Bachelor of Forensic Science(chemistry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Technology Sydney

Program Overview

The University of Technology Sydney Bachelor of Forensic Science (Chemistry major) is a three-year degree designed for students who are fascinated by how chemistry can help solve real crimes. In this program, you’ll learn how scientists analyse chemical evidence—such as drugs, toxins, explosives, and trace materials—while gaining practical laboratory and crime-scene investigation experience.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Building your scientific foundation
In your first year, you’ll focus on developing a strong grounding in chemistry and forensic science. Subjects like Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, and Principles of Forensic Science introduce the key chemical concepts and laboratory skills used in forensic investigations. You’ll also explore broader scientific thinking through units such as Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues, helping you understand how science is applied to real-world challenges.

Year 2 – Learning how investigations work
In the second year, the program becomes more applied and investigation-focused. Units such as Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Imaging, and Forensic Statistics teach you how evidence is collected, documented, and analysed using scientific methods. At this stage, you also build stronger analytical chemistry skills and learn how to interpret chemical traces that may become crucial evidence in criminal cases.

Year 3 – Specialising in forensic chemistry
By your final year, you’ll move into advanced forensic topics and research-based learning. Subjects like Criminalistics, Forensic Intelligence, and the Forensic Research Project allow you to work on complex investigative scenarios and develop independent research skills. This year prepares you to analyse chemical evidence professionally and clearly communicate findings that may be used in legal or investigative settings.

Focus areas: Forensic chemistry, analytical chemistry, forensic toxicology, crime scene investigation, chemical evidence analysis, criminalistics, forensic data interpretation

Learning outcomes: Apply chemical analysis to forensic evidence, use modern laboratory instruments, interpret crime-scene data scientifically, evaluate forensic results, communicate scientific findings clearly in investigative contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation): Graduates may pursue professional membership with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Technology Sydney is internationally recognised for its strong industry connections and career-focused education, helping graduates develop skills that are valued in forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and research organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Technology Sydney, the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Chemistry major) is designed to give you real, hands-on experience from the very beginning. Instead of learning only from textbooks, you’ll spend a lot of time in specialised laboratories and simulated crime scenes where you practise collecting, analysing, and interpreting forensic evidence. Students work with the same types of analytical instruments and investigative tools used by professional forensic scientists, helping them build practical skills and confidence in a real scientific environment.

The university’s modern science facilities and collaborative learning spaces also encourage students to work together on investigative tasks, analyse chemical evidence, and solve realistic forensic scenarios. These practical experiences help bridge the gap between theory and real-world investigations, preparing students for careers in forensic laboratories and scientific research environments:

Crime scene simulation facilities – Students investigate mock crime scenes designed to replicate real environments, practising evidence collection, forensic photography, fingerprint detection, and proper documentation of crime scenes.
Forensic Suite Laboratory – A specialised forensic lab where students analyse trace evidence such as fibres, paint, glass, drugs, and explosives using professional instruments including FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and fibre comparison microscopes.
UTS Science Super Lab – One of Australia’s most advanced collaborative science labs where students perform chemistry experiments and forensic analysis while learning in a highly interactive laboratory environment.
Team-based investigation projects – Students often work in groups to analyse evidence from simulated cases, interpret chemical data, and present their findings—similar to how real forensic investigation teams operate.
Advanced analytical technology – Access to specialised tools such as video spectral comparators, electrostatic imaging systems for document analysis, chemical imaging systems, and high-precision microscopy platforms used in forensic evidence analysis.
Modern teaching laboratories – More than 15 dedicated science labs equipped with computers, analytical instruments, and digital learning tools that support practical chemistry and forensic experiments.
UTS Library and research spaces – Students also have access to extensive scientific databases, digital research tools, and collaborative study areas that support research projects and forensic case analysis.

These practical learning opportunities ensure that by the time you graduate, you won’t just understand forensic science—you’ll already have experience applying it in realistic investigative situations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Technology Sydney Bachelor of Forensic Science (Chemistry major) leave with a strong mix of chemistry expertise and investigative skills that are highly valued in forensic and analytical science fields. Many graduates move into roles such as forensic scientist, analytical chemist, forensic toxicologist, or trace evidence analyst, working in laboratories that support criminal investigations and public safety. The program is designed to prepare you for real scientific work, giving you the practical skills and industry awareness needed to step confidently into the workforce:

Career support at UTS – The university’s UTS Careers service helps students prepare for employment through CV workshops, interview preparation sessions, employer networking events, and career mentoring programs.
Industry connections – The program maintains links with organisations across the forensic and scientific sectors, giving students exposure to professionals through guest lectures, collaborative projects, and industry engagement activities.
Where graduates work – Graduates often find opportunities in organisations such as police forensic laboratories, government agencies, customs and border protection services, environmental testing labs, and scientific research institutions like CSIRO and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
Professional recognition – The chemistry major supports professional membership with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, which can strengthen professional credibility and support long-term career development.
Graduate outcomes – UTS science graduates benefit from strong employability outcomes, with many securing full-time roles in scientific and analytical fields shortly after graduation, reflecting the demand for skilled forensic and laboratory professionals.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, this degree provides a solid pathway into advanced scientific research and specialised postgraduate programs. Graduates may progress to an Honours year in forensic science, or pursue postgraduate degrees such as a Master’s in Forensic Science, Analytical Chemistry, or related scientific disciplines at the University of Technology Sydney or other leading universities. These pathways can open doors to senior laboratory roles, specialised forensic expertise, and even research or academic careers through PhD study.