2015 FORENSICS
LIFE AT UWS
Why Study Forensics at UWS?
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Degrees of Success The Academy Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
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Applicant checklist Providing Support through Scholarships
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FORENSICS 2015
CONTENTS
Cover image: Zoe Smith, Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
Why Study Forensics at UWS?
Prepare for a dynamic, exciting and challenging career The UWS Forensics programs open up a wealth of career choices, from forensic science and criminology to computer forensics. Graduates can pursue careers as crime scene investigators, criminalists, accident investigators, drug analysts, forensic exhibits officers and environmental investigators. The Forensic Science course also equips graduates for roles in border security, workplace accident investigation, fire investigation, customs and environmental investigation, as well as roles in government laboratories undertaking DNA and drug analysis.
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UWS Forensics 2015
Hone your eye for detail in real-world settings Success or failure in forensics depends on your ability to piece together the little things – the fingerprint, the strand of hair, the snag of clothing – that can lead to big breakthroughs that solve cases. With its highly respected staff, courses and realistic Crime Scene Facility, UWS has set new frontiers for forensics and explores the vast expanses of this vital science. Be ready to hit the ground running With a balance of theory and practical field studies, industry-based projects, placements, and local and international work experience opportunities, this professionally recognised program will equip you with the skills you need to have a successful career in forensic science.
Dedicated Crime Scene Facility The Crime Scene Facility enables the Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) students to practise realistic crime scene investigations. Dressed in crime scene suits, you will gain an understanding of critical aspects of forensic investigation by processing crime scenes, including evidence collection and integrity, fingerprinting, footwear impression evidence, blood stain pattern interpretation, DNA collection, drug sampling, tool mark evidence, scene sketching and crime scene photography. Graduate success Career opportunities include forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, private investigators and consultants, police officers (after further training), drug analysts, researchers and academics, and specialised forensic science practitioners. The main employers of forensic scientists are state and federal police services, state and Commonwealth Government health departments and analytical chemical laboratories. Graduates will be versatile with a wide skills base with
(depending on their choice of electives) potential for employment in analytical chemistry and microbiology, quality control and assurance, biochemistry and molecular biology, scientific research, education and the chemical industry.
APPLE iPAD INITIATIVE We understand that technology is vital in today’s world and that is why, in 2015, UWS will provide all new commencing undergraduate students* with an Apple iPad which will enable them to engage in learning anytime, anywhere. (*terms and conditions apply).
Experienced teaching staff Our academic staff has extensive forensic backgrounds from a variety of fields, including the NSW Department of Corrective Services, the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police. Their passion and knowledge will inspire you to master the necessary disciplines and develop your own career. Our staff, who include leading industry experts, teach specialised units, such as Forensic Photography, Crime Scene Investigation, and Imaging Science and Photographic Evidence.
New frontiers in research UWS research institutes and centres attract international, national and local interest. Our reputation for research excellence has placed us in the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) funding top 20, underlining our position among the best research institutions in the country. We are committed to developing future generations of researchers through training programs for postgraduate research students, postdoctoral fellows and early career researchers.
The Academy At the University of western sydney
The Academy Students enrolled in an Advanced Degree at UWS also automatically join The Academy. This program sets UWS apart as a cuttingedge institution and provides talented students with unprecedented skills through a premium academic experience, personal academic mentoring, hands-on industry exposure, networking opportunities and engagement with our various communities.
Students of The Academy will participate in exclusive workshops and events, collaborate on projects and initiatives and have support to bring their ideas to life. The students in The Academy will have experiences that will help change their world and shape the future. Explore the opportunities available at theacademy.edu.au
THINK INSIDE THE
‘A’
Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
The UWS Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) degree, with its very own Crime Scene Facility, is a comprehensive undergraduate science degree. It offers a handson introduction to collecting evidence and conducting investigations, ensuring graduates are well prepared for the real-life equivalent. A number of recent graduates now work as Scene of Crime Officers for the NSW Police Force. Criminalistics (the practical application of forensic investigation) often adopts more novel scientific practices and provides valuable linkage evidence to forensic cases. You will engage in a range of criminalistic topics, including forensic photography, footwear and tyre impression evidence, fingerprinting, blood spatter interpretation, tool mark examination, biological evidence, drug identification, DNA analysis, explosive residues, GSR (Gun Shot Residue) and buried evidence.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE The Crime Scene Facility at the Hawkesbury campus enables you to practise realistic crime scene investigation. You will gain an understanding of critical aspects of forensic investigation by processing crime scenes, including evidence collection and integrity, fingerprinting, footwear impression evidence, blood stain pattern interpretation, DNA collection, drug sampling, tool mark evidence, scene sketching and crime scene photography. A range of forensic case studies provides you with access to physical evidence exhibits and introduces you to the realities of a forensic science case. You will develop professional skills and practices, including evidence handling and integrity, using an evidence exhibit registry, case file management and preparation, accreditation requirements, court presentation, using contemporaneous notes, report writing and writing police/expert statements.
1300 897 669 myfuture.uws.edu.au
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Course
UAC Code
Location
Duration
ATAR
B Science (Forensic Science)
728085
Hawkesbury
3F
75.25
Key: B = Bachelor of; F = Full-time.
The practical aspects of the Crime Scene Facility are blended with solid theory, balancing and integrating both laboratory and field-based work. You will benefit from a range of learning strategies, including theoretical concepts associated with science, forensic science, law and criminology, all under the guidance of our academic staff, whose lengthy forensic backgrounds offer real-world experience. Places within the Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) are limited and highly competitive, so students interested in this area of study may, as an alternative, complete a major in Forensic Science within the Bachelor of Science. Further Studies An Honours year is available to highachieving students. Information and details on how to apply for Honours will be provided to you as you progress through your Bachelor degree, or you can find out more at myfuture.uws.edu.au/honours
Core Units and Electives To graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science), you will be required to complete 24 units. Core units may include: Biology; Chemistry; Digital Forensic Photography; Forensic Science; Forensic and Environmental Analysis; Crime Scene Investigation; Molecular Biology; and Toxicology. There are four electives and the course structure allows you to broaden your studies to further specialise in forensic biology, chemistry or microbiology by selecting additional electives or studies in a related or unrelated discipline. For detailed information about the course structure and units, visit myfuture.uws.edu.au Indigenous Australian Studies Enrolment in the Indigenous Australian Studies (IAS) major, sub-major or units is available to all UWS undergraduate students who have open electives. Find out more at studyias.com.au
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UWS Forensics 2015
Career Opportunities As a graduate of the UWS Forensic Science degree, you will be well equipped to work within a range of forensic and other scientific disciplines for employers such as: »» Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police, and all other state and territory police services »» Customs »» Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) »» WorkCover »» Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) »» state and federal health departments »» government analytical chemical laboratories. Career options include forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, private investigator, forensic consultant, ranger, drug analyst, environmental investigator, police officer, drug testers in human and animal sports, forensic researcher and academic. Because of the wide skill base offered in this degree, graduates can also work in analytical chemistry and microbiology laboratories, quality control and assurance, biochemistry and molecular biology, scientific research, education and the chemical industry.
More Options You might also wish to consider the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (major in Forensic Science) or the Bachelor of Science with a major in Forensic Science. For more information on these courses refer to the 2014 Science Area of Study guide.
Zoe Smith Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) ‘My advice to anyone thinking about uni is to decide what you want to do at uni as soon as possible. Know what subjects will aid you in the course and choose them for Years 11 and 12. That way you have some background understanding and may even get a “head start” on what you will be learning at uni. I chose UWS because it is known for its Forensic Science course and for having outstanding facilities for this degree.’
Do you want to go to university in 2015? Make it easier with The UWS Advantage. Applying to study at university can be a big decision. At UWS we’d like to make that decision easier by providing you with a number of entry advantages, including up to 10 Bonus Points. The UWS Advantage can help you get into the course of your choice and achieve your higher education goals. »» Early Offer Program »» Regional Bonus Points »» Subject Bonus Points
»» Apple iPad Initiative »» Educational Access Scheme (EAS) »» Elite Athlete and Performer Bonus Scheme
Go to uws.edu.au/uwsadvantage for more details.
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Applicant Checklist
1 Find out about our courses
Read the information within this Guide Talk with Careers Advisors, your parents and teachers/mentors Refer to the Future Students site, visit myfuture.uws.edu.au
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2 Talk to us
Attend UWS events – find out more at myfuture.uws.edu.au/events Call the UWS Course Information Centre on 1300 897 669 or email study@uws.edu.au Get the inside information on Alternative Entry Pathways to UWS, UWS Advantage and Bonus Points and Scholarships
APPLY TO UWS
Apply through UAC, visit uac.edu.au Place your UWS Preferences Check your eligibility and submit a scholarship application, visit uws.edu.au/scholarships
The Facts on Fees The Federal Budget announced on 13 May 2014 listed proposed changes to higher education including fee deregulation and changes to FEE-HELP (formerly referred to as HECS). UWS recognises the need to continue to provide access to highquality, affordable university education.
For students already enrolled, and new students enrolling in 2014, the current fee arrangements will remain applicable and are not affected by the changes proposed by the Government.
continues to discuss the changes proposed in the Federal Budget with the Commonwealth and is working to determine an accessible fee structure to be applied from 1 January 2016.
The student fee freeze will apply to all new domestic students commencing anytime in 2014 in a Commonwealth supported place. UWS
For more information please visit the Federal Department of Education’s website at: https://education.gov.au/students-2
2014 Student Contribution Bands and Amounts Bands and General Discipline Areas
2014 Maximum Student Contribution (Per EFTSL)
Band 3: Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science
$10,085
Band 2: M athematics, Statistics, Computing, Built Environment, Other Health, Applied Health, Science, Engineering Surveying, Agriculture
$8,613
Band 1: H umanities, Behavioural Science, Social Studies, Education, Clinical Psychology, Foreign Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, Nursing
$6,044
Note: Pre-2010 HECS students should go to www.studyassist.gov.au for more information. The rates shown and the placement of units of study shown in the table above will change for 2015. For more information visit studyassist.gov.au 10
UWS Forensics 2015
helping you PASS
Peer Assisted Study Sessions
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) is a student-centred learning program. In PASS you will work with other students to understand the content of your unit/s and develop various study strategies to help you improve your academic performance. Through actively working together with other students, you will find that you are more engaged with the content and that your understanding deepens. You will also get to meet other people in your course. Each PASS group is run by a facilitator who has successfully studied the unit previously. PASS is free and voluntary. PASS is open to all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and their academic performance. It is highly recommended whether you are striving for a high distinction or a pass.
Providing Support through Scholarships
The University of Western Sydney is not only about obtaining an education. We also challenge ourselves to engage students who will get involved and make a difference to the University and wider communities. UWS has a unique set of scholarships on offer with many differing criteria. They reflect our strong commitment to academic excellence and opportunity for Greater Western Sydney students. Our scholarships support students who have diverse interests and skills, and who can and do make an active contribution. UWS works closely with business, industry and the community to ensure we offer scholarships that meet the needs of our students. Our scholarships provide our students with support and give them the opportunity to establish professional relationships while they study. Take the time to examine our scholarships and make the most of your opportunities for success. For details on UWS Scholarships, including the eligibility requirements and how to apply, refer to uws.edu.au/scholarships or call 1300 897 669.
International Students
If you are an international student completing one of the following qualifications in 2014, you must apply through UAC International: »» an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia »» an International Baccalaureate »» a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 All other international students must apply directly to the University of Western Sydney. UWS International application forms, 2015 International tuition fees and further information about studying in Australia can be found at uws.edu.au/international If you have any questions about applying as an international student call 02 9852 5499 or email internationalstudy@uws.edu.au For international students, you can lodge your international student application online at uac.edu.au/international
PASS sessions run for an hour each week throughout the semester. Multiple sessions are offered in larger units and you can attend as many sessions as you wish. If you have any further enquiries please email pass@uws.edu.au
The University of Western Sydney reserves the right at all times to withdraw or vary courses listed within this publication. Variations may include but are not limited to location of its courses on UWS campuses or other locations. In the event that a course within this publication is to be changed or withdrawn, applicants will be advised by mail to the address specified by them on their UAC application before the last date for the change of preferences for the main round. In respect of course location change, students should be aware of the need to accommodate such changes for the whole or part of courses for which they enrol. The University also reserves the right to update, amend or replace online versions of this publication without notice. Published 2014
CRICOS Provider Number 00917K
From Sustainably Managed Forests: fsc.org
SEE YOU AT Parent Information Days, July 2014 UWS Open Day, 31 August 2014 UWS Campus Tours, September 2014 UWS Day Campbelltown, 6 November 2014 UWS Day Bankstown, 7 November 2014 Course Decision Day, 5 January 2015
More information: myfuture.uws.edu.au/events
Interact with us to experience UWS Life Visit the Future Students Site: myfuture.uws.edu.au Visit the Events Mini-Site: myfuture.uws.edu.au/events Find us on Facebook: uws.edu.au/facebook Connect with us on Twitter: twitter.com/UWSNews Watch our YouTube videos: uws.edu.au/youtube Call the Course Information Centre: 1300 897 669 Email the Course Information Centre: study@uws.edu.au
University of Western Sydney Locked Bag 1797 Penrith NSW 2751 Australia uws.edu.au Course Information Centre 1300 897 669 study@uws.edu.au