Bachelor of Forensic Science

As the first forensic science degree in Australia, the world-class UTS Bachelor of Forensic Science is recognised for producing future leaders in this compelling field of practice. More than just a theoretical science degree, this course delivers a comprehensive learning experience at the intersection of STEM, information technology, law, criminology and social impact coupled with specialist expertise in a choice of four in-demand forensic science disciplines: biology, chemistry, crime scene investigation, and digital forensic science.

As one of Australia’s leading university science faculties, UTS Science is committed to teaching and research that creates a more sustainable world. When students enrol at UTS, they join a university that delivers global impact in STEM education and research and a faculty that produces scientists with the power to transform the profession, the globe and society.

Students complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Design, Data and Decisions and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are designed to equip students with a toolkit of technical and workplace skills, preparing them to thrive both at and after uni.

Choice of major:
In every major, students complete core forensic science subjects that prepare them to engage with crime scene, laboratory, courtroom and intelligence processes. Students then build specialist skills with a major in one of the following four disciplines:

• Biology: The Biology major is focused on biological traces – blood, saliva, hair, bones, insects and animal/human remains – and what they reveal about the crime scenes at which they’re found. Learning includes everything from human anatomy and molecular biology to genetics, DNA profiling and biological criminalistics, among others, and students gain broad expertise that sits at the intersection of scientific theory and forensic practice. They also learn a range of techniques and methodologies to analyse and process biological traces, preparing them to deliver meaningful insights within and beyond the criminal investigation process.
  
• Chemistry: This major combines scientific theory with hands-on forensic science application. With subjects spanning organic and analytical chemistry, forensic toxicology and chemical criminalistics, students learn to analyse and process chemical and non-biological traces found at crime scenes using a range of analytical and chemical techniques.
  
• Crime Scene Investigation: This major prepares students to access and examine crime scenes and collect, record and analyse traces such as fingermarks, blood stain patterns, and shoe and tyre impressions. Curriculum combines specialist subjects in advanced forensic imaging and homicide/human remains investigation, among others, with theoretical learning in chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy, cell biology and more. Students learn to use contemporary CSI technologies, apply theory to practice in UTS’s crime scene simulation facilities, and emerge ready to pursue a career in the criminal justice sector and beyond.
• Digital Forensic Science: As the world moves increasingly online, digital crimes like identity and financial theft, cyberattacks, fraud and extortion are on the rise – which means that skilled digital forensic specialists are more in demand than ever. The first of its kind in Australia, this major prepares students to collect, analyse and report data and digital information related to cyber-crime. Learning combines the study of hands-on forensic science with specialist subjects in cryptography, programming, web systems and data analytics, among others. Students learn to identify and make sense of digital traces in common online environments like social media and online banking and gain the skills to recover stolen or damaged data that could provide crucial insights into criminal activity.
  

Research subject: In the final year of study, students produce an original piece of research that responds to a real-world forensic science challenge. This subject equips students with practical research skills that are highly regarded by industry and can also provide a launching pad into an honours or master’s degree.

Free electives: Students can customise the degree to suit their personal or career aspirations. They can enrol in an international exchange, pursue a professional internship, or tailor their studies with a choice of subjects from any UTS faculty.

As a university of technology, UTS is known for its commitment to practice-based teaching and the integration of new technologies into course design and development. Students study in the world-class Hive Super Lab and UTS Science Super Lab, two tech-driven learning environments that support simultaneous teaching of multiple classes in a single collaborative space. They also have access to the faculty’s high-tech Crime Scene Simulation Labs where investigating crime is all in a day’s work. 

Areas of study

Biology, chemistry, crime scene investigation, digital forensics.

Career opportunities

Get ready to make your mark in the world of crime and criminal justice. Depending on your choice of major, you can prepare for careers in state and federal policing and criminal justice, government and scientific research organisations (ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs and immigration) or in a wealth of commercial settings where forensic science expertise is highly valued by industry (banking, insurance, consulting, accounting, forensics and cybersecurity organisations).

• Chemistry: This career path is focused on collecting, processing and making meaning of diverse traces left at crime scenes. You could work as a trace evidence specialist, explosive specialist, analytical chemist, toxicologist, clinical or regulatory toxicologist, or analytical technician, among others.
• Biology: Become an expert in human traces as they relate to crime scenes and pursue roles as a DNA specialist, molecular research scientist, hospital scientist, pathology technician or microbiologist, among others.  
• Crime scene investigation: Become a hands-on forensics practitioner with a variety of opportunities related to crime scene investigation and management. Specific roles include scene-of-crime officer, team leader in investigations, fire investigator, trace evidence specialist, forensic scientist or analyst, among others.
• Digital forensics: Online crimes are on the rise – and so too are job opportunities for qualified digital forensics specialists. Combine your IT and forensics expertise to embrace a wealth of opportunities in this rapidly growing field, including roles as a digital forensic scientist or analyst, e-discovery analyst, cyberthreat intelligence analyst, fraud investigator, information security analyst or malware analyst, among others.

Practical experience

Work alongside leading academics and practitioners in the internationally acclaimed UTS Centre for Forensic Science, known for innovation in fingermarks, DNA and forensic intelligence research, among others. Students also benefit from regular engagement with industry, including via guest lectures, co-designed subjects and opportunities for internship placements, ensuring that the learning keeps pace with the contemporary forensic science field.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Chemistry major are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.

Honours

Available as an additional year to meritorious students.

Fees and charges

Refer to UTS current fee information.