School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology
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Mr David Rumbold Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) Food chemistry scientist David Rumbold believes Deakin’s Forensic Science degree course offers a well-rounded program for aspiring scientists. The first three years of the course offer a broad base of knowledge through subjects such as forensic science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics and computer systems. Fourth year enables students to specialise in forensic science, chemistry or biology with indepth honours research. A chemistry enthusiast, David’s honours research investigated the causes of browning in white wine and in a separate project he also looked at identifying natural compounds such as alkaloids. David thoroughly enjoyed his honours year, because it enabled him to assume ownership of his projects and the research, learning and problem solving involved. He hopes to further his studies with a PhD at some stage in the future. According to David, there are many misconceptions about forensic science. He said it was more about scientists and laboratory work across a diverse range of industry settings than field officers at crime scenes. He considered the strengths of the Deakin course to include the breadth of content, ready access to industry-standard instrumentation, relatively small class sizes, the accessibility of lecturers and availability of honours research. “Most of the lecturers have worked in their specific fields so really know what it is all about. The fact that many of the lecturers also tutor and demonstrate at practicals means there is a lot of direct contact,” said David, whose academic achievements were rewarded with induction in the Golden Key International Honour Society. In a case of perfect timing, the day after handing in his honours research, David was offered a graduate position as a food chemistry scientist with the Department of Primary Industry at Werribee. As a food chemistry scientist with the DPI, David has to determine the level of herbicide and pesticide residue in fresh produce, particularly grapes. He has found his Deakin background most valuable and also his experience with instrumentation such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. Originally from Wycheproof in the Mallee wheat belt of northwestern Victoria, David had hoped to study at a regional university rather than have to move to Melbourne. He found the rural setting of the Geelong campus at Waurn Ponds ideal. “I lived on campus for the first two years and it was the best experience, particularly for someone like me coming from the country,” David said. He said it was a great way to meet other people who were going through exactly the same experiences. It was a very supportive, as well as fun, environment. 
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