Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a forensic laboratory scientist, then this is the degree for you.

At UC, we focus on the laboratory-based areas of forensic biology and forensic chemistry.

You’ll undertake subjects which arm you with the necessary specialisations and complement the broader laboratory science/human science aspects of the degree.

The Forensic Studies program is part of the National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS) – a collaboration between UC, the Canberra Institute of Technology and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Over the course of your studies, you’ll benefit from the opportunities this unique partnership brings, including access to specialist equipment and the latest technologies in forensic analysis.You’ll gain advantages thanks to UC’s formalised partnerships with major research institutions and forensic providers, such as the AFP and NSW Health groups.

UC also collaborates with a number of overseas universities and institutions, including the University of Florida and the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

As a UC-qualified Australian practitioner, you’ll graduate with an outstanding reputation, excellent job prospects and the full suite of knowledge and skills you’ll need for a career in forensics.The structure of this course is informed by industry, meaning Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is present at its core.

As part of your WIL, you’ll undertake a range of practical activities designed to prepare you for a sustainable career in forensics through real work or work-like experiences, and potential work placements.

Previous students have undertaken internships in a variety of professional settings, including the AFP, ACT Health, government regulatory departments, pathology laboratories, pharmacies, biotech start-ups, and firms within the university sector.You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in collaborative work where you’ll team up with research-active academics to develop a research project and report on its outcomes at either UC’s National Centre for Forensic Studies, Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Institute of Applied Ecology, or another approved professional institution.If you’d like to study overseas, summer or winter term internships to a host of international destinations can be applied for, which can count as credit towards your degree.To apply for this course, you must have prior knowledge in the following areas:High-achieving students may be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) course.Successful completion of this course, when linked with further postgraduate study such as a master’s degree or PhD, could see you qualify as a research scientist in your chosen field.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies (72 credit points) Required - 63 credit points as follows

• MJ0042 Major in Forensic Chemistry (21 credit points) Required - Must pass 18 credit points as follows 1516 - Chemistry 1a - 3 cp, Level 1 1517 - Chemistry 1b - 3 cp, Level 1 8043 - Analytical Chemistry - 3 cp, Level 2 8342 - Introduction to Pharmacology and Toxicology - 3 cp, Level 3 8376 - Forensic Chemistry - 3 cp, Level 3 8780 - Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis - 3 cp, Level 3 Restricted Choice - Must pass 3 credit points from the following 8375 - Molecular and Cellular Biology - 3 cp, Level 2 10002 - Environmental and Forensic Geochemistry - 3 cp, Level 3 Note:From 2019, unit 8375 has replaced unit 10002 in this major. Students who are required to undertake 8375 elsewhere in their course should select an open elective unit instead.
• MN0150 Minor in Forensic Science (12 credit points) Required - Must pass 9 credit points as follows 1809 - Data Analysis in Science - 3 cp, Level 1 8778 - Forensic Science 1 - 3 cp, Level 1 8779 - Forensic Science 2 - 3 cp, Level 2 Restricted Choice - Must pass 3 credit points from the following 4732 - Communication in Science - 3 cp, Level 1 9799 - Foundations of Professional Planning - 3 cp, Level 1
• Required Units - Must pass 6 credit points as follows 577 - Mathematical Methods - 3 cp, Level 1 10000 - Introductory Physics - 3 cp, Level 1
• MJ0043 Major in Forensic Biology (21 or 24 credit points) For the 21cp Major - Must pass 21 credit points from the following 483 - Concepts in Biology - 3 cp, Level 1 6510 - Introduction to Microbiology - 3 cp, Level 2 6518 - Human Biochemistry - 3 cp, Level 2 6530 - Biochemistry - 3 cp, Level 2 6531 - Genetics - 3 cp, Level 2 8379 - Forensic Biology - 3 cp, Level 3 8665 - Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics - 3 cp, Level 3 8675 - Population Genetics - 3 cp, Level 3 10001 - Environmental and Forensic Genetics - 3 cp, Level 3 10223 - Genetics and Genomics - 3 cp, Level 2 For the 24cp Major - 24 credit points as follows Required - Must pass 3 credit points as follows8375 - Molecular and Cellular Biology - 3 cp, Level 2 Restricted Choice - Must pass 21 credit points from the following 483 - Concepts in Biology - 3 cp, Level 1 6510 - Introduction to Microbiology - 3 cp, Level 2 6518 - Human Biochemistry - 3 cp, Level 2 6530 - Biochemistry - 3 cp, Level 2 6531 - Genetics - 3 cp, Level 2 8379 - Forensic Biology - 3 cp, Level 3 8665 - Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics - 3 cp, Level 3 8675 - Population Genetics - 3 cp, Level 3 10001 - Environmental and Forensic Genetics - 3 cp, Level 3 10223 - Genetics and Genomics - 3 cp, Level 2 Note:21 credit points major is restricted to students enrolled in double degrees.

Restricted Choice - 6 credit points from the following

• Part A - Must pass 3 credit points from the following 7904 - Forensic Statistics - 3 cp, Level 2 10222 - Biostatistics - 3 cp, Level 2 Note:10222 Biostatistics replaces 7904 Forensic Statistics from 2018. Students who have previously completed 7904 may still count it towards course completion.
• Part B - Must pass 3 credit points from the following 8783 - Professional Practice in Applied Science - 3 cp, Level 3 9632 - Research Project in Applied Science - 3 cp, Level 3 10120 - Industry and Community Engagement (Health) - 3 cp, Level 3

Open Electives - 3 credit points as follows

• Must pass 3 credit points from anywhere in the University.
• Note:Unit Levels: In choosing electives students should note that not more than 30 credit points at Level 1 is permitted for the entire course.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:- Year 12 ATAR- other Australian Qualification- work experience- overseas qualificationWe also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes. More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry

Assumed Knowledge

ACT: Biology and/or Chemistry major(s), plus Mathematical Methods major. NSW: Biology and/or Chemistry, plus Mathematics.

Periods Course is Open to New Admissions

Information on admission closing dates can be found here.

Credit Arrangements

Credit arrangements (if available) for this course can be found on the University's Credit Search website.