Career opportunities
Anyone involved with Resource Management Act needs staff who can understand analytical science. For example, in the management and custody of natural resources, the analytical techniques you'll learn in Forensic Analytical Science will help track down sources of contamination.
Traceability gives the edge in niche marketing for top-end products – now we can prove exactly where a product has come from, protecting it from counterfeiting and giving a market advantage.
Government agencies increasingly require people with this kind of analytical training. For example, Department of Conservation workers coming across questionable logging would be able to demonstrate whether timber had come from illegal sites.
Applicants should be aware that the job market in New Zealand for criminal forensic scientists is small and that this course is not a qualification for such a career without further study or employment experience.
What will I learn?
This degree will focus on the vital analytical techniques of Forensic Biology (including DNA) and Forensic Chemistry (spectroscopy, traceability). The key strength will be the analytical skills acquired.
How will I learn?
The programme is delivered using lectures and practical labs. There may be some fieldwork component in the optional areas of study.
Recommended background
While entry into the Bachelor of Science programme in Forensic Analytical Science is open to anyone, we strongly recommend you have NCEA Level 3 Chemistry, Biology and Maths (Stats). Strong skills in English would also be beneficial.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Forensic Analytical Science
Explore postgraduate study in Forensic Analytical Science at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opport...
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 |
| CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology | 18 | |
| CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health | 18 | |
| HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1, or PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body | 18 | |
| STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 | |
|
At least one of the following is recommended: BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture (highly recommended) HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 PTWY 132 Introduction to Plant Life PHSI 191 Biological Physics Note: PTWY 131 and PTWY 132 are only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | 18 | |
| 200-level | CHEM 206 Analytical Chemistry 1 | 18 |
| FORS 201 Analytical and Forensic Science | 18 | |
| GENE 222 Genes, Chromosomes and Populations | 18 | |
| At least two of BIOA 201, BIOC 221, CHEM 201 or CHEM 205, FOSC 201, GENE 221, MICR 221 , PHAL 241, STAT 210, STAT 260 , STAT 270 | 36 | |
| 300-level | FORS 301 Analytical Forensic Biology | 18 |
| CHEM 306 Forensic Chemistry | 18 | |
| At least two of BIOA 301, BIOC 352, CHEM 301 or CHEM 305, FOSC 301, GENE 312, GENE 315 , PHAL 312, 313, PSYC 325 , 300-level MICR and STAT papers | 36 | |
| 90 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 90 | |
| Total | 360 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
FORS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORS201 | 2025 | Analytical and Forensic Science | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FORS301 | 2025 | Analytical Forensic Biology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FORS401 | 2025 | Application of Forensic Science | 20 points | Full Year |
| FORS490 | 2025 | Forensic Analytical Science | 60 points | Full Year |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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