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Certificate IV in Science
Overview
Designed as a pathway for school leavers, the Certificate IV in Science teaches students broad skills to apply to a wide range of scientific industries. Upon completion, students can progress to a specialised field of learning such as applied science, engineering or biotechnology. For those interested in further study, a Diploma of Laboratory Technology or Bachelor of Science awaits.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Laboratory workplace safety
- Mathematical techniques to Scientific problems
- Chemical reactions
- Physics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Genetics knowledge
Your career opportunities
Although primarily designed as a further education preparatory program, this course may also prepare those who apply for entry level positions in suitable industry sector workplaces in the field of science, food, health and technology.
Admissions
Satisfactory completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 11 or its equivalent or work experience.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate IV in Science
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Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Course structure
To be eligible for the award of the Certificate IV in Science, students are required to complete the 15 units listed below.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
Core unit |
MSL943004 |
|
Apply essential further study skills for science
Core unit |
VU23268 |
|
Research scientific fields of study
Core unit |
VU23269 |
|
Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems
Core unit |
VU23270 |
|
Apply mathematical techniques to scientific contexts
Core unit |
VU23271 |
| Elective units | |
|
Investigate atomic structure and bonding
Elective unit |
VU23272 |
|
Investigate stoichiometry and solution chemistry
Elective unit |
VU23273 |
|
Investigate organic chemistry and properties of materials
Elective unit |
VU233274 |
|
Investigate chemical reactions
Elective unit |
VU23275 |
|
Investigate waves and optics
Elective unit |
VU23276 |
|
Apply principles of kinematics
Elective unit |
VU23277 |
|
Investigate cell biology
Elective unit |
VU23281 |
|
Investigate anatomy and physiology
Elective unit |
VU23282 |
|
Investigate introductory genetics
Elective unit |
VU23283 |
|
Work mathematically with statistics and calculus
Elective unit |
VU23285 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$12,780
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$6,220
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.