Bachelor of Forensic Science - Griffith University

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Program overview

Why choose this program?

You will develop your forensic skills in an internationally recognised learning and research environment, where you will acquire in-depth knowledge of new forensic analysis methods and innovations, and gain valuable experience from real-life casework. You will receive professional training in handling criminal casework in forensic biology, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology. 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 a national and international reputation for excellence. Griffith academic staff are internationally recognised, with their expertise being demanded for work on projects like the forensic identification of tsunami victims and Australian victims of the Bali bombings, as well as the provision of expert evidence in Australian courts.

In years 2 and 3, you will elect a major in Forensic Molecular Biology or Forensic Chemistry.

Attendance

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.  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

Graduates are eligible to join the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS), Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Career opportunities

In the document examination laboratory, forensic scientists compare handwriting speciments to look for evidence of document forgery.

You will be prepared for employment in forensic laboratories, with an emphasis on forensic applications and the presentation of expert evidence in criminal cases.

Your career may be as a forensic molecular biologist/DNA expert, forensic chemist, forensic toxicologist, or in a variety of roles within the criminal justice system.

Equipped not only with excellent knowledge and high-level skills in forensic DNA profiling, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology, but also a thorough grounding in the core scientific disciplines, you will have the flexibility to enter scientific careers not directly related to forensic organisations; such as 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 (QPS) degree program, which the Queensland Police Service has formally recognised as essential for a career as a QPS scientific officer.

Study pathways

Diploma of Biosciences

Graduates of the Diploma of Biosciences program (undertaken at both QIBT and Griffith) may articulate to the second year of the following degree program at Nathan with 80 credit points of credit:

Bachelor of Forensic Science (with the Forensic Molecular Biology major)