A cold, sterile room, deadly quiet but for the drone of fluorescent tube lights above. The smell of antiseptic hangs in the air as a lone figure, dressed in a white lab coat, hunches over a laptop, furiously typing. ‘What have we got, Perez?’ a voice calls from the door, as a man in a crumpled suit sweeps into the room. ‘Well, we’ve managed to pull the security footage from the underground carpark,’ the figure says, not looking up. The grainy video speeds along until finally settling on a shadowed individual wearing sunglasses. ‘Stop!’ the man in the suit exclaims. ‘Zoom in on his sunglasses.’ The image blurs and adjusts, slowing the low-resolution footage. ‘Enhance!’ The room fills with the sound of frantic keystrokes as the now high-definition video zooms again; a numberplate appears in the reflection of the crystal-clear sunglasses. ‘We’ve got him.’
Sound familiar? It’s a trope that’s inspired thousands of students to enter the forensic science field for decades, but let’s separate the facts from the Hollywood fiction; what is forensic science? And where can studying a degree in forensic science at Deakin take you?
Uncovering the facts of forensic science
Forensic science involves the use of scientific methods such as chemical analysis, DNA and toxicology, as well as the understanding of criminal law, to support criminal investigations. It offers a broad range of career options with many different fields and specialisation pathways. Our advice – if you’re curious about forensics – is to keep in mind that while there are similarities, it isn't like what's on TV. Investigations can take significantly longer, evidence analysis is often complex and inconclusive, and access to cutting-edge technology may be limited depending on the jurisdiction. However, if you have a strong interest in science, a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a logical mind – this exciting field could be for you.
While studying a Bachelor of Forensic Science at Deakin, you’ll start your journey by learning the fundamentals of biology, and chemistry, before delving into the world of criminal justice. You’ll experience hands-on learning, including simulated crime scenes, pseudo courtrooms, and fieldwork experience. You’ll also develop practical transferable skills such as critical thinking, professional practice, and general laboratory practice and safety.
Forensic science is about making a real impact, whether you’re solving crimes or contributing to justice and public safety.
Angela Taylor
Forensic Technical Officer in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences
From the lab to the field
Career paths within the forensic science field are diverse, from DNA-based work, toxicology, entomology, and beyond. The main forensic roles within Victoria are either at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) or the Victorian Police Forensic Services Department (VPFSD). VIFM provide forensic medical expertise, undertake medical investigations (such as autopsies and disaster victim identification), and provide expertise in situations such as mass fatality emergencies. VPFSD has a range of different departments such as botany, fingerprints, ballistics, crime scenes, clandestine laboratories, fire and explosion, and DNA management. Each state of course has their own version of VIFM and VPFSD, and there is also of course a forensics department within the Australian Federal Police. You’ll discover how every day is different, and no two cases are the same. You’ll be a part of a rewarding career that provides a sense of helping others, whether that be communities, the justice system, or the people and families affected.
Keep in mind that, like most scientific endeavours, working in the world of forensic science is not all smooth sailing. Making a mistake as a forensic scientist can have wide-reaching repercussions. ‘Some challenging aspects can be that although all industries can have human error, the impact of any errors made in this field can have a huge impact on others’ lives,’ explains Angela Taylor, Forensic Technical Officer within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. ‘It's important to remember that there is a human on the other end of the case. It can also be challenging as casework and research must meet certain evidentiary standards.’
Unlock diverse opportunities
Interestingly, graduating as a forensic scientist doesn’t just open doors in forensics – it also equips you to explore a range of other exciting science fields. ‘I think one of the main things to remember when considering pursuing a forensic degree is that, at its core, it is still a science degree,’ Angela explains. ‘Depending on their major, graduates could pursue a job in any area that requires a general science degree.’ You could find yourself working in private industry roles, such as in pharmaceutical or chemical industries, insurance investigations, or general science fields as a lab technician, quality control specialist, or microbiologist. You could also focus on research and academia, contributing to future advancements in science. The possibilities are endless, and you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world around you.
If you're looking for even more career options, consider the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology double degree. This program equips you with a deep understanding of crime and criminal behaviour – highly sought-after skills that become even more powerful when combined with expertise in modern forensic science.
The Bachelor of Forensic Science is professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, making Deakin the first university in the Asia-Pacific region and the only university in Australia to offer professionally accredited forensic sciences courses. By studying with us, you can potentially work anywhere in the world.
Take your first step into the exciting world of forensic science with Deakin. Explore our forensic science courses.