Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science (Professional Practice)
Program Overview
Through hands-on experiences and coursework, students learn to reconstruct crime scenes, collect and interpret evidence, and prepare for courtroom testimony. Graduates are equipped for careers in law enforcement, forensic science, and investigative authorities, including crime scene investigation, forensic biology, and forensic chemistry. This program also provides credit towards a Graduate Diploma or Master's degree in Forensics.
Program Outline
Objectives:
The course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to assist in criminal investigations. It is also suitable for Police and Forensic professionals seeking to upskill or attain a university qualification in their field.
Program Description:
Students choose any four of eight postgraduate forensic coursework units, where they will learn to reconstruct crime scenes, collect, process, and interpret biological, chemical, and physical evidence. The program focuses on specimen preparation, sources of contamination, quality assurance, statistical interpretation, and the admissibility of evidence. Students will also learn to prepare and deliver courtroom testimony.
Teaching:
The program includes hands-on learning experiences, such as:
Careers:
Graduates will be equipped with the specialized skills needed to work with the police, national security and defense, or other investigative authorities. Potential career paths include:
- Crime Scene or Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Biologist
- Forensic Analyst
- Forensic Researcher (universities or government organizations) Graduates may also find work in pathology laboratories (such as toxicology, molecular diagnostics, or paternity testing) or set up their own private consultancy.
Other:
- Units completed in this course count as course credit for the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science (Professional Practice), allowing students to graduate with a Graduate Diploma with just four more units of study.
- The course can also be used as credit for the 1.5-year Master of Forensics (Professional Practice).
Murdoch University
Overview:
Murdoch University is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its focus on practical learning, research, and engagement with the community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Murdoch University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
The university offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, and online resources.Career Services:
The Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and other personal challenges.Library:
The Murdoch University Library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Health and Wellbeing:
The university has a range of health and wellbeing services, including a chiropractic clinic, counselling services, and a psychology clinic.Sport and Recreation:
Murdoch University offers a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor recreation.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Murdoch University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
A beautiful and spacious campus:
The university's campus is located in a picturesque setting, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities.A strong sense of community:
The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student clubs and societies.Opportunities for engagement:
Murdoch University encourages students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexible study options:
Murdoch University offers a variety of flexible study options, including online learning, part-time study, and blended learning.Personalised courses:
The university offers a range of personalised courses that cater to individual student needs and interests.Career Learning Spine:
Murdoch University's Career Learning Spine helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.World-class facilities:
The university has a range of world-class facilities, including a veterinary hospital, a media arts centre, and a state-of-the-art engineering lab.Academic Programs:
Murdoch University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in areas such as business, law, science, engineering, and the arts.Postgraduate programs:
Murdoch University offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research degrees.Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on areas such as food security, health futures, and sustainable development.Other:
- Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses: Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
- MUPC (1 Trimester)
- Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
- Enabling courses (after Year 12): Successful completion of one of the following:
- OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
- Enabling courses (in Year 12): Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
- TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
- Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
- A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
- Portfolio entry: A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.
- GCE A Levels: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
- Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP): CPS 54 or higher.
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE): Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
- Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC): 70
- VET course studied at school: Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Total score of 24 or higher.
- Certificate IV AQF level 4: Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
- Portfolio entry: A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP): MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience.
- Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses: Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch University Preparation Course
- Introduction to Academic Communication unit
- Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
- Enabling courses (after Year 12): Successful completion of the course.
- Enabling courses (in Year 12): Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
- A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
- GCE A Levels: A Levels: D in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- AS Level: C in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP): 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE): Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
- English
- English Extension (Literature)
- English for ESL Learners.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC): Scaled mark 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 STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
- VET course studied at school: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Higher level (HL): 3 or better.
- Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Certificate IV AQF level 4: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
- STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP): Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.