About the Course

Course Description:

Course Structure:

All students complete the core modules. Students without the required entry competencies may be required to undertake introductory modules.

Units of Study:

Candidates must achieve a total of 20 units of competency i.e. eight compulsory core units as well as a further twelve units as follows:

Compulsory core units of competency
Achieve all eight of the following compulsory core units:
PMLCOM300B  Communicate with other people (40 hrs)
PMLCOM500B  Provide information to customers (30 hrs)
PMLDATA400A  Process and interpret data (70 hrs)
PMLDATA500B  Analyse data and report results (80 hrs)
PMLDATA501B  Use laboratory application software (60 hrs)
PMLOHS400A  Maintain laboratory field workplace safety (50 hrs)
PMLORG301A  Plan and conduct laboratory field work (40 hrs)
PMLQUAL401B  Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes (80 hrs)

Elective units of competency (12)
Achieve all twelve elective units:
PMLTEST305B  Perform aseptic techniques (40 hrs)
PMLTEST308A  Perform microscopic examination (40 hrs)
PMLTEST310A  Perform biological procedures (40 hrs)
PMLTEST402B  Prepare, standardise and use solutions (100 hrs)
PMLTEST404A  Perform chemical tests and procedures (100 hrs)
PMLTEST407A  Perform biological procedures (130hrs)
PMLTEST412A  Prepare tissue and cell cultures (50 hrs)
PMLTEST501B  Perform microbiological tests (140 hrs)
PMLTEST512A  Apply electrophoretic techniques (100 hrs)
PMLTEST513A  Apply routine chromatographic techniques (120 hrs)
PMLTEST517A  Perform tissue and cell culture techniques (100 hrs)
PMLTEST518A  Perform molecular biology tests and procedures (150 hrs)

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

Support staff to scientists in research, education and industry.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, or mature age.

There are no prerequisite studies for this course. Students who have not satisfactorily completed VCE Units 3 and 4 in Chemistry, Maths or Biology may be required to undertake introductory modules.

Mature-age applicants without VCE but with relevant laboratory experience are encouraged to apply. It may be necessary for such students to undertake introductory modules.

Credit Transfer:

Applicants with prior tertiary studies who satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Pathways (articulation):

Students who complete the Diploma with an appropriate choice of subjects will be eligible to apply for admission, with advanced standing, to the second year of a related degree program at Swinburne University of Technology. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering TAFE courses can be found on the RPL website.

Course Fees:

The Victorian Government is introducing a new TAFE fee structure from 1 July 2009. There are new eligibility requirements regarding Government Funded places. Details on Swinburne TAFE Fees can be found at: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees  
information on the eligibility criteria at: www.skills.vic.gov.au/tafe_students/student-faqs  

Application Procedure:

Full-time (Semester 1) applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 77011

For further information, visit the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au

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Further information: