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    Dive into DNA , trace evidence, and chemical sleuthing. Forensic Analytical Science gives you the tools to investigate, analyse, and protect what matters.

    Why study Forensic Analytical Science

    If you’re someone who asks “how do we know that?” then Forensic Analytical Science is for you.

    Explore the analytical techniques behind forensic biology and chemistry, including DNA profiling, spectroscopy, and chemical trace analysis, that help solve problems across crime investigation, food safety, and environmental protection.

    You’ll discover how scientific evidence is used to trace the origin of materials, verify authenticity, and protect products from counterfeiting. You’ll also develop skills that extend far beyond the lab – critical thinking, data interpretation, and clear communication.

    Forensic Analytical Science sits at the intersection of science and society. You’ll learn how biological and chemical evidence informs legal, regulatory, and commercial decisions, preparing you for diverse, meaningful roles where accuracy and integrity count.

    Career opportunities

    Graduates build skills that are valued wherever analytical accuracy and scientific problem-solving matter. You’ll be prepared for roles across industry, government and research, applying your training to real evidence, real data and real impact.

    Roles in criminal forensics are competitive in Aotearoa and usually require postgraduate study or experience. Career pathways include:

    • Analytical scientist in environmental or biosecurity laboratories
    • Forensic laboratory technician or evidence analyst
    • Food traceability or product authentication specialist
    • Quality assurance or brand protection officer
    • Regulatory or compliance scientist

    Unlock the power of forensics

    Discover how forensic science goes beyond crime shows. Learn analytical skills at Otago that apply to law, conservation, product protection, and more – gaining insights from experts across multiple scientific disciplines.

    Read transcript

    Associate Professor Jo Stanton:

    My name is Joanne Stanton, and I am the course coordinator for Forensics 201. It’s a second-year course where we really start to focus down on the analytical skills that forensic scientists will need if they go on to a career in forensics.

    So, what is forensics? We’ve all seen the wonderful crime shows and the hype on television, and a lot of people come to forensics with that background. Though, forensics is much deeper than that. It’s used for understanding problems, it’s used for underpinning the rule of law, it’s used to protect products, it's also used for the conservation of our species, protection of our borders.

    So, once you’ve got the skills in forensics, those analytical skills, they can be applied right across the board, to many, many different careers and different skill sets.

    So, why come to Otago? Otago is blessed with so many great scientific minds. We have many leaders in the fields of chemistry, biology, anthropology, and medicine. We have an amazing group of people from whom you can learn state-of-the-art skills from, you can understand the field, and you can start to build a career and career experiences.

    Otago is a great place to come and do forensics.

    How you will learn

    At Otago, you’ll learn by doing. The Forensic Analytical Science major combines lectures, tutorials, and extensive hands-on lab work to build your confidence with real analytical instruments and techniques. You’ll work in teams, tackle case-based scenarios, and apply your learning to genuine forensic and traceability challenges.

    Our teaching staff are active researchers and bring their expertise directly into your learning. You’ll study in a collaborative environment where curiosity, problem-solving, and precision are at the core of every lab session.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    NCEA Level 3 in Chemistry, Biology and Maths (Stats) is strongly recommended. 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.

    Ready to apply?

    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.

    Where science helps solve real problems and protect what matters most

    Studying Forensic Analytical Science at Otago means learning from leaders in chemistry, biology, and genetics who bring real investigative experience into the classroom. You’ll have access to specialist laboratories and analytical instruments used in professional research and industry settings.

    Otago’s Dunedin campus offers a vibrant science community and a supportive learning culture that encourages curiosity and collaboration. Here, you’ll develop practical expertise and analytical confidence.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    YearPapersPoints
    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:
    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, DATA 201, FOSC 201 , GENE 221, MICR 221 , PHAL 241, STAT 210 , 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, DATA 302, 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 2026 Analytical and Forensic Science 18 points Semester 1
    FORS301 2026 Analytical Forensic Biology 18 points Semester 2
    FORS401 2026 Application of Forensic Science 20 points Semester 1
    FORS490 2026 Forensic Analytical Science 60 points Full Year

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