Bachelor of Forensic Science

2015 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Course rules
• Major sequences
• Course structure
• Details of major sequences

Course overview

Deakin's Bachelor of Forensic Science aims to provide formal training in the skills and techniques essential to modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence.

The course combines studies in biology, chemistry, biochemical and chemical analysis, statistical analysis and molecular biology. You will also undertake studies in criminology, including the examination and interpretation of evidence and courtroom skills.

The course has extensive industry links with local and Australian forensic organisations, and features guest lecturers and site visits in collaboration with leading forensic organisations.

Graduates may also have the opportunity to go on to further study and enter honours and postgraduate programs.

Students and graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Forensic Science has been professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Forensic Science, career opportunities exist in forensics, insurance investigation, risk analysis, research science, in government institutions and in chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.

Course rules

The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:

• 11 core units
• Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit‐point compulsory unit)
• no more than 10 credit points at level 1
• at least 6 credit points at level 3 (at least 4 must be Science course grouped)
• Completion of a major sequence in either: Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology

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

Major sequences

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Forensic Biology
Forensic Chemistry

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Core units

Level 1
Trimester 1

*SLE010 is a 0-credit-point compulsory unit

Trimester 2

Level 2
Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Level 3
Trimester 2

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Course structure

Details of major sequences

Students must complete a major sequence in either Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry in addition to the core unit requirements:

Forensic Biology - unit set code MJ-S000049

Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

The forensic biology major aims to provide you with the specific biological skills that are very important in the forensic science workplace. These biological-based skills complement the generic forensic science attributes developed in the core units of the course.   Study in this area may lead to a career based on entomology, human anatomy and DNA based forensic science.

* Already core units in the degree.

^ not available until 2016

Details of major sequences

Forensic Chemistry - unit set code MJ-SU00015

Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

The forensic chemistry major aims to provide you with the specific chemistry skills that are very important in the forensic science workplace. These chemically-based skills complement the generic forensic science attributes developed in the core units of the course.  Study in this area may lead to a career based on toxicology, drug detection and chemical detection.