University of Technology Sydney

C10388v4 Bachelor of Forensic Science Bachelor of International Studies

Award(s): Bachelor of Forensic Science (BForSc)
Bachelor of International Studies (BIS)

UAC code: 609252 (Autumn session)
CRICOS code: 092382G
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 240
Course EFTSL: 5
Location: City campus

Notes

Students who commenced a combined degree with the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies prior to 2022 should refer to the Handbook for the year they commenced their degree.


Overview
Course aims
Career options
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Pathway course
Inherent requirements
Assumed knowledge
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Honours
Other information

Overview

The Bachelor of Forensic Science Bachelor of International Studies prepares students for professional and specialist work in the discipline of forensic science. Students build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the enabling sciences, complemented by an in-depth understanding of forensic science in the context of their chosen discipline. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills is a focus of the degree, with graduates in high demand from a diverse range of industries and organisations.

In the International Studies component, students select one of six languages (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish) and one of the following three pathways: Language, Culture & the Professional World, Language; Culture & Global Exchange; and International Honours.

This course provides students with a thorough understanding of how forensic science can solve and prevent crime. This is a hands-on course using world-class facilities that are modelled on operational laboratories. The course is well regarded nationally and internationally, with strong links to industries such as the federal and state police services, national and international forensic institutions, and government laboratories.

International study is unique allowing students to gain qualifications in language and cultural awareness for a country of their choice. This added dimension expands students’ career opportunities and employability in the global workplace.

Course aims

This course aims to produce professional forensic scientists with highly adaptable scientific skills, accompanied by a thorough grounding in theory and practice.

Career options

Career options depend on the selected major but may include positions in the police service, state and federal law enforcement agencies, government and private forensic or drug detection laboratories, customs, quarantine services, environmental protection agencies, pharmaceutical, chemical and analytical industries, DNA testing laboratories, medical diagnostic laboratories, hospitals or corporate multinationals providing forensic, medical or research services, digital forensic laboratories, scene of crime officers.

The international perspective provided by the international studies component enhances global opportunities.

Innovation and Transdisciplinary program

Transdisciplinarity and Innovation at UTS

All 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 Innovation

The 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 program

Transdisciplinary 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.
INT.1.1 Understand and employ effective strategies to operate within professional and everyday settings across diverse cultures in Australia and/or internationally.
INT.2.1 Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces.
INT.2.2 Analyse, generate and communicate creative solutions to work-related problems within professional and everyday settings across diverse cultures in Australia and internationally.
INT.3.1 Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally.
INT.3.2 Communicate effectively for everyday and/or professional purposes in an additional language.
INT.4.1 Apply knowledge of Indigenous peoples, cultures, languages and histories to practice in Australian and internationally.
INT.5.1 Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings.
INT.6.1 Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies.

Key

INT = International Studies course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

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.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the UTS Inherent requirements page.

Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.

UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.

For course specific information see the Bachelor of International Studies Diploma in Languages Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.

Assumed knowledge

2-unit mathematics; any two units of English; and any two units of science.

There are no prior language requirements for the international studies program. During their first year of study students complete a language survey to ensure they commence their language and culture study at the appropriate level.

HSC Mathematics Extension 1; Chemistry; Physics are recommended.

Course duration and attendance

This course is offered on a five-year, full-time basis.

Course structure

Students must complete 240 credit points of study made up of 48 credit points of core subjects, a 72-credit-point major choice, 24 credit points of electives and 96 credit points of International Studies subjects.

In the International Studies component students select the language they will study at the time of enrolment, and either the Language, Culture and the Professional World pathway or the Language, Culture and Global Exchange pathway. Information relating to entry into the International Honours pathway can be found in the Information for Students section.

Overseas study

In the International studies component students have the following options:

1. Language, Culture & the Professional World: includes an internship and option of a short study abroad experience (2-6 weeks) overseas.

2. Language, Culture & Global Exchange: includes an internship and a 6-month global exchange at any UTS partner university.

3. International Honours: includes a full year at a relevant partner university where students complete an honours level research project.

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
CBK92057 Country and Language choice 96cp
Total 240cp

Course program

The below program shows a student who has selected the German Language and Culture major, and completing the Language, Culture & the Professional World pathway or the International Honours pathway.

It is recommended that students who elect to complete the Language, Culture & Global Exchange pathway complete 999781 International Research Methods in Year 3 Autumn, so that they can undertake their Exchange session during Year 4 Autumn.

Chemistry major, Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
33116 Design, Data, and Decisions   6cp
65111 Chemistry 1   6cp
65242 Principles of Forensic Science   6cp
60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues   6cp
Spring session
65212 Chemistry 2   6cp
91161 Cell Biology and Genetics   6cp
35255 Forensic Statistics   6cp
65312 Forensic Imaging   6cp
December session
99218 Intercultural Communication   8cp
Year 2
Autumn session
976421 Contemporary Germany   8cp
97601 German Language and Culture 1   8cp
65202 Organic Chemistry 1   6cp
65306 Analytical Chemistry 1   6cp
Spring session
97602 German Language and Culture 2   8cp
65409 Analytical Chemistry 2   6cp
65508 Organic Chemistry 2   6cp
Year 3
Autumn session
97603 German Language and Culture 3   8cp
65342 Crime Scene Investigation   6cp
65316 Criminalistics   6cp
Spring session
97604 German Language and Culture 4   8cp
65544 Chemical Criminalistics   6cp
CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives   6cp
Year 4
Autumn session
999781 International Research Methods   8cp
Select 16 credit points from the following:   16cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Spring session
Select 24 credit points from the following:   24cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Year 5
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
91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology   6cp
Biology major, Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
33116 Design, Data, and Decisions   6cp
65111 Chemistry 1   6cp
65242 Principles of Forensic Science   6cp
60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues   6cp
Spring session
91161 Cell Biology and Genetics   6cp
35255 Forensic Statistics   6cp
65312 Forensic Imaging   6cp
65212 Chemistry 2   6cp
December session
99218 Intercultural Communication   8cp
Year 2
Autumn session
976421 Contemporary Germany   8cp
97601 German Language and Culture 1   8cp
65342 Crime Scene Investigation   6cp
91314 General Microbiology   6cp
Spring session
97602 German Language and Culture 2   8cp
91132 Molecular Biology   6cp
CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives   6cp
Year 3
Autumn session
97603 German Language and Culture 3   8cp
65316 Criminalistics   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) 24cp  
Spring session
97604 German Language and Culture 4   8cp
91137 DNA Profiling   6cp
91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology   6cp
Year 4
Autumn session
999781 International Research Methods   8cp
Select 16 credit points from the following:   16cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Spring session
Select 24 credit points from the following:   24cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Year 5
Autumn session
91320 Metabolic Biochemistry   6cp
65319 Biological Criminalistics   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
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
CSI major, Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
33116 Design, Data, and Decisions   6cp
65111 Chemistry 1   6cp
65242 Principles of Forensic Science   6cp
60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues   6cp
Spring session
65212 Chemistry 2   6cp
91161 Cell Biology and Genetics   6cp
35255 Forensic Statistics   6cp
65312 Forensic Imaging   6cp
December session
99218 Intercultural Communication   8cp
Year 2
Autumn session
97601 German Language and Culture 1   8cp
65342 Crime Scene Investigation   6cp
976421 Contemporary Germany   8cp
91314 General Microbiology   6cp
Spring session
97602 German Language and Culture 2   8cp
91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology   6cp
65321 Homicide and Human Remains Investigation   6cp
Year 3
Autumn session
97603 German Language and Culture 3   8cp
65306 Analytical Chemistry 1   6cp
65316 Criminalistics   6cp
Spring session
97604 German Language and Culture 4   8cp
65322 Major Scene Investigation   6cp
65409 Analytical Chemistry 2   6cp
Year 4
Autumn session
999781 International Research Methods   8cp
Select 16 credit points from the following:   16cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Spring session
Select 24 credit points from the following:   24cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Year 5
Autumn session
65315 Forensic Research Project   6cp
CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) 24cp  
Spring session
65313 Forensic Intelligence   6cp
65314 Complex Cases   6cp
65323 Advanced Imaging and Specialist Recovery   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK92300 Electives (Science UG) 24cp  
Digital Forensics major, Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
33116 Design, Data, and Decisions   6cp
31268 Web Systems   6cp
60006 Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues   6cp
65242 Principles of Forensic Science   6cp
Spring session
41092 Network Fundamentals   6cp
31250 Introduction to Data Analytics   6cp
35255 Forensic Statistics   6cp
65312 Forensic Imaging   6cp
December session
99218 Intercultural Communication   8cp
Year 2
Autumn session
97601 German Language and Culture 1   8cp
65342 Crime Scene Investigation   6cp
48730 Cybersecurity   6cp
976421 Contemporary Germany   8cp
Spring session
97602 German Language and Culture 2   8cp
48436 Digital Forensics   6cp
48023 Programming Fundamentals   6cp
Year 3
Autumn session
97603 German Language and Culture 3   8cp
65316 Criminalistics   6cp
65325 Digital Trace and Identity   6cp
Spring session
97604 German Language and Culture 4   8cp
65326 Digital and Cyber Crime   6cp
CBK92069 Transdisciplinary Electives   6cp
Year 4
Autumn session
999781 International Research Methods   8cp
Select 16 credit points from the following:   16cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Spring session
Select 24 credit points from the following:   24cp
CBK92076 Pathway Options (Germany) 40cp  
Year 5
Autumn session
41900 Cryptography   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

Honours

The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) (C09100) is available to eligible students with an additional one year of full-time study.

Other information

Further information is available from:

UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS