Forensic and Analytical Chemistry
Bachelor of Technology (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry)
- BTech(Forensic & Analytical Chem)
| Fast Facts |
| Course Level: | Undergraduate |
 |
| Course Length: | Three years full- time or equivalent part-time. Four years with Honours.
Combined Degrees:
Forensic & Analytical Chemistry / Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology)
- one additional year to your full-time study program; and
Forensic & Analytical Chemistry / Diploma in Language - one additional year to
your full-time study program. |
| Location: | Taught on-campus at Flinders. |
| Available To: | Australian and international students. |
| Prerequisites: | SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent applies to all applicants. |
| SATAC Code: | 214171 |
| Entry Cutoff Scores: |
Tertiary Education Rank (TER)
-
Science & Engineering Bonus Points Scheme for High School Students
 |
| Course Program Details: | A program of study is available in the University's Course Information Handbook. |
About the Course
What is Forensic & Analytical Chemistry?
Analytical chemistry involves analysing and identifying elements and compounds. Forensic chemistry is the application of analytical chemistry to matters of a legal nature, whether related to crime, environmental or safety laws, or simply the rules of society.
Career Opportunities
This is a specialist degree created to fill specific niches in the job market.
Analytical chemists are increasingly in demand in areas as diverse as:
- the monitoring of food and water quality;
- dealing with pollution problems; and
- testing for the use and abuse of drugs.
Our graduates have taken up positions in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and forensic industries and in government agencies. Many students have continued with tertiary study, enrolling in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) and then undertaking research towards a Master of Science or a PhD.
Recent records show that all of our graduates gained employment in a variety of chemistry related fields within: the Australian Federal Police; marine chemical investigations; and in forensic, analytical, winery and environmental laboratories.
To find out more about the jobs this degree can lead to, go to the Your Career section of the Flinders' graduate careers website.
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Combining Degrees
Forensic & Analytical Chemistry / Innovation and Enterprise (Science &
Technology)
One additional year to your full-time study plan
If you want to boost your business, management, enterprise and communication skills, and undertake a concentrated period of practical work experience, consider combining
Forensic & Analytical Chemistry with the Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science and Technology) (BIE). The BIE will add just one year to your full-time study program and you’ll graduate with two degrees. More importantly, you’ll increase your immediate attractiveness to employers and your potential to become a business leader. You will need to apply for both the Bachelor of Technology (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) and the BIE via SATAC.
What Will I Study?
In First year you'll gain a sound foundation in chemistry, forensic methods, biology and the Australian legal system, and select from a range of options including archaeology, IT, computer programming, earth sciences, mathematics, physics or marine sciences.
Second year includes statistics for forensic science, experimental data analysis, analytical chemistry and molecular biology (DNA).
Third year places specific emphasis on forensic methods, including DNA fingerprinting, trace analysis (in soils, hairs, fibres etc), and environmental analytical chemistry. Forensic methods are taught in second and third year.
You'll be introduced to the legislative and professional background of forensic and analytical chemistry from first year onwards, including issues such as occupational health and safety, quality assurance and environmental legislation.
Each year includes projects that involve solving real analytical and forensic problems and communicating your results. Industrial work experience, undertaken in a forensic or analytical laboratory in second year, is a key feature of the degree.
Eligible students can proceed to Honours (Bachelor of Science) in their chosen specialisation.
The full program of study, including topic descriptions, is set out in the Course rule and topic information for this degree.
Why Study Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at Flinders?
This course was designed in consultation with analytical and forensic chemists working in the public and private sectors. Ongoing input is provided by organisations such as the South Australian Police Department, the State Forensic Science Centre, the Australian Federal police, the National Institute of Forensic Science and local South Australian industries and laboratories. It combines studies in all aspects of chemistry with related sciences such as biology and earth sciences, the necessary mathematical and computer skills required to process and analyse data, and a thorough grounding in industrial practice and the relevant areas of our legal system.
There is also a strong focus on developing your oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
The formal course aims are set out in the Course rule and topic information for this degree.
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Entry requirements
Australian Students
SATAC Code: 214171
A pre-requisite of
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent.
Year 12 applicants must have qualified for SACE and obtained Recorded Achievement in at least five two-unit SACE Stage 2 subjects. Included among the five must be four HESS General subjects.
Non-school leavers from various backgrounds, such as tertiary transfers, TAFE, Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) and other access schemes are eligible to apply.
Applicants who have met the pre-requisite and have completed one of the following are eligible to apply:
- SACE (Year 12) or interstate equivalent;
- International Baccalaureate (IB);
- TAFE/VET;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT);
- Foundation Course/Bridging Program;
- Overseas qualifications;
- Tertiary Transfer (Grade Point Average - GPA); and
- Other access schemes are eligible to apply.
International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:
- Tuition fees
- Course entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Australian visa and health cover requirements
- Scholarships Information for AusAID applicants
See the When and how to apply section for information about the application process and access to application forms.
Note: Australian qualifications are recognised in most countries, but students are advised to discuss their proposed programs with the professional registration authority and relevant professional associations in their home country before commencing studies.
Required Background
A pre-requisite of SACE Stage 2 Chemistry. There is no other assumed knowledge. Note, however, that if you don’t have Year 12 Physics you will be required to take Physics for Life Sciences in 1st year.
How do I get the Required Background if I don't already have it?
If you do not already have Year 12 Chemistry (or equivalent) you can consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Science course and applying for a transfer to Forensic and Analytical Chemistry after completing the Introduction to Chemistry Topics.
By careful choice of topics it is still possible to graduate in three years.
Transferring Credit
Credit transfer arrangements are in place for applicants who have successfully completed certain TAFE courses.
Applications for credit will be considered on an individual basis, and application can be made through the normal channels of applying for status.
An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
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More on Forensic & Analytical Chemistry
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, which is required to practise as an analytical chemist.
Research Activities
Assoc Prof Stewart Walker
- CSI – Chemical Scientific Investigations
- Analysis of heavy metals in autopsy livers
- New analytical instruments for crime scene investigations
- New analytical methods for detection of drugs and explosives especially at airports
- Environmental Forensic Investigations
Assoc Prof Stewart Walker – with colleagues at Forensic Science South Australia
- Detection of Benzodiazapines in post-mortem blood
- Amphetamine analysis
- Detection of Olanzapines in post-mortem blood
Prof David Catcheside
- Novel DNA profiling tools for forensic samples
Prof Leigh Burgoyne
- Methods of storing and processing blood for DNA
- Methods of processing bones for DNA
- Profiling soil DNA
- The human Y-chromosome and the resolution of multiple offenders
- Non human genome studies (the Tuna genome)
Web Resources
Disclaimer: The following links lead to a variety of Internet sites that are not affiliated with Flinders University. The presence of a link in the table below does NOT indicate an endorsement of the ownership, content or condition of the corresponding web site.
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Further Information
Flinders Web Resources
The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:
Admissions Office
Science & Engineering
Course Co-ordinator
Apply Now!
If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then contact:
Last reviewed August 2006.
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