...

    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.


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing 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.


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