Study the Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science)

Study Forensic and Analytical Science at Flinders

Use chemistry and biology to analyse evidence, help investigate crime and contribute to justice.

Undertake one of two streams. Forensic and analytical chemistry combines the practices of analytical chemistry and forensic investigation. Forensic biology uses aspects of life sciences to examine biological material in a forensic context. The degree weaves core analytical skills with the principles, knowledge and practices of forensic biology and forensic chemistry.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
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Prerequisites

SACE stage two chemistry or equivalent.

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

70.00

Guaranteed selection rank

75.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

234281

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

3 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2024: $9,100

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

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Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Forensic and Analytical Science at Flinders

Choose a stream in forensic and analytical chemistry or forensic biology
Get hands-on experience during laboratory practicals and learn how forensic technologies are applied to real-life cases
Opens career options in areas such as illicit drug testing, DNA analysis, trace evidence examination and toxicology
Analyse and identify evidence such as illicit drugs, human body fluids, and trace evidence such as textile fibres and glass
Strong links with Forensic Science South Australia and other agencies and researchers around the world
Access research facilities among Australia’s best

Your career

Forensic and analytical science opens career options in areas such as illicit drug testing, DNA analysis, trace evidence examination and toxicology.

Potential occupations include:

forensic chemist, forensic biologist or forensic
toxicologist
analytical chemist
forensic technical assistant
formulation chemist
graduate chemist.

Potential employer sectors include:

forensic agencies, analytical laboratories
government agencies
chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, environmental laboratoriess.

Potential employers include:

Forensic Science SA
Australian Federal Police
Defence Science and Technology Group
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

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Events

What you will study

First year A typical first year may include:	core topics in the evolution of biological diversity, the molecular basis of life, chemical structure and bonding, modern chemistry, introduction to forensic science, and the nature of science a topic in biostatistics or data science an elective topic.
Second year A typical second year may include:	core topics in molecular biology, spectroscopy and data analysis, separation science, and chemical criminalistics topics in forensic and analytical chemistry, or forensic biology a selection of elective topics.
Third year A typical third year may include:	core topics in biological criminalistics; applied spectroscopy and electrochemistry; and drug action, metabolism, toxicology and analysis topics in forensic and analytical chemistry, or forensic biology a selection of elective topics.
Honours year A typical honours year may include:	a major forensic and analytical science research thesis, which develops core research skills enabling students to progress to a higher degree by research and increases the scope of their options in the job market further development of professional forensic skills such as evaluation and presentation of expert evidence in court.

View study program

Practical experiences

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

Get hands-on experience in our laboratories.
Undertake research in the field.
Carry out honours research with an industry partner such as Forensic Science SA, South Australian Police or the Defence Science Technology Group.

Get hands-on experience in our laboratories, and undertake research in the field. There are opportunities to carry out honours research with an industry partner such as Forensic Science SA, South Australian Police or the Defence Science Technology Group.

What you will need

Compulsory topics in laboratories include practical exercises that require manual dexterity.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas with a student exchange program.

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.70	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	79.85	83.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer	62.10	70.05

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	26	21%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	11	9%
Work and life experience	7	6%
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	46	37%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	<5	<5
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	30	24%
International Students	N/P	N/P
All students	126	100%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

You can also combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements.

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, another Flinders degree you might want to include in your list is the:

Bachelor of Science.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

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Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science)

Study Forensic and Analytical Science at Flinders

Fast facts