Explore the nature of crime and the science behind the collection, examination and presentation of evidence with this combined degree in criminology and forensic science. You’ll discover what’s behind criminal behaviour, learn valuable courtroom skills and get hands-on experience examining evidence in simulated crime scenes.
Criminology is the study of crime and the motivations behind criminal behaviour. Forensic science is an applied science concerned with the law and legal proceedings and can include specialist areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic medicine and lab sciences.
Led by a team of highly experienced criminology and forensic science experts, you’ll learn about the many interrelated concepts that underpin these professional areas where the law meets science.
The combined degree draws from both the arts and science disciplines. It’s designed to give you a broad appreciation of the professional, social, economic and cultural contexts of why crimes are committed and teach you how to examine evidence for the purposes of legal proceedings.
In the forensic science stream you can choose to focus your studies by completing a major sequences in either Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. The course covers forensic chemistry and toxicology including trace chemical evidence, arson and explosives investigations, analysis of illicit drugs and forensic toxicology reporting. Our purpose-built crime scene facility lets you examine evidence and identify illegal products and endangered species. You’ll also learn how to apply forensic analysis including chemical, biological and physical techniques.
In the criminology stream you’ll take a close look at the nature of crime, investigating why crimes are committed. You’ll explore the various theoretical approaches that shape our understanding of crime in contemporary society and how communities respond to criminal behaviour. You’ll examine the criminal justice system from a sociological perspective, explore crime prevention and security, criminal and civil law and the laws of evidence.
This double degree prepares you for careers in criminology, forensic science and forensic criminology. You might choose to work in crime prevention, community development, security, policing, corrections, military services or criminal justice research. Other specialist areas you can explore include forensic sociology, criminal psychology and forensic investigation.
Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Professional recognition
Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS). The Bachelor of Forensic Science component of the combined course is also accredited with the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you may find employment opportunities as a forensic scientist, criminologist or related role, in both the public and private sector, including areas such as the forensic science industry, science-based industries, teaching, government agencies, state and federal police, ASIO, correctional services, community services, and private security industries.
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology, students must attain 32 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 32 credit points, you’ll need to study 32 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
This combined course comprises 32 credit points of study. Students will undertake 16 credit point in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment and 16 credit points in the Faculty of Arts and Education course-grouped units. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Forensic Science (S324) and Bachelor of Criminology (A329) must be satisfied.
Forensic Science requirements (16 cp):
At least 16 credit points of Science course-grouped units;
10 credit points of core Forensic Science units (plus 1 other core units shared with Criminology – ACR102);
Successful completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 cp);
Successful completion of STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 cp);
Successful completion of a major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology;
At least 4 credit points of Science course-grouped units at level 3;
Up to 6 credit points of Science course-grouped units at level 1.
Criminology requirements (16 cp):
Students must complete 16 credit points of study from the Faculty of Arts and Education including at least 12 credit points of ACR coded units, including the core units of ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302.
Major sequences
Bachelor of Forensic Science major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
* ACR212, ACR213 Trimester 1 (alternate years 2014, 2016) and trimester 3 (alternate years 2015, 2017)
** ACR210, ACR211 Trimester 3 (alternate years 2014, 2016) and trimester 1 (alternate years 2015, 2017)
Course structure
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
Details of major sequences
Forensic Biology
Campuses
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Unit set code
MJ-S000049
Overview
The forensic biology major aims to provide you with the specific biological skills that are very important in the forensic science workplace. These biological-based skills complement the generic forensic science attributes developed in the core units of the course. Study in this area may lead to a career based on entomology, human anatomy and DNA based forensic science.
The forensic chemistry major aims to provide you with the specific chemistry skills that are very important in the forensic science workplace. These chemically-based skills complement the generic forensic science attributes developed in the core units of the course. Study in this area may lead to a career based on toxicology, drug detection and chemical detection.
