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 Science, 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 bachelor's 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 Science extends the foundation in chemistry and molecular biology 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 mathematics and statistical concepts required for the analysis and interpretation of experimental data
- master the various laboratory techniques and instrumentation used in forensic and analytical science so as to be able to work independently in a laboratory
- present information about forensic and analytical science 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 forensic and analytical science and apply this knowledge to solve problems or form hypotheses
- appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the discipline of forensic and analytical science 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 forensic and analytical science 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, molecular biology, another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a chemistry or molecular biology 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 science 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 science
- work independently, and as part of a team, in a research 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 scientific information to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form;
- appreciate the relationships and connections between forensic and analytical science 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 forensic and abalytical science, 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 Science) (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.
Stream - Forensic Biology – Honours Year topics
36 units comprising:
BIOL4700B Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL4700C Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL4700D Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL4700E Biology Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
BIOL4720 Honours Grant Writing Skills (4.5 units)
BIOL4730 Honours Scientific Methods and Data Presentation (4.5 units)
BIOL4731 Evidence Evaluation (4.5 units)
Stream - Forensic and Analytical Chemistry - 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)
Plus three of:
BIOL4731 Evidence Evaluation (4.5 units)
CHEM4703 Advanced Organic Chemistry (4.5 units)
CHEM4723 Advanced Macromolecular Science (4.5 units)
FACH4703 Chemistry of Energetic Materials (4.5 units)
NANO4711 Advanced Nanotechnology (4.5 units)
* Students must consult with the course co-ordinator regarding which option topics to choose for their honours program
