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MLS401 - Laboratory Placement 1

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Medical Laboratory Science

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Must have passed 1 unit in (MLS313, PHA311) AND Must have passed 1 unit in (MLS300, MLS500) AND Must have passed 2 units in (MLS301, MLS302)

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

As part of this unit, students will undertake 8 weeks of work-integrated learning, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills gained at university, in a diagnostic laboratory. Students will undertake a professional placement where they will gain supervised training from an experienced medical laboratory scientist within a diagnostic laboratory affiliated with the university. Students will participate in a broad range of test procedures that are performed to assist in the investigation, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the occupational health and safety risks, importance of quality control, maintenance of equipment¸ data validation and interpretation of results concerning clinical notes. Additionally, students will develop professional workplace behaviours and interact with potential employers.

Important Information

Students are responsible for organising and covering any travel and accommodation expenses related to the placement. Students are advised to plan and budget accordingly for these costs as they are not included in the tuition fees for this unit.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Competently perform a range of laboratory techniques relevant to your discipline, with an understanding of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors.
2.	Apply theoretical knowledge to data collection, testing and interpretation of results within the diagnostic laboratory.
3.	Discuss and evaluate the organisational structure of the laboratory and the roles and accountabilities of employees.
4.	Demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical behaviours.
5.	Demonstrate effective communication and an ability to work as a team member and independently.
6.	Evaluate, assess and articulate published literature.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Placement Goal Setting (500 words)	10%	1,2,3,4,5
2.	Discussion posts (4 x 350 words)	25%	1,3,4,5,6
3.	Placement Reflection (1500 words)	30%	1,3,4,5
4.	Case Study presentation (20 mins)	35%	1,2,3,4,5,6
5.	Professional Placement Portfolio (10-15 pages) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester S	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)