Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
Western Sydney University
CRICOS provider number: 00917K TEQSA provider ID: PRV12061
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
The Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) is recognised for producing graduates with industry-ready knowledge and skills across many disciplines of forensic science. This three-year degree covers the entire forensic investigative process, from crime scene examination and collection of physical, biological, and chemical evidence to the analysis and interpretation of this evidence and the presentation of evidence in court. You will gain skills and a strong foundation in the forensic sciences, which allows you to be employed in a wide range of scientific areas and organisations.
The program provides a holistic approach to the forensic sciences where you develop in-depth knowledge of and learn all aspects of forensic investigations, including crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, forensic photography, forensic anthropology and many other specialisations in forensic science. Crime scene investigation skills are featured in many subjects throughout the program, providing students with strong graduate attributes in this area of the forensic sciences.
You will receive extensive training in the university’s state-of-the-art Crime Scene Investigation Training and Research Facility. Besides common indoor scenes, the facility includes a vehicle examination area, a warehouse scene, a burn room for fire investigation, a purpose-built clandestine laboratory and outdoor scenes, including realistic clandestine graves. This broad range of facilities permits activities across a range of crime scene simulation scenarios, including break and enters, stolen motor vehicles, robbery and assault, as well as specialist crime scene scenarios such as homicide/deceased investigations, clandestine graves, arson, clandestine laboratories and environmental incidents. You will also gain experience in a range of specialised practices such as bloodstain pattern analysis, and the recovery of fingerprints, DNA and physical evidence from crime scene scenarios. You will have the option to select a second elected major (with academic advising) or subjects to get a better understanding of another science or non-science field(s).
Areas of study
In addition to core science subjects, the degree provides a foundation in many aspects of forensic science, including methods of forensic evidence handling and analysis, crime scene investigation, forensic photography, forensic imaging, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic anthropology, environmental forensics, crime and criminal justice, laboratory quality management and complex cases.
You will obtain extensive experience in crime scene examination practices and techniques. A wide range of elective subjects on offer will allow you to fine-tune your interests in forensic and analytical sciences.Career opportunities
Career opportunities are diverse and dynamic and include forensic scientists, forensic biologists, forensic chemists (including drug testing and analysis), crime scene investigators (including specialist roles such as fingerprint recovery, forensic imaging and clandestine laboratories), environmental investigators, specialised forensic science practitioners, such as fingerprint examiners, police officers, drug testers in sport (human and animal), researchers and academics.
The main employers of forensic scientists are State and Federal police services and State and Commonwealth Government Departments, including health, biological and (analytical) chemistry laboratories, border protection, environmental protection authorities, fire brigades, customs and others.
Graduates have considerable versatility and a wide skills base that—depending on their choice of electives—can also lead to employment in non-forensic fields such as (analytical) chemistry and microbiology, quality control and quality assurance, biochemistry and molecular biology, scientific research, education, and the chemical industry. This degree program will present you with a wide range of employment possibilities to explore!
Fees and charges
Student profile
Access information on the background of students in this course.
Further information
View all details of this course on the Western Sydney University website.
Western Sydney University degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2024)
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
Course information
All classes are offered during the day unless otherwise specified.
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