Bachelor of Forensic Science - Nathan
Program overview
| Program code | Program title | Award abbreviation | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science | BForSc | Nathan | |
| Host element | Duration | CRICOS code | Credit points | Semester/Trimester intakes |
| School of Biomolecular and Physical Sciences | 3 years full-time | 049312B | 240CP | S1 |
| Program fees | ||||
Why choose this program?
Forensic science has grabbed the attention of the community as a result of television programs giving real case examples of what the science involves and how it helps in the solving of crimes.
Forensic investigators are skilled, dedicated people who have the ability to keep an open mind and concentrate on the hard evidence. This program brings science out of textbooks and into real life by providing you with professional training in handling criminal casework in forensic biology, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology.
You'll develop your forensic skills in an internationally recognised learning and research environment, acquire in-depth knowledge of new forensic analysis methods and innovations, and gain valuable experience from real-life casework. The program allows you to practise the presentation of 'expert evidence' in moot courts, with feedback on your performance. It has a strong emphasis on a professional interdisciplinary approach and on research and innovation, and will also equip you with high-level skills applicable to a range of other scientific careers.
Griffith University is at the forefront of forensic science education in Queensland and has an international reputation for excellence. Academic staff have been called on to work on projects such as the forensic identification of victims of the Asian tsunami and the Bali bombings, as well as the provision of expert evidence in Australian courts.
In years 2 and 3, you'll elect a major in:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Molecular Biology
Attendance
The Bachelor of Forensic Science is offered full-time on campus at the Nathan campus. You may choose to study approved elective courses at other campuses if or where the program structure allows.As a full-time student you will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the semester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week. Some scheduled classes are held off-campus during the evenings; for example, moot court sessions in 2102BBS Forensic Evidence and the Expert Witness are held at the Brisbane Magistrates Court one evening per week over four weeks.
Students may take a reduced study load. You will be classed as a part-time student if you enrol in less than 30 credit points per semester. This may affect entitlement to Centrelink benefits. International students must maintain a full-time study load.
Work-integrated learning
Work-integrated learning activities integrate theoretical learning with its
application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities
in the degree program demonstrates Griffith’s commitment to preparing
its graduates for success in their working life. In this program you will engage
with forensic scientists and allied professionals from Queensland Health Scientific
Services and the Queensland Police Service in several core courses. This will
be achieved through their provision of key lectures, and through their participation
in problem classes, moot courts and other assessable student presentations to
expose you to the core needs of accredited forensic laboratory organisations
in terms of service provision and research.
Professional recognition
As a graduates you'll be eligible to join:
- the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS)
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Career opportunities
You could become a DNA expert, a forensic molecular biologist, forensic chemist or forensic toxicologist and as an acknowledged expert in these and a variety of roles within the criminal justice system you could be called on by courts to present expert evidence in criminal cases.
The excellent knowledge and high-level skills acquired in forensic DNA profiling, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology, together with a thorough grounding in the core scientific disciplines, will provide you with the flexibility to enter scientific careers not directly related to forensic organisations. These include molecular biology, analytical chemistry and biomedical science in public and private sector hospitals, universities and biotech companies.
Your degree also prepares you for postgraduate professional study such as the Griffith Master of Science Forensic Science [5085] degree program. You may also choose to undertake a fourth-year research honours degree, which can lead to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
In the document examination laboratory, forensic scientists compare handwriting speciments to look for evidence of document forgery.
Study pathways
Diploma of Biosciences
Graduates of the Diploma of Biosciences [8023] program (undertaken at both QIBT and Griffith) who have achieved a minimum grade point average of 5.0 in the Diploma may articulate to the second year of the Bachelor of Forensic Science degre program at Nathan with 80 credit points of credit. The Diploma of Biosciences has a February and June intake.