To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) 1 year.

Specialisations have different admission requirements to other programs of study available in the Bachelor of Science (Honours). In order to undertake a Specialisation students must be admitted to the Specialisation program. The name of the Specialisation will be on the transcript and parchment.

Admission requirements

A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, or completed another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted for admission to The Honours program provided a sufficiently high standard has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements of the bachelors degree.

As well as the student's undergraduate record the availability of an academic supervisor for the Research Project will be taken into account.

Course aims

The program of honours in forensic and Analytical Chemistry extends the foundation in chemistry gained during undergraduate studies to incorporate extensive subject knowledge in the discipline. The Honours Year also aims to develop a range of skills including the capacity to:

  • undertake an individual Research Project under the supervision of an appropriately qualified staff member
  • understand the role of molecular biology and mathematics in forensic and Analytical Chemistry and apply their knowledge to problems in this area
  • understand the mathematics and statistical concepts required for the analysis and interpretation of experimental data
  • master the various laboratory techniques and instrumentation used in diverse chemical fields so as to be able to work independently in a laboratory
  • present information about chemistry in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
  • retrieve, critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to chemistry and apply this knowledge to solve problems or form hypotheses
  • appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the discipline of forensic and Analytical Chemistry and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline
  • work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
  • appreciate the role of chemistry in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises
  • work cooperatively and productively within a team.

The Honours Year prepares students for ongoing professional development, for further study in chemistry, another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a chemistry related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

Graduates are expected to be able to:

  • plan and execute an individual Research Project in forensic and Analytical Chemistry applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
  • understand and critically apply advanced theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of forensic and Analytical Chemistry
  • work independently, and as part of a team, in a chemical laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation;
  • analyse, critically evaluate and apply ideas/information/data, as well as apply relevant scientific principles, to solve problems. This may involve, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data in an independent manner
  • design and carry out experiments using both established and novel chemistry techniques and protocols without the need for direct supervision
  • effectively communicate chemically based information to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form;
  • appreciate the relationships and connections between forensic and Analytical Chemistry and other science and non-science disciplines
  • work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
  • work effectively within the regulatory framework surrounding chemistry, for example Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and Intellectual Property
  • work productively individually, as well as part of a team, in order to achieve goals.

Program of study

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) (Honours) a student must complete 36 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Core - Honours Year topics


36 units comprising:

 FACH4700A  Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Project  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 FACH4700B  Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Project  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 FACH4700C  Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Project  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 FACH4700D  Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Project  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 FACH4700E  Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Project  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 FACH4703  Chemistry of Energetic Materials  (4.5 units)

Plus two of:

 CHEM4703  Advanced Organic Chemistry  (4.5 units)
 CHEM4723  Advanced Macromolecular Science  (4.5 units)
 NANO4711  Advanced Nanotechnology  (4.5 units)