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MLS600 - Professional Placement 1

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Medical Laboratory Science

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Must have passed 4 units in (MLS500, MLS501, MLS502, MLS511)

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to undertake a 8 week placement in a professionally accredited diagnostic laboratory. Allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced laboratory scientist within a range of disciplines, thereby developing an understanding of the role of a laboratory scientist within the diagnostic laboratory. Within this context students will strengthen their knowledge and skills in a broad range of technical procedures, professional behaviours and scientific and research knowledge that is essential for employment within the laboratory.

Important Information

Students need to make sure that they have completed all of the pre-placement requirements and are compliant before they can commence their placements. Vaccinations can take up to 8 months to complete. 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 the discipline, and explain the impact of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical errors.
2.	Display professional and ethical behaviours suitable for a diagnostic laboratory.
3.	Evaluate the complex nature of laboratory management concerning laboratory accreditation and the implementation of quality control and quality assurance measures.
4.	Demonstrate effectively communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as a team member.
5.	Critically evaluate published literature findings.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Placement Goal Setting (400 words)	5%	1,2,4
2.	Case Study Presentation (15 mins)	25%	1,2,3,4,5
3.	Placement Reflection (1200 words)	20%	1,2,4
4.	Journal Article - approx. 8 pages (1800-2000 words)	35%	2,4,5
5.	Discussion Board Posts (3 x 400 words)	15%	2,3,4
6.	Placement Competencies Report (2-4 pages) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,4

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

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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
2025 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)