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Forensic Biology and Toxicology (BForensics)

Course Code: B1256

Forensic Biology and Toxicology is concerned with the application of the techniques of molecular biology (DNA profiling) and analytical chemistry (drug and alcohol analysis) to the fight against crime. The major provides in-depth study of modern molecular genetics including practical training in the techniques of genetic analysis such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the use of STRs (short tandem repeats) and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) to identify regions of DNA. The application of these techniques to the analysis of ancient DNA is also discussed. Training is provided by forensic science professionals in forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology and forensic botany with an emphasis on the gathering of evidence and its presentation in court.

The course also provides hands-on experience in modern analytical techniques associated with the detection of legal and illicit drugs and homicidal poisons including gas chromatography, HPLC, NMR and mass spectrometry. The course integrates thorough training in biochemistry, including aspects of drug metabolism with case studies chosen from a wide range of forensic areas.

Opportunities are also available to participate in a professional experience program, focusing on crime scene investigation with the Western Australian Police (WAPOL).

Level:	Bachelor
Qualification:	Bachelor of Forensics (BForensics) in Forensic Biology and Toxicology
Duration:	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Availability:	Murdoch campus (internal) Some units may also be available in the following locations and attendance modes: Murdoch campus (external)
Employment Prospects:	The establishment of a national DNA database and the increasing emphasis on the monitoring of blood and urine samples for residual alcohol and drugs has seen a significant increase in employment opportunities for forensic biologists and toxicologists, particularly in government Health Departments and in analytical laboratories. The techniques of genetic analysis and analytical chemistry are highly transportable and graduates can also expect to obtain employment in hospitals, research organisations such as the CSIRO and in medical research centres, agriculture departments, food processing companies or in the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates have found employment as Crime Scene Officers with Police services and as Forensic Biologists with Health Departments.
Special Requirements:	Students undertaking units in Forensic Biology and Toxicology will not be required to kill any vertebrate animal but they will be required to work with fresh tissues from dead animals in certain units. Students will also be exposed to graphic images of homicidal injuries.
Recommended Minors:	Biomedical Science; Criminology; Cyber Forensics; Molecular Biology; Physiology and Pharmacology; Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Excluded Minors:	Forensic Biology
Recommended Double Majors:	Biomedical Science (BSc); Chemistry (BSc); Criminology (BCrim); Molecular Biology (BSc) [also see triple major in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science, which can also incorporate a Criminology or a Cyber Forensics minor]
Professional Recognition:	Students who complete the three-year double major in Forensic Biology and Toxicology and Chemistry are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

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