Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)
2024 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) |
| Deakin course code | S401 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Campus | Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | These course maps are for new students commencing from Semester 1 2025: Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS course code | 060342C Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) to broaden your understanding of a chosen discipline within the field, while building key research and soft skills that enhance your employment options and prepare you for further study.
Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to combine the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree. It is an opportunity to develop your expertise in a field you are passionate about and to gain invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your career.
You have worked hard for your undergraduate degree. Why not take the next step with an honours degree that launches your career forward?
You will be guided every step of the way by teachers and research staff who are experts in their respective fields, with international links and broad experience. You’ll be able to leverage Deakin’s industry connections to work alongside professional forensic scientists. Through research, coursework and formal training, you will develop the skills and techniques needed for modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence to inform investigations.
Deakin's research in forensic science is conducted in partnership with government departments, private agencies and leading international scientists, and is funded by national and international grants. This means that work you complete during your honours program may contribute to producing research of global importance.
You’ll have a distinct advantage when applying for roles in forensic research, research science and insurance investigations and be well placed to pursue further study and research training, including masters and PhD programs.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) has been professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).
Career opportunities
Graduate with transferable skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market, including data analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.
Your in-depth understanding of your chosen discipline, plus your highly advanced research skills, will set you up to succeed in further study and open up employment opportunities in areas such as:
- forensics
- insurance investigations
- risk analysis
- research science
- government institutions
- chemical, biological, food and pharmaceutical industries.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in one of forensic biology or forensic chemistry. |
| Communication | Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems. |
| Self-management | Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and/or collaboratively within a research team, receiving advice and guidance from supervisor/s that contributes to achieving the outcomes of the Honours project. |
| Global citizenship | Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with stakeholders to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 6 credit points from a research specialisation
- 2 credit points of coursework units
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Course structure
Core
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
Choose one of the following specialisations:
Forensic Biology - unit set code SP-S000078
| SLE451 | Science Professionalism |
| SLE454 | Advanced Topics in Forensic Science |
| SLE420 | Honours Biology Research 1A |
| SLE421 | Honours Biology Research 1B |
| SLE422 | Honours Biology Research 2 (2 credit points) |
| SLE423 | Honours Biology Research 3 (2 credit points) |
Forensic Chemistry - unit set code SP-S000079
| SLE430 | Honours Chemistry Research 1A |
| SLE431 | Honours Chemistry Research 1B |
| SLE432 | Honours Chemistry Research 2 (2 credit points) |
| SLE433 | Honours Chemistry Research 3 (2 credit points) |
| SLE453 | Advanced Topics in Chemistry |
| SLE454 | Advanced Topics in Forensic Science |
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Other course information
Projects and Supervision - additional information
As part of your application for this course, you will be required to first contact potential supervisors and discuss projects. Once you have met with a supervisor and agreed on a project, you will need to complete an application form and submit this via the Deakin applicant portal.
Information on how to apply, important dates and the 2025 Honours projects booklet is available at Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Research and research-related study
The research project provides the practical skills necessary to deliver a strong foundation in research. Thesis preparation will include an introduction to research methodologies appropriate to the discipline including associated methods, processes and practice. You will work with a member of staff who is experienced in research and who can assist you to gain insight into research and independent investigation. Staff use their research experience and industry skills to ensure that the research projects and course delivery methods are current.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.