Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Forensic and Analytical Science)

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
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study 
• Combined degrees
  

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:

• Forensic Biology
• Forensic and Analytical Chemistry

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

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.