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Forensic Scientist Courses

Forensic Scientists are specialist scientists who analyse and test suspect items (as well as human tissue and body fluids) that may have been used (or tainted) during crimes. They attend crime scenes, gather evidence, take photographs and sketches, write notes, and question bystanders.

As a Forensic Scientist you could be logging evidence items to take back to the laboratory for testing, taking a swab from a sexual assault victim, testing tissue samples from a deceased person for toxins, testing a hand swab for gunshot residue, writing a report from your laboratory findings to submit to the state police department, appearing in court as an expert witness, or attending an international conference for Forensic Scientists.

Forensic Scientists can be called to a crime scene at any time of the day or night and may be exposed to harmful toxins and body fluids as well as deceased persons with unsettling injuries. To succeed you will need to be a strong critical thinker with the ability to stay calm and professional in a challenging environment.

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Popular Forensic Scientist Courses

There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Forensic Scientist. These are the top 5 most popular courses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Forensic Scientists earn?

There are no clear salary figures for Australian Forensic Scientists at this time. Increase your earning capacity by joining a professional organisation such as the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and pursuing a Master’s degree in a specialist field: DNA analysis, toxicology, criminology, forensic chemistry, forensic investigations, or similar.

What are the job opportunities for Forensic Scientists?

There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Scientists working in Australia right now. They are employed by government health departments and police forces, though most Forensic Scientists aspire to work for the AFP Forensic Services Division in Canberra.

How do I become a Forensic Scientist?

You can launch your career as a Forensic Scientist in Australia with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Forensic Science) or Bachelor of Science (Medical, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) but you will have a wider range of career opportunities with supporting qualifications or a Master’s degree. The Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research) are all excellent choices.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Job Pathways

Here are some potential career pathways within forensic science. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.