C10387v3 Bachelor of Forensic Science
Award(s): Bachelor of Forensic Science (BForSc)UAC code: 607020 (Autumn session, Spring session, Spring session)
CRICOS code: 092381J
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 144
Course EFTSL: 3
Location: City campus
Overview
Course aims
Career options
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Pathway course
Assumed knowledge
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course diagram
Course program
Honours
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
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.
Why UTS Science?
As one of Australia’s leading university science faculties, UTS Science is committed to scientific advancement that creates a more sustainable world. Our students 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.
Course features
- Students complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Data, Design 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.
Course aims
Taught by the leaders in forensic science
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.
Purpose-built facilities for hands-on learning
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 Superlab and UTS Science Superlab, 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.
Career options
Graduates will make their mark in the world of criminal justice and security. Depending on the choice of major, they can prepare for careers in state and federal policing and criminal justice, government and scientific research organisations (ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs and immigration), intelligence agencies, or in a wealth of commercial settings where forensic science expertise is highly valued by industry (banking, insurance, consulting, accounting, forensic and cybersecurity organisations).
- Biology: Graduates can become experts in human traces as they relate to crime scenes and pursue roles as forensic scientists, DNA specialists, molecular research scientists, hospital scientists, pathology technicians or microbiologists, among others.
- Chemistry: This career path is focused on collecting, processing and making meaning of diverse traces left at crime scenes. Graduates can work as forensic scientists, microtrace specialists, explosive specialists, analytical chemists, toxicologists, clinical or regulatory toxicologists, or analytical technicians, among others.
- Crime Scene Investigation: Graduates can work as hands-on forensic practitioners with a variety of opportunities related to crime scene investigation and management. Specific roles include forensic scientist, scene-of-crime officer, team leader in investigations, fire investigator, microtrace specialist, or analyst, among others.
- Digital Forensic Science: Online crimes are on the rise – and so too are job opportunities for qualified digital forensic specialists. Graduates can combine their IT and forensic 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.
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Transdisciplinarity and Innovation at UTSAll UTS students have the opportunity to develop distinctive capabilities around transdisciplinary thinking and innovation through the TD School. Transdisciplinary education at UTS brings together great minds from different disciplines to explore ideas that improve the way we live and work in the world. These offerings are unique to UTS and directly translate to many existing and emerging roles and careers.
Diploma in InnovationThe Diploma in Innovation (C20060) teaches innovation, supports personal transformation and provides the hard skills needed to support the inventors and inventions of the future. Students come out of the Diploma in Innovation, with the hard skills to create and support sectoral and societal transformation. Graduates are able to fluently integrate ideas, across professional disciplines and are inventors of the future.
All UTS undergraduate students (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation) can apply for the Diploma in Innovation upon admission in their chosen undergraduate degree. It is a complete degree program that runs in parallel to any undergraduate degree. The course is offered on a three-year, part-time basis, with subjects running in 3-week long intensive blocks in July, December and February sessions. More information including a link to apply is available at https://dipinn.uts.edu.au.
Transdisciplinary electives programTransdisciplinary electives broaden students' horizons and supercharge their problem-solving skills, helping them to learn outside, beyond and across their degrees. Students enrolled in an undergraduate course that includes electives can choose to take a transdisciplinary subject (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation). More information about the TD Electives program is available here.
Course intended learning outcomes
| 1.1 | Demonstrate a command of forensic science practice, including the detection, collection, and analysis of traces in order to exploit and integrate the results of analyses into investigative, evaluative and intelligence frameworks. |
| 2.1 | Apply investigative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to forensic science problems and design experimental methods to test hypotheses and critically analyse and interpret data. |
| 3.1 | Practise safe, ethical, and professional conduct with consideration for the role of forensic science in addressing current and future challenges faced by law enforcement, the legal system, security, and the wider community. |
| 4.1 | Apply forensic science professional skills with a high degree of personal autonomy and reflection to demonstrate initiative and innovative thinking in solving complex forensic problems. |
| 5.1 | Demonstrate skills in communicating experimental conclusions, expert opinion, and the justification of professional decisions related to forensic science processes effectively to expert, scientific, and non-expert audiences. |
| 6.1 | Demonstrate an appreciation of historical and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges relevant to forensic science and integrate these knowledges into professional practice. |
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International students
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
Pathway course
Successful completion of the UTS College:
- Diploma of Science guarantees entry into the course (Chemistry, Biology and Crime Scene Investigation majors) with 48 credit points of recognition of prior learning
- Diploma of IT guarantees entry into the course (Digital Forensics major) with 42 credit points of recognition of prior learning.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics; any two units of English; any two units of Science
Chemistry and Biology are recommended.
Course duration and attendance
Students can complete the course over three years, full time or six years, part time. Part-time students are required to attend some classes in daytime hours.
Course structure
Students must complete 144 credit points of study made up of 48 credit points of core subjects, a 72-credit-point major choice and 24 credit points of electives.
Industrial training/professional practice
Students studying this course have an opportunity to undertake an internship subject and receive academic credit for their placement off campus (an external business or research institute) or on campus (UTS research institutes or departments), in a capacity relevant to their academic studies.
Course completion requirements
| STM91953 Scientist's Tool Kit (Forensic Science) BForSc | 48cp | |
| CBK91225 Major choice | 72cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Total | 144cp |
Course diagram
Course program
Typical course programs are shown below.
| Biology major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 91132 Molecular Biology | 6cp | |
| 91137 DNA Profiling | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65319 Biological Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65318 Forensic Genotyping Technologies | 6cp | |
| Biology major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| January Session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| 91132 Molecular Biology | 6cp | |
| 91137 DNA Profiling | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65319 Biological Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65318 Forensic Genotyping Technologies | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Chemistry major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65202 Organic Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65508 Organic Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65544 Chemical Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65545 Forensic Toxicology | 6cp | |
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| Chemistry major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| January Session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Autumn session | ||
| 65202 Organic Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| 65508 Organic Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 65545 Forensic Toxicology | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65544 Chemical Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| CSI major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65321 Homicide and Human Remains Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65322 Major Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65323 Advanced Imaging and Specialist Recovery | 6cp | |
| CSI major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| January Session | ||
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65322 Major Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 65321 Homicide and Human Remains Investigation | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| 65323 Advanced Imaging and Specialist Recovery | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Digital Forensic major, Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 31268 Web Systems | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 41092 Network Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 48023 Programming Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 31250 Introduction to Data Analytics | 6cp | |
| 48730 Cybersecurity | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| 41900 Cryptography | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 65325 Digital Trace and Identity | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 48436 Digital Forensics | 6cp | |
| 65326 Digital and Cyber Crime | 6cp | |
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65327 Web Monitoring and Investigations | 6cp | |
| Digital Forensic major, Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 31268 Web Systems | 6cp | |
| 65242 Principles of Forensic Science | 6cp | |
| 41092 Network Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 65312 Forensic Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65325 Digital Trace and Identity | 6cp | |
| 60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues | 6cp | |
| 65316 Criminalistics | 6cp | |
| 48730 Cybersecurity | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 35255 Forensic Statistics | 6cp | |
| 65326 Digital and Cyber Crime | 6cp | |
| 48436 Digital Forensics | 6cp | |
| CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 48023 Programming Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 31250 Introduction to Data Analytics | 6cp | |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | |
| 65342 Crime Scene Investigation | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65315 Forensic Research Project | 6cp | |
| 65327 Web Monitoring and Investigations | 6cp | |
| 65313 Forensic Intelligence | 6cp | |
| 65314 Complex Cases | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 41900 Cryptography | 6cp | |
| Select 18 credit points from the following: | 18cp | |
| CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) | 24cp | |
Honours
The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) (C09100) is available to eligible students with an additional one year of full-time study.
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.
Other information
Further information is available from:
UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS