To make an informed choice about the suitability of a course, you must consider the essential skills and knowledge, in addition to the critical aspects of assessment of that course.
Please review the inherent requirements listed below and determine whether you might experience challenges in meeting them. If you think you might experience challenges related to your disability, health condition or for any other reason, you should discuss your concerns with the Program Area, a Student Services staff member or a Disability Access and Equity Officer.
The information on this page applies to the following qualifications:
Core Requirements
Attendance and participation
Laboratory operations qualifications may include practical, laboratory, workshop, field-based and workplace learning activities.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and practical activities and to actively participate in learning and assessment activities throughout their course.
If you are unable to attend a scheduled class or practical activity, you should notify your lecturer as soon as practicable. Depending on the circumstances, supporting documentation may be requested in accordance with South Metropolitan TAFE policies, procedures or program requirements.
Attendance and active participation support the development and assessment of practical skills. Repeated absences or limited participation may affect your ability to demonstrate competency requirements and achieve a competent outcome.
Practical activities may be assessed and contribute to the overall assessment of competency, alongside other assessment methods such as written, verbal and knowledge-based assessments.
Read more about full-time study on our Study Options page.
Physical demands
Students may be required to:
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Lift and move equipment using safe manual handling practices.
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Stand and bend frequently throughout practical activities.
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Work in laboratory, office and field environments.
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Demonstrate good hand-eye coordination and precision when using laboratory equipment.
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Distinguish colours accurately where required for laboratory procedures.
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Work in environments where exposure to latex may occur.
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Work in environments where exposure to chemicals may occur, including chemicals that may present risks during pregnancy.
Communication skills
Students should be able to:
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Read, understand and communicate information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
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Communicate effectively with lecturers, fellow students, employers and industry representatives.
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Apply numeracy skills to accurately measure, calculate and interpret information relevant to their course.
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Use computers and online learning platforms to access learning materials, submit assessments and communicate with staff.
Behavioural
Students are expected to:
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Take responsibility for their own learning, workload and assessment requirements.
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Respect personal and professional boundaries, including on social media.
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Interact fairly and respectfully with people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
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Follow workplace health and safety requirements and comply with all safety instructions provided by staff.
Additional expectations
Students should have an interest in science and laboratory-based work and be able to follow laboratory safety procedures at all times.
General safety requirements
Many laboratory operations qualifications involve practical learning activities conducted in laboratories, workshops, outdoor environments, workplaces and industry settings.
Students may be required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with workplace health and safety requirements relevant to their area of study. Students who do not wear required PPE or comply with safety requirements may be unable to participate in practical activities or practical assessments.
Return to the Informed Choices main page.