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Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies (142JA.3)
Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
60 | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years |
Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
Faculty of Science and Technology | Academic Program Area - Science |
368044 | |
Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
View requirements |
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years | |
Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
Faculty of Science and Technology | Academic Program Area - Science |
071069B | |
Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
View requirements |
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Give your career in science the forensic attention it deserves
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a forensic laboratory scientist, then this is the degree for you. At UC, we focus on the laboratory-based areas of forensic biology and forensic chemistry. You’ll undertake subjects which arm you with the necessary specialisations and complement the broader laboratory science/human science aspects of the degree. The Forensic Studies program is part of the National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS) – a collaboration between UC, the Canberra Institute of Technology and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Over the course of your studies, you’ll benefit from the opportunities this unique partnership brings, including access to specialist equipment and the latest technologies in forensic analysis.
You’ll gain advantages thanks to UC’s formalised partnerships with major research institutions and forensic providers, such as the AFP and NSW Health groups. UC also collaborates with a number of overseas universities and institutions, including the University of Florida and the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. As a UC-qualified Australian practitioner, you’ll graduate with an outstanding reputation, excellent job prospects and the full suite of knowledge and skills you’ll need for a career in forensics.
Study a Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies at UC and you will:
- learn analytical techniques to examine evidence
- collect and examine trace evidence
- master environmental forensic science
- investigate forensic toxicology
- understand forensic statistics
- specialise in chemical and biological analysis
- work collaboratively on forensic case studies
- interpret and report on analytical results.
Work Integrated Learning
The structure of this course is informed by industry, meaning Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is present at its core. As part of your WIL, you’ll undertake a range of practical activities designed to prepare you for a sustainable career in forensics through real work or work-like experiences, and potential work placements. Previous students have undertaken internships in a variety of professional settings, including the AFP, ACT Health, government regulatory departments, pathology laboratories, pharmacies, biotech start-ups, and firms within the university sector.
You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in collaborative work where you’ll team up with research-active academics to develop a research project and report on its outcomes at either UC’s National Centre for Forensic Studies, Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Institute of Applied Ecology, or another approved professional institution.
If you’d like to study overseas, summer or winter term internships to a host of international destinations can be applied for, which can count as credit towards your degree.
Career opportunities
- Analytical chemist
- Member of Australian Federal Police
- DNA analyst
- Educator
- Formulation chemist
- Forensic toxicologist
- Government health department officer
- Laboratory scientist
- Policy officer
- Public health officer
- Quality assurance officer
Course-specific information
To apply for this course, you must have prior knowledge in the following areas:
- ACT: Biology and/or Chemistry major(s), plus Mathematical Methods
- NSW: Biology and/or Chemistry, plus Mathematics
- VIC: VCE Units 3 and 4 Biology and/or Chemistry, plus VCE Units 3 and 4 Mathematical Methods.
High-achieving students may be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) course.
Successful completion of this course, when linked with further postgraduate study such as a master’s degree or PhD, could see you qualify as a research scientist in your chosen field.
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
Assumed knowledge
ACT: Biology and/or Chemistry major(s), plus Mathematical Methods major. NSW: Biology and/or Chemistry, plus Mathematics.
Periods course is open for new admissions
This course is not open for new admissions.
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies (142JA) | 72 credit points
- 21 credit points major is restricted to students enrolled in double degrees.
- From 2019, unit 8375 has replaced unit 10002 in this major. Students who are required to undertake 8375 elsewhere in their course should select an open elective unit instead.
- 10222 Biostatistics replaces 7904 Forensic Statistics from 2018. Students who have previously completed 7904 may still count it towards course completion.
- Unit Levels: In choosing electives students should note that not more than 30 credit points at Level 1 is permitted for the entire course.
Note:- Must pass 3 credit points from anywhere in the University.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
MN0150 Restricted Choice Unit
Year 2
Year 3
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Year 3
Course duration
Standard six semesters full-time or equivalent. Maximum twenty semesters.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
---|---|
Graduates will be able to demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge with depth in forensic science or the application of science to legal matters. | 1. UC graduates are professional. Because we collaborate closely with industry and other stakeholders, our graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in their profession and become leaders in their field. UC graduates can: - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills. 2. UC graduates are global citizens. We support students to gain the knowledge and confidence to be global citizens. UC graduates can: - think globally about issues in their profession; - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures. 3. UC graduates are lifelong learners. Our graduates are passionate about being at the forefront of their profession, staying in touch with the latest research, news and technology. UC graduates can: - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; - be self-aware; - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; - evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Graduates will have well-developed cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply methods and technologies to: - analyse and evaluate information to complete a range of activities in the field of forensic science; - analyse, generate and transmit scientific solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex legal problems; - transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to those involved in the legal system including judges and juries |
1. UC graduates are professional. Because we collaborate closely with industry and other stakeholders, our graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in their profession and become leaders in their field. UC graduates can: - employ up¿to¿date and relevant knowledge and skills; - communicate effectively; - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict 2. UC graduates are global citizens. We support students to gain the knowledge and confidence to be global citizens. UC graduates can: - think globally about issues in their profession; - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. 3. UC graduates are lifelong learners. Our graduates are passionate about being at the forefront of their profession, staying in touch with the latest research, news and technology. UC graduates can: - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; - be self-aware; - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; - evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement of knowledge and responsibility: - for problem solving and decision making in professional practice; - in contexts that are unfamiliar and require self-directed work and learning; - to provide specialist scientific advice with respect to legal matters |
1. UC graduates are professional. Because we collaborate closely with industry and other stakeholders, our graduates have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in their profession and become leaders in their field. UC graduates can: - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload; - take pride in their professional and personal integrity 2. UC graduates are global citizens. We support students to gain the knowledge and confidence to be global citizens. UC graduates can: - think globally about issues in their profession; - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; 3. UC graduates are lifelong learners. Our graduates are passionate about being at the forefront of their profession, staying in touch with the latest research, news and technology. UC graduates can: - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; - evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Majors
- Major in Forensic Biology (MJ0043)
- Minor in Forensic Science (MN0150)
- Major in Forensic Chemistry (MJ0042)
Awards
Award | Official abbreviation |
---|---|
Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies | BAppSc ForSc |
Honours
Higher performing students, on completion of this course, will have the opportunity to undertake an Honours year.
Enquiries
Student category | Contact details |
---|---|
Current and Commencing Students | Please contact the University Student Centre by Email student.centre@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1300 301 727 |
Prospective International Students | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
Prospective Students | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |