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Forensic Science involves the application of chemical and biological principles and laboratory processes to identify and quantify matter within a legal context. Areas that are relevant to forensic science are wide ranging, and include: the detection and identification of illicit drugs, explosive and gunshot residues, accelerants used in arson cases, and trace evidence (eg paint, glass, fibres, soil); DNA profiling, where it is possible to distinguish between individuals on the basis of samples involving blood, saliva, hair or semen; toxicology studies to identify illicit and pharmaceutical drugs and poisons and interpret toxicity levels and their effect on the human body; and fingerprinting.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities exist for trained forensic scientists who work in laboratories handling criminal casework in areas including forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic toxicology. QUT graduates in Forensic Science not only receive a strong grounding in core areas of both forensic biology and forensic chemistry but complement their major in Forensic Science with a full major in Biotechnology or Chemistry. This course structure gives QUT Forensic Science graduates an enhanced qualification for careers in either Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. In addition, the second major adds flexibility to future career paths by enabling Forensic Science graduates to gain employment either as a chemist or a biotechnologist if they prefer.
Professional Recognition
Graduates who complete the Forensic Science major in conjunction with the Biotechnology major are eligible for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, AusBiotech Ltd, and the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Graduates who complete the Forensic Science major in conjunction with the Chemistry major are eligible for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
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