303316 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) (Honours)

Introduction

This course provides the opportunity to apply knowledge of forensic science to the investigation of crime. Forensic science is essentially a crime laboratory-based profession. While forensic science is, among other things, concerned with the analysis of human tissue and organs, it is not forensic pathology, which is a specialised field of medicine. Forensic science in the broad sense includes ballistics and firearm expertise, DNA analysis and serology, chemistry and many other fields.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

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 four year program with honours. Students not performing at a sufficiently high level at the end of third year will graduate with a Bachelor of Science pass degree and not continue to the fourth year. The course is also available on a part-time basis.

Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science may apply under exceptional circumstance provisions for graduation in the Bachelor of Science subject to approval of the Course Coordinator. A student who has not met the University Honours entry requirements at the end of the third year must exit and will be awarded the Bachelor of Science.

Course Organisation

The course is designed as a four year program for a Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)(Honours). Students not performing at a sufficiently high level at the end of third year will graduate with a Bachelor of Science pass degree and not continue to the fourth year. The first three years are heavily biased toward the chemical and biological sciences with considerable emphasis on the analytical techniques that are so critical in forensic science. There is a chemistry research project in third year. Thefourth year is in two sections. The coursework section consists of studies of specific aspects of forensic science such as legal issues in forensic science, practical experience with the Forensic Branch of the Western Australian Police Service or a forensic laboratory and forensic case studies. The second section is an honours research project and written dissertation describing research and the findings.

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 may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

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.