Introduction to Forensic Sciences

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
SCIE 1003
Course ID icon
Course ID
208035
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of a variety of topics within the area of Forensic Sciences including Crime scene Investigation, Forensic photography, Digital Forensics, Ballistics, Fingerprinting, Court and police organisational structures and Forensic DNA analysis. Topics to be covered also include identification of the deceased and disaster victim identification structures. It is not intended to provide students with a detailed knowledge of any of these areas, but rather to give insight into how they may be applied in criminal investigations.

Course learning outcomes

  • Gain knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the forensic sciences and the law.
  • Understand the methods and principals of forensic investigations and how forensic science can be applied in criminal investigations.
  • Explain at an introductory level the organisational structures and procedures within forensic sciences.
  • Use and understand the basic terminology for forensic science correctly and contextually.
  • Gain a basic understanding of the history of forensic sciences and how forensic sciences in the real world differs from the forensic sciences in fictional depictions.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed HLTHSC1000OL Introduction to Forensic Sciences at the University of Adelaide

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.