To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Specialisations).
The Forensic and Analytical Science (Honours) Specialisation requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The Specialisation is offered by the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
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.
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, students will be able to:
- plan and execute an individual research project in forensic and analytical science applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
- understand and critically apply the advanced theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of forensic and analytical science
- work independently, as part of a research team, in a chemistry or molecular biology laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
- 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
- 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 (Honours) (Forensic and Analytical Science) specialisation a student must complete 144 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
No more than 45 units of First Year level topics may be included in the 144 units for the degree. Topics designated 'any year' or with no year level specified are regarded as First Year level topics. A topic cannot be counted twice.
Elective topics to complete 144 units may be selected from any offered within the University or, with approval from the Faculty 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.
Upon completion of at least 103.5 units (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Stream) or 108 units (Forensic Biology Stream) and with a GPA of 5 or more in the last 36 units of study, students may commence the Fourth Year Honours program. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will exit with the Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science) on completion of 108 units.
Students who have completed 108 units according to the first three years of the Program may choose to exit with the Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science).
Students choose from one of two streams in the Forensic and Analytical Science Specialisation:
Stream - Forensic Biology - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 1 topics
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)
SPOC1701 The Nature of Science I (4.5 units)
STAT1122 Biostatistics (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 1 topics
A 4.5 unit elective topic from across the University where entry requirements are met
Stream - Forensic Biology - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 2 topics
BIOL2702 Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity (4.5 units)
BIOL2771 Biochemistry (4.5 units)
BIOL2772 Molecular Biology (4.5 units)
CHEM2711 Spectroscopy and Data Analysis (4.5 units)
CHEM2712 Separation Science (4.5 units)
FACH2702 Chemical Criminalistics (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 2 topics
Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met
Stream - Forensic Biology - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 3 topics
BIOL3762 Protein to Proteome (4.5 units)
BIOL3771 DNA to Genome (4.5 units)
BIOL3792 Forensic Biology (4.5 units)
BIOL3793 Biological Criminalistics (4.5 units)
Option - Year 3 topics
And two of:
BIOL3772 Integrating Molecular Biosciences (4.5 units)
CHEM3701 Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry (4.5 units)
FACH3702 Drug Action, Metabolism, Toxicology and Analysis ** (4.5 units)
MMED3935 Human Molecular Genetics (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 3 topics
Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met#
** This topic can be taken if pre-requisites are met. The pre-requisite topics must be taken as electives as they are not core topics within this program
# Students are encouraged to enrol in XXXX3700 Science Practicum (9 units) as a third-year elective.
Stream - Forensic Biology - Year 4 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 4 topics
BIOL7700B Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL7700C Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL7700D Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL7700E Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL7730 Honours Scientific Methods and Data Presentation (4.5 units)
BIOL7731 Evidence Evaluation (4.5 units)
Option - Year 4 topics
One of:
BIOL7710 Honours Critical Readings (4.5 units)
BIOL7720 Honours Grant Writing Skills (4.5 units)
Stream - Forensic and Analytical Chemistry - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 1 topics
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)
SPOC1701 The Nature of Science I (4.5 units)
Option - Year 1 topics
Plus one of:
STAT1121 Data Science (4.5 units)
STAT1122 Biostatistics (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 1 topics
Plus a 4.5 unit elective topic from across the University where entry requirements are met
Stream - Forensic and Analytical Chemistry - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 2 topics
BIOL2772 Molecular Biology (4.5 units)
CHEM2701 Chemical Reactivity (4.5 units)
CHEM2702 Organic Reactions (4.5 units)
CHEM2711 Spectroscopy and Data Analysis (4.5 units)
CHEM2712 Separation Science (4.5 units)
FACH2702 Chemical Criminalistics (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 2 topics
Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met
Stream - Forensic and Analytical Chemistry - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 3 topics
BIOL3793 Biological Criminalistics (4.5 units)
CHEM3701 Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry (4.5 units)
CHEM3702 Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry (4.5 units)
CHEM3711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanism (4.5 units)
CHEM3712 Introduction to Polymer Science (4.5 units)
FACH3702 Drug Action, Metabolism, Toxicology and Analysis (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 3 topics
Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met#
# Students are encouraged to enrol in XXXX3700 Science Practicum (9 units) as a third-year elective.
Stream - Forensic and Analytical Chemistry - Year 4 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 4 topics
CPES7700A Honours Research Project (4/5/22.5 units)
CPES7700B Honours Research Project (4/5/22.5 units)
CPES7700C Honours Research Project (4/5/22.5 units)
CPES7700D Honours Research Project (4/5/22.5 units)
CPES7700E Honours Research Project (4/5/22.5 units)
Plus
CPES7701 Advanced Research Skills (4.5 units)
CPES7711 Advanced Techniques in Chemical and Physical Science (4.5 units)
CPES7721 Advanced Chemical and Physical Science (4.5 units)
Combined degrees
The Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science) may also be studied in a combined degrees program with any Bachelor degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.