Karina — Bachelor of Forensic Biology
Why did you choose to study paralegal studies?
I was always interested in having a career in science, and forensic biology fascinated me. I wanted to have a job where I could use my skills to make a difference. I saw forensic biology as an opportunity to help the victims and those wrongfully accused of crimes. Furthermore, as a perfectionist, I liked the idea of working in a field where a meticulous approach and a fine attention to detail are crucial.
What was the best thing about your course?
I enjoyed the hands-on nature of the course, particularly the subjects specific to forensic biology, which included crime scene investigation, DNA profiling and investigation of human remains. Half of the face-to-face hours at university were devoted to laboratory work and practical classes. These classes covered everything from documenting and collecting biological evidence from crime scenes to DNA testing and reporting on the results for the courts. This gave the students a taste of the many different facets of forensic biology.
What was the worst thing about your course?
There was very little flexibility to choose elective subjects, and the majority of forensic biology-specific subjects were isolated to the third and final year of the degree.
What did your course involve?
My course involved lectures, tutorials and lab classes, as well as some excursions (including visiting the morgue to watch a post-mortem examination).
Have you found work in your field?
Yes. After graduating I worked as a research assistant for two years, before finding work as a forensic biologist in a state government testing laboratory.
What advice would you give to students considering studying paralegal studies?
In terms of coping with the course, my advice would be to maintain a healthy uni/life balance and to stay on top of the workload from day one. Unfortunately there are very few job opportunities for forensic biologists in some states. For those graduates interested in DNA testing of forensic evidence, there are state and federal government testing laboratories. Alternatively, graduates could work as crime scene officers for the police, which usually requires that they become sworn police officers.
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