Courses Handbook 2007 - [ Archived ]

303316 v.3 Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry)


BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 052800D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

Introduction

This course provides the opportunity to apply knowledge of forensic chemistry to the investigation of crime. Forensic chemistry essentially involves the analysis of samples obtained from the crime scene using modern methods of analytical science. Forensic chemistry in the broad sense includes firearms expertise, DNA analysis and serology, analytical chemistry applied to crime scene samples and many other fields. While forensic chemistry is, among other things, concerned with the chemical analysis of human tissue and organs, it does not involve forensic pathology, which is a specialised field of medicine.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Chemistry and Applicable Mathematics. Physics is desirable.

Specific Requirements

The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course.

Duration and Availability

This course is designed as a three year program. The course is also available on a part-time basis. Two intakes are offered each year in March and August. Prospective students should note that places may not always be available for the August intake.

Course Organisation

The course is designed as a three year program for a Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry). The course is heavily biased towards the Chemical Sciences and to a lesser extent towards the Biological Sciences, with considerable emphasis onthe analytical techniques that are so critical in forensic chemistry. There is a forensic chemistry project in third year.

Professional Recognition

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute recognises the course as fulfilling the academic requirements for graduate membership. On obtaining the necessary experience, graduates will be admitted to membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Additional Course Expenses

Students are expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Students will require a laboratory coat.

Special Note

From 2005, students enrolled in this program are no longer required to complete an honours year of study. Consequently, changes accompanying the above include a reduction in course duration from four to three years, course title change from Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) (Honours) to Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) and creation of a separate one-year stand alone honours program. Pre-2005 students completing by 2007 will be eligible to transfer to the new three-year program or be awarded their existing degree with honours having met currently agreed standards or be eligible to receive the previously approved intermediate award. Existing students should consult with the Course Coordinator to determine their completion requirements.

Course Structure

Hrs/Wk

Credit

Year 1 Semester 1
10926 v.5   Mathematics 103 5.0 25.0
1744 v.3   Structure of Matter 102 3.0 12.5
  OR  
7054 v.5   Physics 113 5.0 12.5
1754 v.6   Cell Biology 101 5.0 25.0
307554 v.1   Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
7039 v.5   Chemistry 101 6.5 25.0
  100.0

Year 1 Semester 2
1643 v.7   Human Biology 133 4.0 25.0
305541 v.2   Introduction to Forensic Science 101 2.0 12.5
7040 v.6   Chemistry 102 7.0 25.0
7042 v.6   Analytical Chemistry 112 4.0 25.0
7868 v.5   Programming in Basic 102 2.0 12.5
  100.0

Year 2 Semester 1
13574 v.2   Physical Examination of Evidence 302 4.0 25.0
1633 v.4   Scientific Photography 101 3.0 12.5
8024 v.5   Analytical Chemistry 201 6.5 25.0
8027 v.4   Organic Chemistry 201 6.0 25.0
8029 v.3   Inorganic Chemistry 201 2.0 12.5
  100.0

Year 2 Semester 2
2789 v.9   Cell Biology 202 4.0 25.0
310109 v.1   Health, Safety and Hygiene 382 4.0 25.0
8026 v.4   Physical Chemistry 202 6.0 25.0
8028 v.4   Organic Chemistry 202 6.0 25.0
  100.0

Year 3 Semester 1
13572 v.3   Introduction to Toxicology 302 2.0 12.5
302546 v.2   Analytical Chemistry 301 5.0 25.0
7756 v.4   Organic Chemistry 301 6.0 25.0
8306 v.9   Quantitative Biology 201 5.0 25.0
  SELECT 1 OPTION   12.5
  100.0

Year 3 Semester 2
13577 v.3   Biological Profiling 301 4.0 25.0
13579 v.3   Forensic Toxicology 401 2.0 12.5
8030 v.4   Inorganic Chemistry 202 5.0 25.0
9048 v.6   Chemistry Project 390 9.0 37.5
  100.0
 
Optional Units to Select From in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credits
4770 v.3   Physical Properties of Solids 102 2.0 12.5
7318 v.6   Astronomy 101 2.0 12.5
7329 v.6   Planetary Science 101 2.0 12.5
7410 v.4   Weather Forecasting 101 2.0 12.5
302549 v.1   Chemistry Work Experience 202 5.0 12.5
306114 v.2   Geology 103 - Evolving Earth Systems 2.5 12.5
 
 

Availability

Year Location   All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2007 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2007 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.



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