Overview 

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