Studying Forensic Science in Australia

Anna Davey, Deputy Director, National Institute of Forensic Science PO Box 13075, Law Courts Post Office, 8010, Australia

The popularity of forensic science as a career option has never been higher, due in large part to the number of television programs which feature forensic science in their story lines.

But what is forensic science? The word ‘forensic’ means ‘pertaining to or used in courts of law’ or ‘fit for legal argument’. Thus forensic science is the application of the sciences in a legal context; just as forensic accounting is the application of accounting to assist in the resolution of, for example, a fraud matter. There is not distinct branch of science which is forensic science. Forensic science is the application of chemistry in a forensic context, or molecular biology or medicine, or botany or entomology or any other branch of science. There are some areas of study which are more closely aligned with the traditional concept of forensic science, for example, crime scene examination or fingerprint examination, but even these areas rely on a strong scientific foundation including the application of the scientific method and elements of biology, chemistry and physics.

Having said all this, what should a person interested in joining the ranks of the forensic scientists study? Obviously for those that wish to be practising forensic scientists as opposed to working in a support role eg technical assistants, a strong science degree in the area of interest would be appropriate.

In 2004/5, the National Institute of Forensic Science as the peak body for forensic science in Australia conducted an extensive review of Education and Training in the forensic sciences (full text available at www.nifs.com.au), which resulted in a number of recommendations which included:

1a Within the next five years (by 2010), authorised forensic practitioners in field and laboratory science will require a relevant academic qualification; it is highly desirable that this be at the Bachelor or equivalent level.

2. That SMANZFL* agree that a relevant academic qualification for forensic employment as an authorised laboratory forensic practitioner (scientist) must contain subjects at appropriate levels, with the underlying principle being that the science or technology component must be at least equivalent to any three year science or technology degree. For any specific discipline area, there must be a minimum of two years specialist study and the area of forensic endeavour will determine the appropriate subjects.           

These recommendations were consistent with recommendations made by the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (SEMTA) Sector Skills Council, UK. (2004). “Forensic Science: Implications for Higher Education 2004” (http://www.semta.org.uk/semta.nsf), and the Technical Working Group for Education and Training in Forensic Science. (June 2004). “Education and Training in Forensic Science – A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions, and Students”, National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. USA.

Within Australia there are a number of Universities which offer the study of the sciences in a forensic context as part of their curriculum. Courses range from Certificate IV to PhD and are offered across the different branches of science. A full list of universities and course can be found at http://www.nifs.com.au/F_S_A/Courses.asp

It should be noted that a specific forensic science degree is not a mandatory requirement for employment in the forensic sciences; a good science degree would stand the student in good stead.

To assist prospective students and parents assess the content and structure of tertiary courses, a list of questions has been developed which can be used when comparing programmes. A link to the questions can be found on the webpage listed above. The questions include:  

• Is there a specific focus for your course? If so, what is it?
• What are the entry requirements?
• How many units of general science subjects (eg. chemistry, biology, physics) are in the course and at what level?
• How many units of specialised forensic science subjects (eg. physical evidence, crime scene, toxicology, forensic biology, expert evidence presentation, etc.) are in the course?
• What electives or additional subjects (eg. psychology, law, statistics, criminology) are offered in the course?
• What is the percentage of practical v. theory?
• Does the course include a research component?
• Does the course include an industry-based component? For example placements, internships, laboratory visits, etc.
• Do you involve industry-based personnel in teaching and/or project supervision? If so, to what extent?
• Do you have academic staff with experience in forensic casework? If so, please provide details.
• Do you have a Course Advisory Committee or equivalent and who are members of this group? Do they include operational forensic service managers?
• What career opportunities will this course give me?
• What is the level of graduate employment on completion of this course? Can you give me some specific examples of graduate employment outcomes?

Education institutions have been encouraged to answer the questions with respect to their courses on their own websites to assist prospective students and others to make this comparison.