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 involves analysing and identifying physical evidence, elements and compounds.

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.

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:

• analytical/forensic chemist
• analytical chemist
• forensic technical assistant
• formulation chemist
• graduate chemist.

Potential employers include:

• chemical, pharmaceutical, food, marine chemical investigations, and forensic industries
• forensic, analytical, winery and environmental laboratories
• government agencies.