Bachelor of Forensic Science

The Bachelor of Forensic Science prepares students for professional and specialist work in the discipline of forensic science. Students build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the enabling sciences, complemented by an in-depth understanding of forensic science in the context of their chosen discipline. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills is a focus of the degree, with graduates in high demand from a diverse range of industries and organisations.
This course provides students with a thorough understanding of how forensic science can solve and prevent crime. This is a hands-on course using world-class facilities that are modelled on operational laboratories.

The aim is to produce professional forensic scientists with highly adaptable scientific skills accompanied by a thorough grounding in theory and practice. This is a well-regarded course with strong links to industries such as the federal and state police services, national and international forensic institutions, and government laboratories.

Students choose one from the following four majors (and also combine this course with international studies, creative intelligence and innovation, or law :

• chemistry – students gain knowledge and skills on how to analyse and exploit chemical and non-biological traces found at crime scenes. They learn a range of analytical and chemical techniques and methods of analysis to process their samples. They also learn how to document their findings by incorporating informative data, intelligence and analysis to support criminal investigations.
• biology – students gain knowledge and skills on how to exploit biological traces, such as blood, saliva, hair, bones, insects and animal/human remains to support criminal investigations. They gain experience in using a range of techniques and methodology using advanced technology.
• crime scene investigation – students gain knowledge and skills on how to process a crime scene systematically. They learn how to examine and access a crime scene, and analyse and process traces at the crime scene including recording and collection techniques, fingermark detection, blood splatter examination, and shoe and tyre impressions. In addition, students use a range of portable crime scene technologies to aid in their investigation and documentation of crime scenes.
• digital forensics – students gain knowledge and skills in collecting, analysing and reporting of data and digital information related to cyber-crime. As lives are more exposed online through social media, online banking and shopping, digital traces are left in the form of data. In the event of a crime, such as identity theft, cyber attack or terrorism, a digital forensic scientist can use data to help investigators identify suspects or gain intelligence on criminal activities. This major gives students the skills in networking, programming and understanding of cybercrime. Students gain knowledge of how these attacks occur, and how to investigate and prevent them.