Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Forensic and Analytical Science) - 4 years requires 4 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course specialisation is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.

Course offerings

Bedford Park

Courses / qualifications may not be offered in all locations and modes each year.  For more information on Mode of Delivery, visit Mode definitions

Student guidance

Study planner
Program of study overview
Program of study notes

Program of study
144 Units

Year 136 Units
Year 236 Units
Year 336 Units
Year 436 Units
Option36 Units
Honours Program36 Units

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
Pre-requisites
English Language requirements

Aims

This multidisciplinary program provides students with a broad-based foundation in both chemistry and biology and is complemented by aspects of mathematics. This foundation is extended with extensive knowledge in the discipline of analytical chemistry or molecular biology. The course specialisation provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development and prepares graduates for further study or for a career in a forensic or analytical science related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

It also aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:

  • Undertake an individual research project under the supervision of an appropriately qualified staff member
  • Understand and apply chemical and or molecular biology principles to solve problems, including those of a forensic nature
  • Understand the role of mathematics in forensic and analytical science and apply this knowledge to problems in this area
  • Master the various laboratory techniques and instrumentation used in forensic and analytical science so as to be able to work independently in a laboratory
  • Understand the mathematics and statistical concepts required for the analysis and interpretation of experimental data
  • Present information about forensic and analytical science in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
  • Retrieve, critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to forensic and analytical science and apply this knowledge to solve problems or form hypotheses
  • Appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the discipline of forensic and analytical science and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline
  • Work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
  • Appreciate the role of forensic and analytical science in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises
  • Work respectfully, cooperatively and productively within a team

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course you will be able to:
1.
Plan and execute an individual research project in forensic and analytical science applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
2.
Understand and critically apply the advanced theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of forensic and analytical science
3.
Work independently, as part of a research team, in a chemistry or molecular biology laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
4.
Analyse and critically evaluate ideas/information/data and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems. This may involve, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data in an independent manner
5.
Design and carry our experiments using both established and novel techniques and protocols
6.
Communicate scientific information to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
7.
Appreciate the relationships and connections between forensic and analytical science and other science and non-science disciplines
8.
Work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
9.
Work effectively within the regulatory framework surrounding forensic and analytical science, for example Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and intellectual property
10.
Understand the ethical issues in science with specific reference to legal and forensic issues
11.
Work productively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals

Student progression rules

Students who are achieving a GPA of at least 5 in their last 36 units of study after completing 103.5 units of study will be eligible to continue into fourth year of the course. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will be able to exit with Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science) on completion of 108 units according to the first three years of study in the degree.

Associations

Course/Course specialisation association
Course/Exit award association
Honours - Embedded/Bachelor association