Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science) - Prior to 31 December 2016

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Successful completion of SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or the equivalent is required for entry to The Specialisation in Forensic and Analytical Science.

Course 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 program of studies 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.

These studies also aim to develop a range of skills including the capacity to:

understand the role of chemistry, molecular biology and mathematics in forensic and analytical science and apply their knowledge to problems in this area
use laboratory equipment and instrumentation in both the chemical and biological setting
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

Graduates are expected to be able to:

know and critically apply the theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of forensic and analytical science
work independently in a chemistry or molecular biology laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
critically evaluate experimental data with the appropriate statistical methods
analyse and critically evaluate ideas/information/data and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data
design and carry our experiments using both established and novel techniques and protocols
communicate scientific information to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
appreciate the relationships and connections between forensic and analytical science and other science and non-science disciplines
work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
work effectively within the regulatory framework surrounding forensic and analytical science, for example Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and Intellectual Property
understand the ethical issues in science with specific reference to legal and forensic issues
work productively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals.

Program of study

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science) specialisation a student must complete 108 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the the Bachelor of Science program of study. The program of study for the specialisation is detailed below:

No more than 45 units of First Year level topics may be included in the 108 units for the degree. Topics designated 'any year' or with no year level specified are regarded as First Year level topics.

Elective topics to complete 108 units may be selected from any offered within the University or, with approval from the College of Science and Engineering, from outside the University, provided any course and prerequisite requirements are
met.

Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

Except where there is an approved double specialisation (see Bachelor of Science program of study) the same upper level (2xxx or above) topic cannot be counted twice. For example an upper level topic that is counted towards a specialisation may not also be counted towards a minor.

Students choose from one of two streams in the Forensic and Analytical Science Specialisation:

Forensic Biology
Forensic and Analytical Chemistry

Stream - Forensic Biology - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

BIOL1101  Evolution of Biological Diversity # (4.5 units)
BIOL1102  Molecular Basis of Life# (4.5 units)
CHEM1101  Chemical Structure and Bonding (4.5 units)
CHEM1102  Modern Chemistry (4.5 units)
FACH1701  Introduction to Forensic Science # (4.5 units)
STAT1122 Biostatistics (4.5 units)