Forensic Biology and Toxicology Murdoch University

Put your curiosity to work as you investigate crime from a scientific viewpoint. Our course is unique in WA as it focuses on biology and life sciences forensics as well as crime scene investigation and chemistry.

Industry terms such as forensic palynology (the use of pollen grains to connect 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 as you get hands-on training in these areas.

Learn how to recognise blunt and sharp force injuries and the weapons that cause them. Study the pathology of asphyxiation, electrocution, gunshot wounds and the injuries associated with fatal fires, be exposed to the techniques used for disaster victim identification and learn how to estimate time of death.

You'll work in our labs learning witness imaging techniques, with hands-on training in facial approximation, using clay-based sculptures to 'reconstruct' facial features from a human skull.

You'll also explore DNA sequencing and work on simulated crime scenes on and off campus collecting evidence and brushing and dusting fingerprints.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact Murdoch University to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.