The expansion of the forensic sciences in Australia and countries overseas has seen an increase in the demand for trained forensic personnel. The Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology is a newly updated course, designed by industry for the biotechnology graduates of tomorrow. The course offers a solid base in the four key areas of biotechnology; namely molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology. Graduates will be equipped with a good understanding of recent trends and applications of technology in the biotechnology industry with special emphasis on bioinformatics, genomics, intellectual property and ethical issues.
These aims will be achieved by complementing the theoretical material in the course with extensive practical work, case studies, seminars, and report writing.
Career opportunities exist for graduates in fields such as:
Technical expertise in biotechnology is applicable around the world in a diversity of industries and versatile biotechnology. Graduates will readily adapt their expertise to areas like biomining, plant industries (crop production, horticulture), marine biology, paleontology, ecology (biodiversity analysis), as well as environmental pollution control and waste management, where their skills are increasingly in demand.
Negotiations with the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) for the accreditation of the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology are underway. Students from the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology will be eligible for student membership to the society upon entry into the course and graduates will be eligible for recognition as a registered forensic practitioner after two years' practice within a forensic discipline.
All graduates of the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology will be eligible for membership into AusBiotech and the Australian Society of Biotechnology.
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
Students must complete a six-week compulsory professional training component to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology. Professional training can be carried out in blocks of three weeks if desired, preferably in the last 20 months of the course. Training locations can range from private companies to public research institutes and utilities (eg hospitals, CSIRO, medical institutes, forensic laboratories) but the site and project concerned must be approved by the Course Coordinator prior to commencement.
Students who can prove at least six to eight months of previous employment in an approved discipline are exempt from this component.
Distance education students attend up to eight days of residential school per session at the Wagga Wagga Campus.
CSU's Science Scholarships are available for on campus applicants to this course, providing $4000 per annum for up to four years (subject to satisfactory progress). Once awarded the Scholarship, the money is the student's to spend in the way that assists them most.
Applicants must achieve a University Admissions Index (UAI)(NSW) or ENTER(VIC) of 80 and above (inclusive of the Regional Bonus) to be eligible to receive the Scholarship.
To apply, download the Science Scholarships application form, complete all sections, then return the form to the Scholarships Officer before the end of October in the year prior to commencing your studies.
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points. Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology with the award BForensicBiotech.
Refer to the Clinical requirements section for information on:
Meritorious students are encouraged to apply for entry into an Honours year of research at CSU in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, applied immunology and antimicrobials. Honours graduates may gain entry into the University’s postgraduate scientific research programs leading to the award of a Doctor of Philosophy.
| Study through | Wagga Wagga |
| Study mode and normal course duration | 3 years full-time on campus 6 years distance education |
| Course code | Full-time:
214264 Distance education: ESMA (Commonwealth supported place) OSBJ (fee paying) |
| Fees | Commonwealth supported place |
| Session available | February
(Semester basis) |
| Apply through | UAC -
Full-time study CSU Admissions Office - Distance education |
| UAI cut-offs | 70.00 |
| Study through | Wagga Wagga |
| Study mode and normal course duration | 3 years full-time - onshore (within Australia) 6 years distance education - offshore |
| Course code | CRICOS code:
007605C
Program code: TBA |
| Fees | Onshore - see fee list Offshore - see fee list Canadian students: AU$1400 per subject (2008) or email: admissions@csu.edu.au |
| Session available | February/July (Semester basis) |
| Apply through | CSU International Admissions |
The course consists of 192 points: 21 core subjects, plus one free elective.
Full-time students will follow the enrolment patterns below.
Session 1
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
STA201 Scientific Statistics
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
Session 2
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
LAW100 The Australian Legal System
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
Session 3
BCM210 Foundations and Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS229 Histotechniques
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
FSC200 Introduction to Forensic Science
Session 4
BMS235 Protein Biochemistry
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
FSC201 Crime Scene
[ ] Elective
Session 5
BMS305 Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics
BMS308 Immunology
BMS339 Virology, Mycology and Parasitology (16 points commenced)
SCI300 Research Perspectives (16 points commenced)
Session 6
BMS304 DNA and Forensic Technology
BMS338 Clinical Bacteriology
BMS339 Virology, Mycology and Parasitology (completed)
SCI300 Research Perspectives (completed)
Distance education students will follow the enrolment patterns below.
Session 1
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
LAW100 The Australian Legal System
Session 3
STA201 Scientific Statistics
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 4
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
Session 5
BCM210 Foundations and Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
Session 6
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS235 Protein Biochemistry
Session 7
BMS229 Histotechniques
FSC200 Introduction to Forensic Science
Session 8
FSC201 Crime Scene
[ ] Free Elective
Session 9
BMS308 Immunology
SCI300 Research Perspectives (16 points commenced)
Session 10
BMS304 DNA and Forensic Technology
SCI300 Research Perspectives (completed)
Session 11
BMS305 Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics
BMS339 Virology, Mycology and Parasitology (16 points commenced)
Session 12
BMS338 Clinical Bacteriology
BMS339 Virology, Mycology and Parasitology (completed)
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Universities Admissions Index (UAI) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
While there are no HSC subjects specified as prerequisites for admission to the Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology, intending applicants are advised to include 2 Unit mathematics and 2 Unit chemistry.
Criminal Record Clearance
The Department of Health in NSW, and most other states, currently require all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement, to undergo criminal record checks. The checks are intended to identify people who have convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, who may put patients’/clients’ personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.
All students must therefore have a Criminal Record Clearance prior to placement in any capacity in the NSW Health system and most other State organisations. Prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a Criminal Record Clearance will make it impossible to complete this course satisfactorily as it will not be possible to arrange suitable clinical placements.
In addition, all students are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration indicating whether or not they are a prohibited person under the Child Protection Act 1998.
If you have any queries regarding these requirements, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Coordinator.
Immunisation
NSW Health have introduced an immunisation policy, Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseasesfor all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement, to undergo mandatory vaccination.
All students must undergo vaccination against infectious diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System, and most other Australian State Health Systems. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a personal record card (available from the School through which the student is studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other State Health staff, whilst the student is on placement.
PLEASE NOTE that, as many courses involve clinical practicums in the first semester of study, the Hepatitis B immunisation should be commenced early, in order for full immunisation status to be attained prior to clinical placements and so meet NSW Health requirements.
Further information is available from NSW Health.
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) |