Course details

Summary

Otago's unique Applied Science degrees link the excitement of science and the power of technology with the challenges of business. Applied Science programs help graduates to become innovative thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit, the very attributes successful New Zealanders are well-known for. As a graduate you'll be in better control of your career, able to contribute to the success of any organization. And if innovation attracts you, an Applied Science degree combined with work experience will provide the right background if you decide to start your own business.

Forensic Analytical Science

Forensic investigations are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the integration of the latest analytical techniques in forensic chemistry and biology. Additionally, a number of professions ranging from law to wildlife protection, are becoming increasingly dependent on forensic knowledge and techniques. Furthermore, growth of industries such as forensic/evidential journalism and the need for investigative skill in areas as diverse as insurance and conservation has greatly increased the need for graduates with a solid analytical science training, strong appreciation of forensics and the entrepreneurship and management skills to bring forth new ideas. Thus there is increasing interest from employers for science graduates with good analytical skills, an understanding of forensics and the business skills to function in this rapidly developing field.

Forensic Analytical Science deals with the modern analytical techniques used in support of the legal system and in wider investigative contexts. Although chemistry and biology make up the core, it draws upon multiple disciplines such as mathematics and statistics, clothing and textile sciences, law, botany, and bioanthropology. This major will provide graduates with strong analytical skills that can be applied in many areas of Endeavour and certainly is not limited to criminal forensics.

Programme Requirements

100-level

• BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry
• CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology
• CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
• HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1
• STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics

At least one of the following is recommended:

• BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World
• CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture (highly recommended)
• HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2
• MATH 160 Mathematics 1
• PHSI 191 Biological Physics (recommended)

200-level

• CHEM 201 Physical Chemistry and its Applications, or CHEM 205 Biological Chemistry
• FORS 201 Analytical and Forensic Science
• GENE 222 Genes, Chromosomes and Populations
• At least two of BIOA 201, BIOC 221, CHEM 201 or CHEM 205, CHEM 204, CLTE 203, FOSC 201, GENE 221, MICR 221, MICR 222, PHAL 211, PHAL 212, STAT 242, STAT 261

300-level

• FORS 301 Analytical Forensic Biology
• CHEM 306 Forensic Chemistry
• At least two of BIOA 301, BIOC 352, CHEM 304, CLTE 303, FOSC 301, GENE 312, GENE 315, PHAL 306, PSYC 325, 300-level MICR and STAT papers

90 further points, including either requirements for an approved minor or second major subject or other approved papers.

Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons)) is also available.

Entry criteria

The minimum requirement for students is the completion of a high school qualification plus satisfactory completion of one year's study at an approved tertiary institution or successful completion New Zealand Foundation Year programme.

We also accept the following International qualifications: International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 26 points; GCE Advanced Levels: minimum grade of 8.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 80 (writing 20); Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (TWE 4.5); CIE Cambridge International Examinations Grade E or better in AS English; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); GCE 'A' Level or 'AS' Level English Language or English Literature - grade C or higher; GCE 'AS' Level General Paper (English) - grade C or higher; APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) Examination - grade 3 or higher; IB International Baccalaureate - English at Higher or Standard level in Language A: literature, Language A: language and literature, or at Higher level in Language B; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.