In this articulated pathway, you first complete the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (specialising in Pathology Testing or Bio Analytical Testing) at the TAFE Queensland Brisbane, South Bank then you continue studying at USC at South Bank campus to complete the associate degree with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Students develop technical skills in general pathology, pathophysiology, haematology, histology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, blood banking and medical microbiology. They undertake industry placements supervised by experienced medical scientists to develop practical skills in laboratory medicine. On graduation, the opportunity exists to complete the Bachelor of Biomedical Science with one further year of full-time study.
Students develop technical skills in general pathology, pathophysiology, haematology, histology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, blood banking and medical microbiology. They undertake industry placements supervised by experienced medical scientists to develop practical skills in laboratory medicine. On graduation, the opportunity exists to complete the Bachelor of Biomedical Science with one further year of full-time study.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking industry placement courses, students must obtain and provide evidence of hepatitis B immunisation and a BlueCard. Refer to Program requirements.
Career opportunities
Medical laboratory technician positions in pathology services and laboratory technicians in scientific and educational technical services.
Membership
Australian Institute for Medical Scientists.
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the TAFE Queensland Brisbane diploma modules and the University's Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science courses. Diploma modules are face-to-face teaching with performance based assessment. The University's Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science courses involve three or four hours of contact per course per week, generally in the mode of a one-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial. Students complete a further six or seven hours of self-directed learning per course per week. The self-directed learning consists of readings, research, assignments and other assessment items.
Please note this full-time program commences only in Semester 1 each year. New students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their diploma.
Program structure
This pathway is an articulation between the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (specialising in Pathology Testing or Bio Analytical Testing) at the TAFE Queensland Brisbane, South Bank, then you continue studying at Southbank to complete the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Program requirements
In order to graduate from this program you must:
- Complete the courses as listed below.
- Present your completed Diploma of Laboratory Technology (specialising in Pathology Testing or Bio Analytical Testing) to enable 3 courses (36 units) transfer credits to be applied to your academic record.
In order to commence industry placement you must:
- Show evidence of complete Hepatitis B vaccination (3 inoculations over a period of 6 months).
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Courses within the program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
TAFE Queensland Brisbane
Students who have completed the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (specialising in Pathology Testing or Bio Analytical Testing) at TAFE Queensland Brisbane, South Bank, will be awarded credit towards their USC Associate Degree as specified below.
3 courses credit:
COR109 Chemistry
LFS100 Foundations of Australian Law B
SCI105 Criminal Law and Procedure B
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Students complete 14 courses within the USC Associate Degree component, either at South Bank campus or USC'S Sippy Downs campus.
Introductory courses
5 required courses:
LFS112 Human Physiology
MLS101 Human Anatomy
MLS110 Torts A
MLS121 Cell Biology
MLS131 Systemic Physiology I
Advanced courses
9 required courses:
HLT221 Science Research Methods
LFS251 Torts B
LFS261 Systemic Physiology II
LFS262 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
MLS210 Contracts A
MLS211 Biochemistry
MLS212 Pathophysiology
MLS231 Introduction to Mathematics
MLS232 Mathematics Foundations