Course

Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

Approved Abbreviation: BSc(ForSc)

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Western Sydney University Course Code: 3589.8

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 049084J

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Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2017 or later.

Commencement Year 2016 - 3589.7 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

Commencement Year 2015 - 3589.6 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

Commencement Year 2014 - 3589.5 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

Commencement Year 2012 - 3589.4 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

Commencement Year 2011 - 3589.3 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

Commencement Year 2006 to 2010 - 3589.2 Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

This is a three-year program that produces scientists who have a good background in the biological and chemical sciences. These are coupled with specialised expertise in forensic science including methods of forensic analysis, crime scene investigation, forensic photography, forensic investigation, crime and criminal justice and complex cases. Students may opt to further specialise in forensic biology, chemistry or microbiology by selecting additional electives or studies in a related or unrelated discipline. Career opportunities include forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, private investigators and consultants, police officers, drug analysts, researchers and academics, and specialised forensic science practitioners. The main employers of forensic scientists are State and Federal police services, State and Commonwealth Government Health Departments and analytical chemistry laboratories. Graduates will be versatile with a wide skills base with (depending on their choice of electives) potential for employment in analytical chemistry and microbiology, quality control and assurance, biochemistry and molecular biology, scientific research, education and the chemical industry.

Study Mode
Three years full-time or six years part-time.

Admission

Assumed Knowledge: Students should have successfully completed at least two of the following units: Biology, Chemistry or Mathematics.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to Western Sydney University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

International applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office.

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Course Structure

Recommended Sequence

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Note: At least 60 credit points must be at Level 3 or above (one elective must be at least a Level 3 unit)

Year 1

Autumn session

300802

Biodiversity

300811

Scientific Literacy

300806

Forensic Science

Choose one of

300800

Essential Chemistry 1

300808

Introductory Chemistry

Spring session

300816

Cell Biology

300803

Essential Chemistry 2

300874

Digital Forensic Photography

200263

Biometry

Year 2

Autumn session

300843

Forensic and Environmental Analysis

300845

Genetics

301126

Concepts in Human Anatomy

And one elective

Spring session

300873

Crime Scene Investigation

300817

Molecular Biology

401171

Imaging Science

And one elective

Year 3

Autumn session

300981

Environmental Forensic Investigations

300868

Forensic Chemistry

301120

Forensic Anthropology

And one elective

Spring session

300911

Complex Forensic Studies

401170

Forensic Biology

300883

Laboratory Quality Management

And one elective

Major

M4012

Crime Scene Investigation

Sub-majors

SM3041

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

SM3049

Immunology and Cell Biology

SM3044

Microbiology

Sub-major Elective Spaces

Elective units may be used toward obtaining an additional approved sub-major (40 credit points).

Note: At least 60 credit points must be at Level 3 or above (one elective must be at least a Level 3 unit)

Search for Sub-majors

Western Sydney University offers Sub-majors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Indigenous Australian Studies Sub-major

Indigenous Australian Creative Expressions Sub-major

Indigenous Economics Sub-major

Business Sustainability Sub-major

Students can apply for an elective major or sub-major via MySR.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)

Elective Units

Note: At least 60 credit points must be at Level 3 or above (one elective must be at least a Level 3 unit)

The following unit, 301161 Work Integrated Learning in Science, is a level 2 elective unit that gives students the opportunity to undertake a short work placement within a professional organisation. For further details please follow the link

301161

Work Integrated Learning in Science