Forensic Biology and Toxicology (2023)

Bachelor-major

Forget what you saw on TV - this is real life forensics. In the only class of its kind in WA, you will learn how to recognize different types of sharp force injuries, estimate time of death and more.

What type of student are you?

Domestic Internationale

Murdoch-code: MJ-FBTX
Learning mode: Fulltime of parttime
selection rank: 70
CRICOS-code: See course

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Overview

Unleash your curiosity and investigate crime from a scientific point of view. Our course is unique in WA in that it focuses on biology and life sciences, as well as forensics, including DNA analysis and toxicology.

Industry terms such as forensic palynology (the use of pollen grains to link a suspect to a crime scene), forensic anthropology (the identification of skeletal remains), and forensic entomology (the insects that decompose human remains) will become part of your professional vocabulary.

You will learn about the dynamics of blood pattern analysis and test your knowledge in the lab by examining your fingerprints and features used for identification. You'll also investigate wildlife crime through DNA analysis using the same techniques used to identify elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn.

Using state-of-the-art analysis technology, you will learn how to identify toxins in bodily fluids and contaminated products and thus solve crimes.

In addition to technical skills, you will also gain hands-on experience with forensic DNA profiling and human profile analysis in simulated cases.

3 reasons to study forensic biology and toxicology at Murdoch

Five stars for student-teacher ratio and teaching quality.*
*Quelle: Good University Guide 2022.
Gain hands-on experience applying DNA profiling and other forensic lab techniques to simulated crime scenes.
Learn the latest real-world techniques and guidelines with course contributions and guest lectures from forensic experts at PathWest and ChemCentre.

What you will learn

Forensic investigation
Forensic DNA Analysis
Forensic Anatomy and Anthropology
Forensic Toxicology

your future career

With a degree in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, you could take on a variety of roles in Australia or abroad. Careers can include:

crime scene officer
Forensic biologist
Forensic researcher
Forensic Toxicologist
forensic physicist

If you dream of becoming a crime scene detective or forensic investigator, you can continue your studies to apply with usMaster of Forensic Science (Professional Practice)after completing this training.

Download our information pack for more admission information on this course.

Admission Information for Murdoch - Science (PDF) 352 KB

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Courses with this major

To study this major, you must enroll in one of these courses.

Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Medicine, Molecular and Forensic Sciences)

Apply to get started

Check the dates of our classes

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Structure

Check out our suggestions to plan the structure of your coursePlan course.

unit code	unit name	credits

Admission requirements progress

Courses with this major

Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Medicine, Molecular and Forensic Sciences)

Where could a science degree take you? We believe that science will impact every workplace, industry and country in the world. Read more about our science courses.

Admission requirements progress

entry requirements

I graduated

Choose which option best describes your path to university:

higher education

You have completed a university education in Australia, including a bridging or activation course.

Current secondary education

You are graduating from high school this year or have done so in the past two years.

professional education and training

You have completed apprenticeship or vocational training with TAFE or another private training provider.

work and life experience

You have taken an aptitude test or were absent during your studies due to work-related reasons.

admission options	Academic Minimum Requirement	Minimum English requirements
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses.	Successful completion of one of the following tasks: Murdoch University preparation course with a minimum of 50% in each subject MUPC (1 trimester) Undergraduate course with at least 50% in each subject.	Successful completion of one of the following tasks: Murdoch University preparatory course Part “Introduction to Academic Communication”. Undergraduate course with at least 50% in each subject.
Studies	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian university or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian university or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
enable courses	Successful completion of one of the following tasks: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High-programmain the 12th class. TLC - Learning for tomorrowin the 12th class. a qualifying or bridging course at another Australian university.	Successful completion of the course.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses.
Academic Minimum Requirement Successful completion of one of the following tasks: Murdoch University preparation course with a minimum of 50% in each subject MUPC (1 trimester) Undergraduate course with at least 50% in each subject.
Minimum English requirements Successful completion of one of the following tasks: Murdoch University preparatory course Part “Introduction to Academic Communication”. Undergraduate course with at least 50% in each subject.

Studies
Academic Minimum Requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian university or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirements Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian university or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Studies

Academic Minimum Requirement

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian university or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Minimum English requirements

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian university or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

enable courses
Academic Minimum Requirement Successful completion of one of the following tasks: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High-programmain the 12th class. TLC - Learning for tomorrowin the 12th class. a qualifying or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirements Successful completion of the course.

enable courses

Academic Minimum Requirement

Successful completion of one of the following tasks:

OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
Murdoch FlexiTrack High-programmain the 12th class.
TLC - Learning for tomorrowin the 12th class.
a qualifying or bridging course at another Australian university.

Minimum English requirements

Successful completion of the course.

admission options	Academic Minimum Requirement	Minimum English requirements
Eased circumstances	We will consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to real-life hardships resulting in them failing to meet the undergraduate entry requirements.find out more.	case-by-case assessment.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall position (OP) of 13 or lower.	A high score (4) or above in a subject recognized by the Queensland Studies Authority in one of the following areas: Engels English extension (literature) English for ESL learners. Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).
Overseas class 12	Please note the information under the country of study.	Please note the information under the country of study.
Mindesauswahlrang (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled grade of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an additional dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a written English STAT score of 140 or higher. Or proof of completion of Years 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only).
Vocational training at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Scaled grade of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an additional dialect (EALD) ATAR or a written English STAT score of 140 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL):3 or better. Standard Level (SL):4 or better. Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).
Western Australian Universities Foundation-programma (WAUFP)	CPS 54 of hoger.	50% in English and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
portfolio entry	A successful portfolio application demonstrating relevant aptitude and skills in a related learning area. Read more about itWallet entry path.
GCE-A levels	At least 6 marks from the best 2 or 3 subjects, where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS levels correspond to half marks, e.g. A = 2.5, B=2, etc.) or higher.	A levels:D in one of the following: the English language English literature knowledge and question. AS-Level:C in one of the following: the English language English literature knowledge and question.

Eased circumstances
Academic Minimum Requirement We will consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to real-life hardships resulting in them failing to meet the undergraduate entry requirements.find out more.
Minimum English requirements case-by-case assessment.

Eased circumstances

Academic Minimum Requirement

We will consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to real-life hardships resulting in them failing to meet the undergraduate entry requirements.find out more.

Minimum English requirements

case-by-case assessment.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Academic Minimum Requirement Overall position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirements A high score (4) or above in a subject recognized by the Queensland Studies Authority in one of the following areas: Engels English extension (literature) English for ESL learners. Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Academic Minimum Requirement

Overall position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirements

A high score (4) or above in a subject recognized by the Queensland Studies Authority in one of the following areas:

Engels
English extension (literature)
English for ESL learners.

Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only)

Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Overseas class 12
Academic Minimum Requirement Please note the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirements Please note the information under the country of study.

Overseas class 12

Academic Minimum Requirement

Please note the information under the country of study.

Minimum English requirements

Please note the information under the country of study.

Mindesauswahlrang (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Academic Minimum Requirement 70
Minimum English requirements Scaled grade of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an additional dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a written English STAT score of 140 or higher. Or proof of completion of Years 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only).

Mindesauswahlrang (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Scaled grade of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an additional dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a written English STAT score of 140 or higher.

Or proof of completion of Years 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only).

Vocational training at school
Academic Minimum Requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirements Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Scaled grade of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an additional dialect (EALD) ATAR or a written English STAT score of 140 or higher.

Vocational training at school

Academic Minimum Requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Minimum English requirements

Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only)

Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Scaled grade of 50 or higher in one of the following:

English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an additional dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a written English STAT score of 140 or higher.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Academic Minimum Requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirements Higher level (HL):3 or better. Standard Level (SL):4 or better. Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Academic Minimum Requirement

Total score of 24 or higher.

Minimum English requirements

Higher level (HL):3 or better.

Standard Level (SL):4 or better.

Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only)

Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Western Australian Universities Foundation-programma (WAUFP)
Academic Minimum Requirement CPS 54 of hoger.
Minimum English requirements 50% in English and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Western Australian Universities Foundation-programma (WAUFP)

Academic Minimum Requirement

CPS 54 of hoger.

Minimum English requirements

50% in English and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

portfolio entry
Academic Minimum Requirement A successful portfolio application demonstrating relevant aptitude and skills in a related learning area. Read more about itWallet entry path.

portfolio entry

Academic Minimum Requirement

A successful portfolio application demonstrating relevant aptitude and skills in a related learning area. Read more about itWallet entry path.

GCE-A levels
Academic Minimum Requirement At least 6 marks from the best 2 or 3 subjects, where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS levels correspond to half marks, e.g. A = 2.5, B=2, etc.) or higher.
Minimum English requirements A levels:D in one of the following: the English language English literature knowledge and question. AS-Level:C in one of the following: the English language English literature knowledge and question.

GCE-A levels

Academic Minimum Requirement

At least 6 marks from the best 2 or 3 subjects, where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS levels correspond to half marks, e.g. A = 2.5, B=2, etc.) or higher.

Minimum English requirements

A levels:D in one of the following:

the English language
English literature
knowledge and question.

AS-Level:C in one of the following:

the English language
English literature

knowledge and question.

admission options	Academic Minimum Requirement	Minimum English requirements
Diplom of Advanced Diploma AQF Level 5–6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF Level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Written English STAT score of 140 or higher (145 if before May 2010).

Diplom of Advanced Diploma AQF Level 5–6
Academic Minimum Requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirements Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Diplom of Advanced Diploma AQF Level 5–6

Academic Minimum Requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Minimum English requirements

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF Level 4
Academic Minimum Requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirements Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only) Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Written English STAT score of 140 or higher (145 if before May 2010).

Certificate IV AQF Level 4

Academic Minimum Requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirements

Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only)

Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Written English STAT score of 140 or higher (145 if before May 2010).

admission options	Academic Minimum Requirement	Minimum English requirements
Specific Tertiary Education Entrance Test (STAT)	Multiple choice score of 135 (145 if chosen before May 2010).	Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only). Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Written English grade of 140 (145 if taken before May 2010).
Maturity Path (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and submission of a portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academic chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English language proficiency requirements for the course.Email us for more information.	Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only). Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Must be met according to the standard ELC requirements of the relevant course, STAT Written English 140, etc.
portfolio entry	A successful portfolio application demonstrating relevant aptitude and skills in a related learning area. Read more about itWallet entry path.

Specific Tertiary Education Entrance Test (STAT)
Academic Minimum Requirement Multiple choice score of 135 (145 if chosen before May 2010).
Minimum English requirements Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only). Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Written English grade of 140 (145 if taken before May 2010).

Specific Tertiary Education Entrance Test (STAT)

Academic Minimum Requirement

Multiple choice score of 135 (145 if chosen before May 2010).

Minimum English requirements

Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only).

Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Written English grade of 140 (145 if taken before May 2010).

Maturity Path (MAP)
Academic Minimum Requirement MAP involves an interview and submission of a portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academic chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English language proficiency requirements for the course.Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirements Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only). Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only). Must be met according to the standard ELC requirements of the relevant course, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Maturity Path (MAP)

Academic Minimum Requirement

MAP involves an interview and submission of a portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academic chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English language proficiency requirements for the course.Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirements

Evidence of completion of 11th and 12th grade in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only).

Evidence of the completion of at least two years of study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only).

Must be met according to the standard ELC requirements of the relevant course, STAT Written English 140, etc.

portfolio entry
Academic Minimum Requirement A successful portfolio application demonstrating relevant aptitude and skills in a related learning area. Read more about itWallet entry path.

portfolio entry

Academic Minimum Requirement

A successful portfolio application demonstrating relevant aptitude and skills in a related learning area. Read more about itWallet entry path.

According to the normal admission requirements for bachelor's degrees.

English requirements

You must meet a minimum standard of English to study at Murdoch University. This can be demonstrated for most courses by proving you have completed Years 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a resident student, or bothEnglish language proficiency tests,university preparation courses,English lessons,previous university studiesofprofessional education.

extended standing

Everyone has a different path to university. So if you have already received formal or informal education, you can achieve a higher status. Also known as "prior grade recognition," advanced status can reduce the amount of study it takes to complete your degree by giving you credits for specific units.

Formal learning may include prior higher vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on-the-job learning, different types of work and life experiences.

find out more

Modification for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection ranking adjustment as part of our commitment to helping local, Indigenous and underprivileged students access university.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points can help you get started on your desired course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank to a maximum of 90.00.

No application or registration is required. If you qualify, the adjustment factor will be automatically added to your raw ATAR score upon sign-up.

extended standing

Everyone has a different path to university. So if you have already received formal or informal education, you can achieve a higher status. Also known as "recognition of prior learning," advanced status can reduce the amount of study it takes to earn your degree by giving you credits for specific units.

Formal learning may include prior higher vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on-the-job learning, different types of work and life experiences.

find out more

This information only applies to courses offered at our Australian locations. Course offers with usDoubaiInSingaporeCampus or provided byOpen Universities Australiamay have different requirements.

enable ways

If you do not currently meet our entry requirements, we offer a range of funding options to help you develop your skills.

Advances in fees and scholarships

Fees and Subsidies

subsidies

Make the most of your university experience by reducing financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you are a high achiever or have been through a difficult situation, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards for students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find out which scholarships are right for you as a new Murdoch student and what's available to you during your studies.

Find your scholarship

How much is it?

Instead of paying a general course fee, you pay for the individual units you sign up for. Total course costs vary depending on the units you choose.

After your successful application you will receive aoffer lettercontaining specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for a bachelor's degree, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth-sponsored place. Postgraduate courses are charged at full cost unless otherwise specified in your courseoffer letter.

View the cost calculator

How much is it?

The course costs vary depending on the level of study and the start of the course. Use our cost calculator to estimate the cost of your course.

View the cost calculator

subsidies

Make the most of your university experience by reducing financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship provides eligible students with between $8,000 and $11,000 depending on their degree.

The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.

Discover our scholarships and find out if you are eligible to apply.

Find your scholarship

Progress of the application

Forensic Biology and Toxicology (2023)

What type of student are you?

Overview

Courses with this major

Apply to get started

Structure

Courses with this major

entry requirements

Choose which option best describes your path to university:

higher education

Current secondary education

professional education and training

work and life experience

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

Minimum English requirements

Academic Minimum Requirement

English requirements

extended standing

Modification for Murdoch RISE

extended standing

enable ways

Fees and Subsidies

subsidies

How much is it?

How much is it?

subsidies

How to apply

How to apply