Bachelor of Forensic Science

Bachelor

Deakin's professionally accredited Bachelor of Forensic Science exposes you to the full scope of modern forensic science, from simulated crime scenes to courtroom presentations.

Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor

Duration

3 years full-time

Course Code

S324, 073106G

About this course

Deakin's professionally accredited Bachelor of Forensic Science exposes you to the full scope of modern forensic science, from simulated crime scenes to courtroom presentations. With a strong focus on practical training, you will graduate with the skills needed to confidently examine, interpret and present forensic evidence. Enhance your courtroom skills by building knowledge of the science behind criminal investigations and gain practical experience in our unique crime scene training facility.

In this comprehensive and flexible degree, you will cover a wide range of disciplines including illicit drugs analysis, DNA analysis and more. You can customise your degree to your interests by selecting to specialise in forensic biology or forensic chemistry. You'll then learn how to apply modern forensic analysis in authentic environments like Deakin's purpose-built training facilities.

Want to study the only professionally accredited forensic science degree in Australia?

Alongside extensive practical training, you will explore a range of disciplines throughout your course, including:

toxicology
analysis of illicit drugs
DNA analysis
bloodstain pattern analysis
entomology
decomposition.

Taking your technical skills into the field, you will experience a range of real-world professional situations, from crime scene examination and evidence collection to laboratory analysis, interpretation of results and communicating your findings to investigators, including presenting evidence in a moot court.

Complement your technical knowledge and be better prepared to present in court by developing a strong understanding of the Australian legal system, including how law is developed, criminal and civil law, and the laws of evidence.

This course has extensive industry links with local and Australian forensic organisations, and features guest speakers from leaders in the field. Industry connections are leveraged to put you right in the middle of real-world forensic science environments.

The Bachelor of Forensic Science is professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Deakin is the first university in the Asia-Pacific region and the only university in Australia to offer professionally accredited forensic sciences courses, meaning, you can potentially work anywhere in the world. Enhance your networking opportunities further by applying for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).

Career pathways

Through your extensive practical training, you will graduate with the technical and soft skills needed to thrive in a range of areas including:

forensic laboratories
insurance investigations
risk analysis
research science
policing
government institutions
chemical, biological, food and pharmaceutical industries.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science, students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:

DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
twelve (12) core units
a six (6) credit point major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology;
six (6) credit points of open elective units
no more than ten (10) credit points at level 1
six (6) credit points at level 3 (at least 4 must be SLE coded units).

With careful planning, students may use up to six of their remaining electives on units offered outside the Faculty such as units in Criminology, for example.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

12

Core units

6

Elective units

6

Major sequence

24

Total

Credit for prior study or work

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at Deakin University.

86.1%

Overall satisfaction

88.1%

Skill scale

72.6%

Teaching scale

55%

Employed full-time

$52.3k

Average salary

Data source