Criminology + Forensic Biology and Toxicology (Combined) at Murdoch University

Course Description

This is the only degree of its kind in Western Australia. Study a Bachelor of Criminology with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology to gain a unique set of skills and expand your career options.

You’ll learn about a range of forensic disciplines including forensic palynology (the use of pollen grains to connect a suspect with a crime scene), the pathology of asphyxiation, electrocution, gunshot wounds and fatal fire injuries, as well as how to recognise blunt and sharp force injuries and the weapons that cause them.

In criminology, you’ll have the option to specialise in Legal Studies, Criminal Behaviour, Crime Science or White Collar and Corporate Crime. You’ll learn what’s behind the motivations and patterns of criminal behaviour in Australia, the science that helps solve major crime, and how our justice system works in Australia. 

10 reasons to study a combined degree in Criminology and Forensic Biology and Toxicology at Murdoch

• This combined degree is not offered anywhere else in Australia.
• Use real local data on local crime to generate hypotheses about crime patterns and trends.
• Get hands-on experience as you apply DNA sequencing and other forensic techniques from the lab to simulated crime scenes on and off-campus.
• Study the latest analytical techniques for toxicology in our state-of-the-art laboratory, which is part of the Australian National Phenome Centre.
• Learn the latest real-world techniques and policies, with course input and guest lectures by forensic experts from PathWest, ChemCentre, WA Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Coroner’s Office.
• Build your network from within our Law, Psychology and Criminology disciplines, making use of our strong ties to the Western Australian legal, psychology and business community.
• Learn from respected industry experts who often appear in the media to share their insights on current events and issues.
• Choose from a range of majors, including two majors only available at Murdoch – Crime Science and White Collar and Corporate Crime.
• Graduate with two qualifications, a unique skillset and even more career opportunities.
• Work with international and local organisations on real projects as part of our Work Integrated Learning program. In 2018, a group of our students travelled to Malaysia to take part in an elite forensic science program where they learnt from forensic investigators who worked on the MH17 case.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• crime scene investigation
• children and crime
• forensic DNA analysis
• forensic anatomy and anthropology
• forensic toxicology.

Your future career

Studying a combined degree in Criminology and Forensic Biology and Toxicology will set you up for a career in either the criminal justice system or forensics.

Careers could include:

• Criminologist
• Forensic Investigator or Scientist
• Laboratory Analyst
• State or Federal Police Law Enforcement Officers
• Intelligence Officer
• Health Department or Hospital Researcher.

  Your future career

  Studying a combined degree in Criminology and Forensic Biology and Toxicology will set you up for a career in either the criminal justice system or forensics.

  Careers could include:

• Criminologist
• Forensic Investigator or Scientist
• Laboratory Analyst
• State or Federal Police Law Enforcement Officers
• Intelligence Officer
• Health Department or Hospital Researcher.