Non-Award
Put your curiosity to work as you investigate crime from a scientific viewpoint. Our course is unique in WA as it focuses on biology and life sciences, and forensic science including DNA analysis and Toxicology.
Industry terms such as forensic palynology (the use of pollen grains to connect a suspect to a crime scene), forensic anthropology (the identification of skeletal remains) and forensic entomology (the insects that decompose human remains) will become part of your professional vocabulary.
You will learn the dynamics of blood pattern analysis and test your knowledge in the lab, exploring your fingerprints and features that are used for identification. You'll also investigate wildlife crime through DNA analysis using the same techniques that are used to identify elephant ivory and rhino horn.
Using the latest cutting-edge analytical technology, you will learn how to identify toxins in body fluids and contaminated products, helping you piece together crimes.
Along with the technical skills, you will also get hands-on experience with forensic DNA profiling and analysing human profiles in simulated casework.
3 reasons to study Forensic Biology and Toxicology at Murdoch
What you'll learn
Your future career
With a degree in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, you could pursue a range of roles in Australia or overseas. Careers could include:
For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.
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Select which option best describes your path to university :
Higher Education
You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.Recent Secondary Education
You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.Vocational Education & Training
You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.Work & Life Experience
You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University study | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
| Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses | Successful completion of one of the following:
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Successful completion of one of the following:
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| Enabling courses (after Year 12) | Successful completion of one of the following:
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Successful completion of the course. |
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) | Successful completion of one of the following:
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Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
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| University study |
|---|
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Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
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Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
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| Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses |
|---|
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Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
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Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
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| Enabling courses (after Year 12) |
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Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
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Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of the course.
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| Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
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Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
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|
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
Experience based entry |
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
|
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) | Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Case-by-case assessment. |
| GCE A Levels | Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 54 or higher. |
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. |
Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | 70 |
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| VET course studied at school | Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Total score of 24 or higher. |
Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
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Experience based entry |
|---|
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Minimum academic requirement
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
|
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| Extenuating circumstances |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
|
Minimum English requirement
Case-by-case assessment.
|
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
|
|
Minimum English requirement
A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| Overseas Year 12 |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
|
|
Minimum English requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
CPS 54 or higher.
|
|
Minimum English requirement
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
|
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
|
|
Minimum English requirement
Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
70
|
|
Minimum English requirement
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| VET course studied at school |
|---|
|
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementTotal score of 24 or higher.
|
Minimum English requirementHigher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 | Successful completion of a Certificate IV. |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV.
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
|
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Experienced based entry |
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
|
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMultiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Experienced based entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementA successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Adjustment for Murdoch RISEMurdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There's no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.