Course description
About the course
The expansion of the forensic sciences in Australia and countries overseas has seen an increase in the demand for trained forensic personnel. The Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology is a newly updated course, designed by industry for the biotechnology graduates of tomorrow. The course offers a solid base in the four key areas of biotechnology; namely molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology. Graduates will be equipped with a good understanding of recent trends and applications of technology in the biotechnology industry with special emphasis on bioinformatics, genomics, intellectual property and ethical issues.
These aims will be achieved by complementing the theoretical material in the course with extensive practical work, case studies, seminars, and report writing.
Where it will take you
Career opportunities exist for graduates in fields such as:
* biomedical research and the pharmaceutical sector (new generation therapeutics) as research scientists
* genetic screening in customs and quarantine laboratories (DNA fingerprinting)
* forensic science, microbiology research and service laboratories
* specialised disciplines in medical or veterinary diagnostic and service laboratories as scientific and technical officers
Technical expertise in biotechnology is applicable around the world in a diversity of industries and versatile biotechnology. Graduates will readily adapt their expertise to areas like biomining, plant industries (crop production, horticulture), marine biology, paleontology, ecology (biodiversity analysis), as well as environmental pollution control and waste management, where their skills are increasingly in demand.
Your course is recognised by industry
Negotiations with the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) for the accreditation of the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology are underway. Students from the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology will be eligible for student membership to the society upon entry into the course and graduates will be eligible for recognition as a registered forensic practitioner after two years' practice within a forensic discipline.
All graduates of the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology will be eligible for membership into AusBiotech and the Australian Society of Biotechnology.
The latest facilities
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
* state-of-the-art laboratories
* computer centres
* small class sizes
Practical experience
Students must complete a six-week compulsory professional training component to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology. Professional training can be carried out in blocks of three weeks if desired, preferably in the last 20 months of the course. Training locations can range from private companies to public research institutes and utilities (eg hospitals, CSIRO, medical institutes, forensic laboratories) but the site and project concerned must be approved by the Course Coordinator prior to commencement.
Students who can prove at least six to eight months of previous employment in an approved discipline are exempt from this component.
Residential school
Distance education students attend up to eight days of residential school per session at the Wagga Wagga Campus.
Science Scholarships
CSU's Science Scholarships are available for on campus applicants to this course, providing $4000 per annum for up to four years (subject to satisfactory progress). Once awarded the Scholarship, the money is the student's to spend in the way that assists them most.
Applicants must achieve a University Admissions Index (UAI)(NSW) or ENTER(VIC) of 80 and above (inclusive of the Regional Bonus) to be eligible to receive the Scholarship.
To apply, download the Science Scholarships application form, complete all sections, then return the form to the Scholarships Officer before the end of October in the year prior to commencing your studies.
Graduation reqirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points. Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology with the award BForensicBiotech.
Clinical requirements
Refer to the Clinical requirements section for information on:
* Criminal Record Clearance
* Immunisation
Further study
Meritorious students are encouraged to apply for entry into an Honours year of research at CSU in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, applied immunology and antimicrobials. Honours graduates may gain entry into the University’s postgraduate scientific research programs leading to the award of a Doctor of Philosophy.
