C10387v2 Bachelor of Forensic Science
Award(s): Bachelor of Forensic Science (BForSc)UAC code: 607020 (Autumn session, Spring session)
CRICOS code: 092381J
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 144
Course EFTSL: 3
Location: City campus
Overview
Career options
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Pathway course
Assumed knowledge
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course diagram
Course program
Honours
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
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.
Career options
Career options vary according to the chosen major.
Chemistry: criminalist, trace evidence specialist, explosive specialist, analytical chemist, toxicologist, clinical or regulatory toxicologist, analytical technician.
Biology: DNA specialist, forensic scientist, molecular research scientist, hospital scientist, pathology technician, forensic anthropologist, forensic pathologist.
Crime scene investigation: scene-of-crime officer, team leader in investigations, fire investigator, trace evidence specialist, forensic scientist, analyst.
Digital forensics: digital forensic scientist or analyst, e-Discovery analyst, cyberthreat intelligence analyst, fraud investigator, information security analyst, malware analyst.
Graduates of these majors could find employment with organisations such as the Australian Federal Police, state policing agencies, ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs, immigration, banks and financial institutions, consulting and accounting firms, private forensic agencies, and cybersecurity firms.
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Transdisciplinarity and Innovation at UTSAll UTS students have the opportunity to develop distinctive capabilities around transdisciplinary thinking and innovation through the TD School. Transdisciplinary education at UTS brings together great minds from different disciplines to explore ideas that improve the way we live and work in the world. These offerings are unique to UTS and directly translate to many existing and emerging roles and careers.
Diploma in InnovationThe Diploma in Innovation (C20060) teaches innovation, supports personal transformation and provides the hard skills needed to support the inventors and inventions of the future. Students come out of the Diploma in Innovation, with the hard skills to create and support sectoral and societal transformation. Graduates are able to fluently integrate ideas, across professional disciplines and are inventors of the future.
All UTS undergraduate students (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation) can apply for the Diploma in Innovation upon admission in their chosen undergraduate degree. It is a complete degree program that runs in parallel to any undergraduate degree. The course is offered on a three-year, part-time basis, with subjects running in 3-week long intensive blocks in July, December and February sessions. More information including a link to apply is available at https://dipinn.uts.edu.au.
Transdisciplinary electives programTransdisciplinary electives broaden students' horizons and supercharge their problem-solving skills, helping them to learn outside, beyond and across their degrees. In 2022, students enrolled in an undergraduate course that includes electives can choose to take a transdisciplinary subject (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation). From 2023, all students enrolled in most undergraduate courses will complete a transdisciplinary subject as part of their course of study. More information about the TD Electives program is available here.
Course intended learning outcomes
| 1.1 | Apply: Demonstrate a command of forensic science practice, including the detection, collection, and analysis of traces using current, appropriate, and emerging processes and technologies. |
| 1.2 | Analyse: Evaluate the collection of traces and interpret the results of analyses through the use of propositions, hypotheses, and statistical methods. |
| 1.3 | Synthesise: Integrate information from individual and collective forensic analyses into investigative, evaluative, or intelligence frameworks. |
| 2.1 | Apply: Employ investigative and problem-solving skills to evaluate forensic science problems. |
| 2.2 | Analyse: Critically analyse and evaluate data, experimental results, and academic literature. |
| 2.3 | Synthesise: Formulate hypotheses and design experimental methods to test these hypotheses, and evaluate and communicate results in a scientific and impartial manner. |
| 3.1 | Apply: Practise safe, responsible, and professional conduct in laboratory and practical settings. |
| 3.2 | Analyse: Practise professional ethical conduct through work-integrated learning. |
| 3.3 | Synthesise: Discuss the impact and role of forensic science in addressing current and future challenges faced by law enforcement, the legal system, security, and the wider community. |
| 4.1 | Apply: Apply forensic science and professional skills with a high degree of personal autonomy and reflection. |
| 4.2 | Analyse: Devise and implement a relevant examination strategy to locate and examine traces. |
| 4.3 | Synthesise: Demonstrate initiative and innovative thinking through creative problem solving applied to new case scenarios, situations, or challenges in forensic science practice. |
| 5.1 | Apply: Demonstrate skills in case documentation. |
| 5.2 | Analyse: Combine various methods to record and communicate observations and evaluation of traces throughout all stages of an investigation. |
| 5.3 | Synthesise: Explain experimental findings to communicate conclusions, expert opinion, and the justification of professional decisions effectively to expert, scientific, and non-expert audiences. |
| 6.1 | Apply: Demonstrate an appreciation of historical and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges relevant to forensic science. |
| 6.2 | Analyse: Develop cultural awareness for ethical and respectful practices, and when developing community relations. |
| 6.3 | Synthesise: Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, as both experience and analysis, into professional practice. |
Admission requirements
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 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
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.
Pathway course
Successful completion of the UTS College:
- Diploma of Science guarantees entry into the course (Chemistry, Biology and Crime Scene Investigation majors) with 48 credit points of recognition of prior learning
- Diploma of IT guarantees entry into the course (Digital Forensics major) with 42 credit points of recognition of prior learning.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics; any two units of English; any two units of Science
Chemistry and Biology are recommended.
Course duration and attendance
Students can complete the course over three years, full time or six years, part time. Part-time students are required to attend some classes in daytime hours.
Course structure
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.
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
| STM91180 Core subjects (Forensic Science) | 48cp | |
| CBK91225 Major choice | 72cp | |
| CBK92137 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Total | 144cp |
Course diagram
Course program
Typical course programs are shown below.
| Biology major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 91132 Molecular Biology | 6cp | |
| 91137 DNA Profiling | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65319 Biological Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65318 Forensic Genotyping Technologies | 6cp | |
| Biology major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Summer session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| 91132 Molecular Biology | 6cp | |
| 91137 DNA Profiling | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65319 Biological Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65318 Forensic Genotyping Technologies | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| Chemistry major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65202 Organic Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65508 Organic Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65544 Chemical Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65545 Forensic Toxicology | 6cp | |
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| Chemistry major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Summer session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65202 Organic Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| 65508 Organic Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 65545 Forensic Toxicology | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65544 Chemical Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| CSI major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65321 Homicide and Human Remains Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65322 Major Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65323 Advanced Imaging and Specialist Recovery | 6cp | |
| CSI major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Summer session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65322 Major Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65321 Homicide and Human Remains Investigation | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65323 Advanced Imaging and Specialist Recovery | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| Digital Forensic major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 31268 Web Systems | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 41092 Network Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 48023 Programming Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 31250 Introduction to Data Analytics | 6cp | |
| 48730 Cybersecurity | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 41900 Cryptography | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65325 Digital Trace and Identity | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 48436 Digital Forensics | 6cp | |
| 65326 Digital and Cyber Crime | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65327 Web Monitoring and Investigations | 6cp | |
| Digital Forensic major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 31268 Web Systems | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 41092 Network Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65325 Digital Trace and Identity | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 48730 Cybersecurity | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| 65326 Digital and Cyber Crime | 6cp | |
| 48436 Digital Forensics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives (6cp subject choice) | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 48023 Programming Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 31250 Introduction to Data Analytics | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65327 Web Monitoring and Investigations | 6cp | |
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 41900 Cryptography | 6cp | |
| CBK90579 Elective 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK90580 Elective 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK90581 Elective 3 | 6cp | |
Honours
The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) (C09100) is available to eligible students with an additional one year of full-time study.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Chemistry major are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.
Other information
Further information is available from:
UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS