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Course Outline

MLS231 Medical Laboratory Placement 2

Course Coordinator:Rosemary Rasmussen (rrasmuss@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2026Session 5

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course involves 20-days of work-integrated learning during which you are provided with structured and supervised training in the general functioning of a pathology laboratory. The course provides you with the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team to learn and reflect on the requirements to generate precise and accurate pathology test results. On completion of the course, you will be able to capably and confidently demonstrate the skills and competencies in up to two pathology disciplines that are necessary to enter the pathology workforce.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Information session – Online pre-placement information and Q&A session. 1hr Week 1 Once Only
Placement – This course involves a 20 day full-time work-integrated placement within a pathology laboratory in metropolitan, regional or rural areas of Queensland. Students must complete vaccination requirements and may be required to travel, at their own expense, to complete this placement. 150hrs Not applicable Once Only

Course Topics

Work integrated learning in one or more of the following discipline fields: 

  • Pre-analytical 
  • Histology and Cytology (Anatomical Pathology)
  • Haematology
  • Immunohaematology (Blood Banking)
  • Clinical Chemistry (Biochemistry)
  • Microbiology

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists
1 Demonstrate basic skills and competencies required to enter the pathology services industry. Knowledgeable 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2
2 Demonstrate ethical behaviour and professionalism in a clinical environment. Ethical 
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 7.1, 7.3
3 Demonstrate awareness of ecologically and economically sustainable laboratory practices Sustainability-focussed 
4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 8
4 Plan for sustainable professional development and be aware of employment pathways in the field of laboratory medicine. Engaged 
6, 8.1.1

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists
1.1 Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Ensure the appropriateness of sample collection procedures
1.2 Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Ensure the appropriateness of specimen reception procedures
1.3 Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Evaluate specimen suitability prior to analysis
1.4 Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Determine the priority of laboratory requests (triage) to effectively manage service requirements
1.5 Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Process specimen utilising appropriate techniques
1.6 Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Read and validate results
2.1 Correlation and validation of results of investigations using knowledge of method(s) including analytical principles and clinical information: Assess validity of data/results against possible range of outcomes
2.2 Correlation and validation of results of investigations using knowledge of method(s) including analytical principles and clinical information: Validation of results
3 Interpretation, reporting and issuing of laboratory results
4.1 Maintenance of documentation, equipment, resources and stock: Coordinate supplies of stocks and reagents
4.2 Maintenance of documentation, equipment, resources and stock: Participate in maintenance of the laboratory and equipment
5.1 Maintenance and promotion of safe working practices: Prepare and store reagents and solutions
5.2 Maintenance and promotion of safe working practices: Identify and respond to unsafe work practices and breaches of regulations
5.3 Maintenance and promotion of safe working practices: Ensure correct procedures are followed for acquisition, collection, storage, transportation and disposal of biological, chemical, toxic and radioactive wastes
6 Professional accountability and participation in continuing professional development
7.1 Responsibility for professional practice including test selection, development and use of laboratory investigations: Accepts responsibility for own actions/omissions
7.3 Responsibility for professional practice including test selection, development and use of laboratory investigations: Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary ethical issues impinging on Medical Science
8 Liaison with health workers and others to continuously improve the service
8.1.1 Participate in quality improvement activities: Interactions of pathology with other components of the health service are identified and developed.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

MLS131 and enrolled in Program SC211 or UB001

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Each day, you will present your reflective diary to your workplace supervisor for review and feedback. A 5-day progress report will be submitted at the start of your second week of placement. This report will help you to identify your learning goals and any support needs, and provide an opportunity for feedback on your progress.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 
N/A
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All 2a Activity Participation Individual 
Complete progress report after Day 5 of placement.
 Week 2 Online Submission
All 2b Journal Individual 
Throughout placement.
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All 3 Written Piece Individual 
Complete the relevant sections of the competency manual.
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All - Assessment Task 1:Supervisor's Report
Goal: 
You will develop and demonstrate a satisfactory level of skill and competencies in two clinical areas of a pathology laboratory.
Product: Report
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
You are not required to submit anything. Your laboratory supervisor will submit a placement performance report within 1-week following your placement completion in which they will be invited to make some general comments about your performance during the placement.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
A student who fails to complete the required 20-days will NOT be able to pass this course. A student who fails to comply with the ‘Code of Conduct for Medical Laboratory Science students on work placement’ will not be able to pass this course.
 1 2
2 
(a) Capably and confidently demonstrate the skills and competencies required to enter the pathology services industry.
 1 2
3 
b) Work in multidisciplinary teams to contribute to the health and well-being of patients/clients by generating precise and accurate pathology test results.
 1 2
4 
c) Enact professional responsibilities according to appropriate decision-making frameworks and codes of conduct of ethical practice.
 2
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2a:Progress Report
Goal: 
This task was created to support the development of reflective practice which is a critical quality and skill in the field of pathology. You will prepare a written progress report reflecting on the first week of your placement experience.
Product: Activity Participation
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Written progress report due after completing Day 5 of placement outlining progress to date, submitted electronically via Canvas. Template provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Reflect on how your work in multidisciplinary teams contributes to the health and well-being of patients/clients by generating precise and accurate pathology test results.
 1 2
2 
Reflect on ecologically and economically sustainable laboratory practices.
 3
3 
Plan for sustainable professional development and be aware of employment pathways in the field of laboratory medicine.
 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2b:Reflective Diary
Goal: 
This task was created to support the development of reflective practice which is a critical quality and skill in the field of pathology. You will prepare a daily diary entry reflecting on the activities completed, observations made and personal performance throughout your placement experience.
Product: Journal
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Daily reflective diary entries detailing experiences and progress due 1-week following placement completion. May be submitted in hard copy directly to Course Co-ordinator or scanned and submitted online via Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Reflect on how you work in multidisciplinary teams contribute to the health and well-being of patients/clients by generating precise and accurate pathology test results.
 1 2
2 
Reflect on ecologically and economically sustainable laboratory practices.
 3
3 
Plan for sustainable professional development and be aware of employment pathways in the field of laboratory medicine.
 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 3:Competency Manuals
Goal: 
To ensure that fundamental laboratory skills and competencies in up to two clinical areas of a pathology laboratory have been developed by you on placement.
Product: Written Piece
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Submit: One week following completion of placement directly to Course Co-ordinator.
The exercises in the competency manual have been designed by Pathology QLD to ensure that you develop an understanding of the structure and function of the pathology service in up to two clinical areas that you will be placed.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate basic skills and competencies in clinical areas in the pathology service
 1 2
2 
Demonstrate awareness of ecologically and economically sustainable laboratory practices
 3
3 
Investigate, analyse and document the function of allocated clinical areas in the pathology service that you have been placed in;
 1 2
4 
Demonstrate an understanding of principles behind diagnostic tests in the clinical areas conducted by the pathology laboratory.
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode Assessment Type Title Competency Teaching Methods
AIMS - Competency-based Standards for Medical Scientists
All delivery modes Activity Participation Progress Report 6.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.1.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.1.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.2.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.4.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.4.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
8.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Journal Reflective Diary 6.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.1.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.1.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.2.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.4.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.4.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.5.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
8.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Report Supervisor's Report 6.2.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.3.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.3.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.4.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.4.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.5.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.5.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6.5.6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7.1.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Written Piece Competency Manuals 1.2.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.2.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.2.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.3.7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.5.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.5.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.6.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.6.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.6.5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.6.6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.6.7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
1.6.8 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2.1.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2.2.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2.3.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.2.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.2.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.2.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.3.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.3.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
3.3.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.1.2 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.1.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.1.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.2.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.2.3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4.2.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.1.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.1.4 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.1.5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.1.6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.2.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.3.9 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
5.4.1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

You are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during the placement, including covered, non-slip shoes and long hair should be tied back. Disposable gloves and other protective equipment laboratory (e.g. coat/gown and safety glasses) will be provided by the laboratory when required.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 5.1.1.3 and 5.1.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the USC. In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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