Forensic Scientist (VIC)

Education and Training:

To become a forensic scientist you usually have to study science at university with a major in forensic science or forensic biology. To get into these courses you usually need to pass your VCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics and psychology are normally required. You may also consider degrees in other areas of specialisation which may provide entry into various areas of forensic science. Relevant areas include biology, botany, chemistry, physics, dentistry or medicine. These degrees are offered by various universities throughout Victoria. The various universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Degree Courses:

Deakin University - Geelong Campus:

Bachelor of Forensic Science, 3 years full time or equivalent

RMIT University - Bundoora and City Campuses:

Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology), majoring in forensic science, 3 years full time

Swinburne University of Technology - Hawthorn Campus:

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology/Chemistry), majoring in forensic science, 3 years full time or equivalent

Victoria University - Werribee Campus:

Bachelor of Science (Medical, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry), 3 years full time or equivalent

Additional Information:

An honours degree or higher qualification is highly desirable for some positions. Postgraduate courses in forensic science are available at Bond University (QLD), Charles Sturt University (NSW), Deakin University (VIC), Flinders University (SA), Griffith University (QLD), La Trobe University (VIC), Monash University (VIC), University of Canberra (ACT) and the University of Western Australia.

Related Courses:

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

The main employers of forensic scientists are state and federal government health departments, and state, territory and federal police forces. Most forensic scientists have had extensive experience specialising in a particular scientific field such as microbiology, chemistry or physics before moving into the forensic area.

The Australian Federal Police, through its Forensic Services Division in Canberra, employs forensic scientists in the disciplines of crime scene examination, fingerprint identification, firearms and ammunition identification, document examination, forensic biology, forensic chemistry and applied physics.