BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Science

Key Points

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Program description

Chemistry with Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary course involving forensic science, chemistry and biochemistry, as well as toxicology, psychology, pharmacology and pathology. It also provides practical and communication skills.

The four-year course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and its main strengths include:

Competitive skills and employability
Excellent student experience
Practical experience
Teamwork and collaboration
Research-oriented teaching and innovation
Presentation and communication skills.

Forensic modules have practical examinations and the final year includes a research project in chemical, forensic or related sciences using state-of-the-art facilities.

Why choose this course

Our recognised expertise in key areas of forensic science (forensic psychology, forensic and legal medicine, genetics) combined with strengths in chemical, biological and analytical science, will provide you with a unique and stimulating interdisciplinary course. In addition, you will earn a comprehensive chemistry degree.

Skills and career information

The course offers you a unique combination of skills in chemistry, biochemistry and forensic science related disciplines.

Transferable skills for our graduates include problem solving, science communication, time management and teamwork.

The types of jobs our graduates get include:

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
Analytical Chemist
Laboratory technician or manager

The types of companies our students work for include:

Chemical industry and R&D
Forensic laboratories
Pharmaceutical and other chemistry-related industries
Quality control and quality assurance laboratories

Program Structure

YEAR 1

Introduction to biochemistry and the biological basis of disease.
Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
Physiology and structure of plants and animals
Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 1
Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 2a
Calculus for Science Part 1
Calculus for Science Part 2
Microbiology in society
Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences

YEAR 2

Biomolecules
Introduction to Forensic Science
Current perspectives in genetics
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
Major group and transition element chemistry
Energetics and Kinetics
States of matter
Structures and reactions of the main group compounds
Aromatics, Carbonyls and Alkenes
Spectroscopy
Structure, bonding and quantum mechanics

YEAR 3

Forensic Analysis
Forensic Psychology
Toxicology
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Synthesis, structure and reactivity of organic compounds

Students who have passed year 3 may opt to receive a regular bachelor’s degree instead of moving on to year 4.

YEAR 4

Forensic Genetics and Molecular Biology
Legal and Forensic Medicine
Research project
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Lasers, photochemistry and spectroscopy
Interfaces, microscopy and modelling
Advanced Organic Synthesis, Biosynthesis and Reactivity
Advanced Forensic Science Methods
Advanced analytical chemistry

Admission requirements

Minimum requirement 1 x H4, 1 x H5, 4 x O6/H7; Mathematics and laboratory science courses required.
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or internationally recognised equivalent).