All students complete the nine core modules, and a further 12 units in streamed groupings. Domestic students without an adequate level of literacy or numeracy may be required to undertake introductory modules (for example basic literacy and/or numeracy units from the General Certificate in Adult Education).

Students must achieve a total of 21 units, including nine compulsory core units as well as a further 12 streamed units as follows (noting that some pre-requisites may apply, and that units will be chosen based on demand and/or other factors):

Core units MSAENV472A  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

General or non-specialist units Group 2 units
MSL975001A  Perform microbiological tests
MSL975003A  Perform histological tests
MSL975013A   Perform tissue and cell culture techniques
MSL975014A   Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
MSL975017A  Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques
Group 3A units
MSL973004A  Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973007A  Perform microscopic examination
MSL973008A  Perform histological procedures
Group 3B units
MSL974001A  Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL974006A  Perform biological procedures
MSL974011A  Prepare tissue and cell cultures
MSL954001A  Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan

Biotechnology units
Group 2 units
MSL975001A  Perform microbiological tests
MSL975009A  Apply routine chromatographic techniques
MSL975013A  Perform tissue and cell culture techniques
MSL975014A  Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
MSL975020A  Apply routine spectrometric techniques
Group 3A units
MSL973004A  Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973007A  Perform microscopic examination
MSL973008A  Perform histological procedures
Group 3B units
MSL974001A  Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL974003A  Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL974006A  Perform biological procedures
MSL974011A  Prepare tissue and cell cultures

Forensic and pathology testing units
Group 2 units
MSL975001A  Perform microbiological tests
MSL975019A  Apply complex instrumental techniques
MSL975002A  Perform haematological tests
MSL975004A  Perform chemical pathology tests
MSL935003A  Authorise issue of test results
Group 3A units
MSL973004A  Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973007A  Perform microscopic examination
MSL973008A  Perform histological procedures
HLTPAT317A  Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment
Group 3B units
MSL974001A  Prepare, standardise and use solutions
MSL974003A  Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL974006A  Perform biological procedures
Group 3C units
MSL916004A  Maintain registration and statutory or legal compliance in work/functional area

Possible oportunties include:

General or non-specialist
Support staff to scientists in research, education and testing laboratories.

Biotechnology stream
Support staff to scientists in research, education and biotechnology industry.

Forensic and pathology testing stream
Support staff to scientists in research, education, pathology and the forensic science industry.