Overview
Duration
3 YEARS
Scholarship
YES
Fee
AU $39,000 PER YEAR
Intake
FEB, JULY, NOV
Forensic investigators are skilled, dedicated professionals with the ability to keep an open mind and concentrate on hard evidence. In this degree, you will explore science in real life and receive training in handling criminal casework in forensic biology and forensic chemistry.
You will develop in-depth knowledge of new forensic analysis methods and innovations, and gain valuable experience from real casework. You will practisepresenting expert evidence in moot courts. You will learn from academic staff who have been called to work on projects such as the forensic identification of victims of the Asian tsunami and the Bali bombings, and who provide expert evidence in Australian courts.
In your first year, you will take core courses in biology, chemistry, molecular genetics and forensic investigation. In your second and third years, you willfocus on your chosen major and continue to develop your skills in core areas.
Majors
*Forensic Chemistry
*Forensic Molecular Biology
Professional recognition
Professional recognition will vary depending upon your choice of major:
Forensic Chemistry: The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) recognise graduates of this award.
Forensic Molecular Biology: The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) recognise graduates of this award.
Attendance information
The Bachelor of Forensic Science is offered full-time on-campus at the Nathan campus. You may choose to study approved elective courses at other campuses if or where the program structure allows.
As a full-time student you will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week. Some scheduled classes are held off-campus during the evenings - for example, moot court sessions in 3028NSC Forensic Evidence and the Expert Witness are held at the Brisbane Magistrates Court one evening per week over eight weeks.
If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
My career opportunities
You will be prepared to work as a DNA expert, a forensic molecular biologist, forensic chemist or forensic toxicologist and as an acknowledged expert in these or a variety of other roles within the criminal justice system. You will also be able to pursue scientific careers not directly related to forensic organisations, in areas such as molecular biology, analytical chemistry and biomedical science. You may also choose to undertake a fourth-year research honours program, which can lead to a PhD and a career in research.
