Bachelor of Forensic Science (International Students)
ObjectivesDeakin's Bachelor of Forensic Science aims to provide formal training in the skills and techniques essential to modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence to solve crimes. The course combines studies in biology, chemistry, biochemical and chemical analysis, statistical analysis and molecular biology. You will also undertake studies in criminology, including the examination and interpretation of evidence and courtroom skills. Access to the very latest technology and facilities such as a full suite of forensic instrumentation for learning and research is unique to the Deakin forensic science course. The course has extensive industry links with local and Australian forensic organisations, and features guest lecturers and site visits in collaboration with leading forensic organisations.
Entry requirementsGeneral admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table. Some courses may have additional entry requirements. Students must also meet the undergraduate English language requirements.
Academic titleBachelor of Forensic Science (International Students)
Course descriptionFees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Forensic Science, career opportunities exist in forensics, insurance investigation, risk analysis, research science, education, in government institutions and in chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.
Course rules
The Bachelor of Forensic Science course covers many aspects of chemical and biochemical analysis, and molecular biology. To be awarded a Bachelor of Forensic Science, students must complete a total of 24 credit points, and those achieving a high average will be able to apply for the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) course. This course may be completed by full-time study or part-time equivalent. Due to the specialised nature of forensic science and its ethics and legal requirements, a number of the units are prescribed and students must pass all core units.
Students must complete 11 credit points of core units and a major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology. Students may use up to eight of their remaining electives on units offered outside the Faculty such as units in Criminology, for example.
All students are required to complete at least one wholly online unit.
Major sequences
Forensic Biology Forensic Chemistry
Course structure
Core units
Year 1
Trimester 1
SBB111 Cells, Genes and Diversity
SBC131 Principles of Chemistry
SIT191 Introduction to Statistics
ASL111 The Criminal Justice System
SBS010 Laboratory Safety Induction Program *
*SBS010 is a 0-credit-point compulsory unit
Trimester 2
SBB132 Biology: Form and Function
SBC152 Chemistry of Life
SBF111 Fundamentals of ForensicScience
ASL113 Crime, Criminology and Policing
Year 2
Trimester 1
SBC211 Introduction to Spectroscopic Principles
Trimester 2
SBF208 Forensic Biology
Year 3
Trimester 2
SBF313 Forensic Analysis and Interpretation
Admission requirements - general
General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table (194kb).
Some courses may have additional entry requirements.
Students must also meet the undergraduate English language requirements.
Advanced standing - general
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.
Your advanced standing is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
* Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now.
* Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office.
* Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application:
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
* If you applied online, log back into the Applicant Portal using your username and password.
* If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
* If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact that office.