Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles and various scientific disciplines to the investigation of criminal acts. The role of a forensic scientist is to present objective evidence and opinions that will assist the court with their deliberation process. In addition, forensic scientists are often among the first to attend disaster scenes for victim identification purposes, and Australian practitioners have been involved in resolving human tragedies such as the Victorian bushfires in 2009, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and the Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005.

The detection and prevention of crime are key factors for maintaining a civilized society and, in recent times, the role of forensic science has increased in importance with respect to achieving these objectives.  The courses available at UC emphasise, in particular, the laboratory-based fields of forensic biology and forensic chemistry, and covers areas such as the collection and examination of trace evidence, environmental forensic science, toxicology, forensic statistics, specialized chemical/biological analyses, and the interpretation and reporting of analytical results.

Forensic biology includes a focus on DNA profiling techniques where there are two main purposes: (i) to associate/exclude someone with a crime; or (ii) to confirm the identity of an individual.  Different forms of biological evidence can be collected and analysed, including hair, skin, blood, semen, and saliva.

Forensic chemistry deals with the detection, collection and analysis of trace evidence including explosives, hydrocarbon residues in fire debris, firearm discharge residues, illicit drugs, glass, paint, and textile fibres.
Jobs in forensic science laboratories are not the only end point for graduates of this degree, as the number of positions in any particular forensic discipline is generally limited Australia-wide.  This course is therefore designed to ensure that graduates have the skills that are easily transferable to many different areas of employment.  Diagnostic, regulatory and scientific research laboratories, as well as a variety of government and non-government agencies, are all potential employers.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies can be coupled with a Bachelors of Laws or a Bachelor of Social Science and Justice Studies to secure a double degree qualification (5 years for the double degree with Law, 4 years for the double degree with Justice Studies).

Convenor: Dennis McNevin

Online postgraduate courses in forensic studies (Masters, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate) are available for individuals working, or intending to work, in forensic science laboratories, environmental monitoring agencies, toxicology laboratories, drug assessment agencies (involved in the analysis of licit and illicit drugs), and forensic pathology/mortuary facilities.  Course delivery and assessment is online for all forensic units (there is no requirement for on-campus attendance).  This is particularly relevant for students already in the workforce and seeking education to assist in promotion opportunities.  The course also provides an opportunity for professionals from non-forensic backgrounds to gain a qualification in this field.

At the completion of their studies, students will have a critical understanding and knowledge of the investigative and analytical concepts that apply to specific areas of forensic science.  The course structure has been designed to permit a wide choice of units that enable students to tailor an education program relevant to their chosen forensic specialisation and career objectives.  Online units are available in areas such as chemical criminalistics, environmental forensic science, forensic toxicology, forensic medicine, medicinal chemistry, DNA analysis, forensic statistics, and law.  Students will be able to apply their knowledge to the collection, processing and analysis of evidence associated with these areas of specialisation. They will have the skills to be flexible and responsive to the broad range of situations that confront forensic investigators. Students will have the required knowledge to be able to work within the legal and regulatory requirements of the forensic professions and as expert witnesses.
The course is part of a collaborative education partnership with the University of Florida and the University of Edinburgh (www.globalforensic.org).

Note that some units are delivered via the University of Florida against Florida trimesters:

Trimester 1, 2012: 9 January – 25 April
Trimester 2, 2012: 14 May – 10 August
Trimester 3, 2012: 22 August – 5 December

Trimester 1, 2013: 7 January – 24 April
Trimester 2, 2013: 13 May – 9 August
Trimester 3, 2013: 21 August – 4 December

More information (including list of available units)

Convenor: Chris Lennard

Domestic Student and International Student Fees

The Honours course provides an opportunity for you to conceive, plan and carry to completion a discrete piece of original research, under the close supervision of a professional in the field. This work requires you to critically review special topics of relevance to the forensic sciences in greater depth than would be possible at third-year undergraduate level. The course also provides an opportunity to gain exposure to an active research environment, to interact with research staff and to participate in discussions on current controversial issues in science. Assessment is largely via examination of a research thesis.

Honours students conduct their research through the National Centre for Forensic Studies , a collaboration between the University of Canberra, the Canberra Institute for Technology and the Australian Federal Police.

Convenor: Chris Lennard

Guidelines, Applicant Information and potential Honours Project Posters for Forensic Studies 

Application Forms: Direct Admission Form, Honours Supplementary Form, Referee Report Form (required whether applying for a scholarship or not) and Scholarship Application Form for fulltime students.
 

The research Master of Applied Science in forensic science provides the opportunity for you to conceive, plan and carry to completion a substantial piece of original research, under the supervision of a professional in the field. In so doing, you will be expected to extend your chosen field of study by contributing to knowledge in that field or by reworking existing knowledge to provide new insights. Although basic research interests are not discouraged, the emphasis of the research programs is on applied research, and candidates are also expected to acquire the skills and attitudes considered desirable when they become practitioners in a professional area or become involved in the development and application of policies in the workplace. Research Masters students conduct their research through the National Centre for Forensic Studies , a collaboration between the University of Canberra, the Canberra Institute for Technology and the Australian Federal Police. Convenor: Chris Lennard

The PhD program provides the opportunity for you to learn to conceive, plan and carry to completion a substantial piece of original research in forensic science, under the supervision of a professional in the field. In so doing, you will be expected to extend your chosen field of study by contributing to knowledge in that field or by reworking existing knowledge to provide new insights, and to publish your findings in scholarly journals. In undertaking PhD studies, you will also gain exposure to an active research environment, to become fully familiar with contemporary knowledge and thinking in forensics science, to interact with research staff, and to participate in discussion on current controversial issues in forensic science. Although basic research interests are not discouraged, the emphasis of the research programs is on applied research, and you are also expected to acquire skills and attitudes considered desirable when you join the workforce.

PhD students conduct their research through the National Centre for Forensic Studies , a collaboration between the University of Canberra, the Canberra Institute for Technology and the Australian Federal Police.

Convenor: Chris Lennard