Forensic Science

Taught in the Department of Chemistry, Forensic Science is offered as a subject for the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science and the MSc at postgraduate level.

Forensic Science is the application of science to matters of law. As our knowledge and technical expertise in science increase, so does the complexity and importance of the science presented to the courts in the legal system.

Forensic science covers a broad range, from the statistical evaluation of glass evidence to the development of new molecules to aid in the visualisation of fingerprint residues. Some past and possible future research areas are:

• Field Science
• Physical Evidence
• Forensic Biology
• Illicit Drugs
• Environmental Forensic Science

Visit the Department of Chemistry website

We do not prescribe an undergraduate course to be taken as preparation for the Forensic Science programme, except to make a strong recommendation that students take at least one university-level chemistry course. We have had successful students with majors in anthropology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, geology, medical laboratory science, pharmacology, and zoology. However, certain undergraduate courses are required for forensic science specialisations:

If you are interested in DNA analysis you should concentrate on biochemistry and molecular biology.

If you are interested in glass, paint, physical evidence, or drugs analysis you should concentrate on chemistry.

Important note:

The regulations listed below apply to students enrolling in their first undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Auckland in 2006.

Transition students (students currently enrolled in a degree at Auckland before 2006 and not yet completed) should refer to the Transition Regulations for requirements.

PGDipForensic

This programme of study is for students who wish to obtain knowledge of forensic science to augment their science degree. It is particularly useful for professionals wishing to broaden their expertise into the area of forensic science.

Prerequisite: A Bachelors degree in science or other relevant areas as approved by the Programme Coordinator

Requirement:

• 105 points from FORENSIC 701-704, 706, 707
• 15 points from approved 600 or 700 level courses

MSc - Forensic

This programme of study is for students with a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science who wish to perform independent research in forensic science

Prerequisite:
A Bachelor's degree in science, technology, medicine, engineering or other relevant areas as approved by the Programme Coordinator and a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science with an average of B- or higher or other relevant qualifications as approved by the Programme Coordinator

Requirement:

• 120 points: FORENSIC 796 MSc Thesis in Forensic Science

Help and advice

For further information, please refer to the Chemistry handbook.

You can also visit the Forensic Science website.

Or contact:

Dr Douglas Elliot
Undergraduate Advice and Postgraduate Options
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 85860
Email: douglas.elliot@esr.cri.nz

Dr Gordon Miskelly
Undergraduate Advice and Postgraduate Options
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88338
Email: g.miskelly@auckland.ac.nz

In the last four years there have been approximately 4-5 positions become available earch year for forensic scientists or technicians. Most of those positions have been filled by graduates of this programme. Many of our other graduates have chosen related careers or have decided to pursue further degrees.

• Employment of our alumni (* indicates that person was already in that field prior to completing the course)
• Documents examiners
• Fingerprint examiner
• Forensic scientists or technicians with ESR Forensic geologist*
• Laboratory technicians
• Patent officer
• Pharmaceutical representative
• Police inspector*