Undergraduate Major

Forensic Biology and Toxicology

Forget what you’ve seen on TV – this is forensics in real life. Learn how to recognise different types of sharp force injury and estimate the time of death in one of the only courses of its kind in WA.

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-FBTX
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
70
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Overview

Put your curiosity to work as you investigate crime from a scientific viewpoint. Our course is unique in WA as it focuses on biology and life sciences, and forensic science including DNA analysis and Toxicology.

Industry terms such as forensic palynology (the use of pollen grains to connect a suspect to a crime scene), forensic anthropology (the identification of skeletal remains) and forensic entomology (the insects that decompose human remains) will become part of your professional vocabulary.

You will learn the dynamics of blood pattern analysis and test your knowledge in the lab, exploring your fingerprints and features that are used for identification. You’ll also investigate wildlife crime through DNA analysis using the same techniques that are used to identify elephant ivory and rhino horn.

Using the latest cutting-edge analytical technology, you will learn how to identify toxins in body fluids and contaminated products, helping you piece together crimes.

Along with the technical skills, you will also get hands-on experience with forensic DNA profiling and analysing human profiles in simulated casework.

3 reasons to study Forensic Biology and Toxicology at Murdoch

  1. Five-star rating for student-teacher ratio for all undergraduate degrees by the Good Universities Guide 2024. 
  2. Get hands-on experience as you apply DNA profiling and other forensic techniques from the lab to simulated crime scenes.
  3. Learn the latest real-world techniques and policies, with course input and guest lectures from forensic experts from PathWest, and ChemCentre.

What you’ll learn

  • Forensic science
  • Forensic DNA analysis
  • Forensic anatomy and anthropology
  • Forensic toxicology

Your future career

With a degree in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, you could pursue a range of roles in Australia or overseas. Careers could include:

  • Crime Scene Officer
  • Forensic Biologist
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Forensic Toxicologist
  • Wildlife Forensics Officer

If your dream is to become a Scene of Crime Officer or Forensic Investigator, you can progress your studies to apply for our Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice) after completing this degree.

For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Major24 credit points
Required Units24 credit points
CHE103Introduction to Forensic Science3
CHE144Foundations of Chemistry3
BIO282Molecular Biology3
BMS213Forensic Anatomy and Anthropology3
BIO247Biochemistry3
BIO359Forensic DNA Analysis3
BIO367Forensic Toxicology3
BIO315Bodies of Evidence3
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Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

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This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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