C10387v1 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 (C10388), creative intelligence and innovation (C10389), or law (C10391):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.

Students must complete 144 credit points of study made up of 48 credit points of core subjects, a 72-credit-point major choice and 24 credit points of electives.

The Digital Forensics major is only offered for Autumn session entry.

Industrial training/professional practice

Students studying this course have an opportunity to undertake an internship subject and receive academic credit for their placement off campus (an external business or research institute) or on campus (UTS research institutes or departments), in a capacity relevant to their academic studies.

Course completion requirements

Course diagram

Course program

Typical course programs are shown below.

Biology major, Autumn commencing

Year 1

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Biology major, Spring commencing

Year 1

Spring session

Summer session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 4

Autumn session

Chemistry major, Autumn commencing

Year 1

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Chemistry major, Spring commencing

Year 1

Spring session

Summer session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 4

Autumn session

CSI major, Autumn commencing

Year 1

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

CSI major, Spring commencing

Year 1

Spring session

Summer session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 4

Autumn session

Digital Forensic major, Autumn commencing

Year 1

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.