Forensic Degrees Online

I.The Department :
The changing social order and the serious trends in the nature of violence and crime have made every nation to think of designing humane system of administration of justice. In view of ever growing concern and awareness of the general public towards human rights and their protection we have to say good bye to the third degree methods of investigation. This ensures not only the positive role to be played by law enforcement agencies but also involves timely availability of expert evidence from Forensic Scientists so that justice may not be delayed. And thus, for a country like India, a huge human resource of Forensic Scientists is urgently required and the University is the most appropriate place to train the human resources with sound theoretical as well as practical background.

Moreover, the application of Forensic Science is the most appropriate solution to the problem of crime investigation and detection work.

The evidence resulting from Forensic analysis is more effective than the other type of the evidences and hence, may help in greater rate of conviction which unfortunately is every low at present.

While in the Indian context, the state of teaching was not that impressive vis a vis its global counter part, as our University was the only second University to start a full-fledged Post Graduate course in Forensic Science after Dr.H.S.Gaur University, Sagar (M.P.). Whereas in the U.S. alone there are more than 100 Universities imparting courses in Forensic Science is one from or the other at Graduate and Post Graduate level, in India we do not have many. Only a few universities are imparting courses in Criminology and Forensic Science. In this context our university is the first university to start with a Post Graduate course in Forensic Science.

Our Academic Curriculum is designed in such a way that it fits into diversified geographical conditions and our local requirements. That’s the reason why our students get adjusted with equal ease in our Forensic institutes/labs. as well as of foreign countries.

Our Faculty is well trained and recognized throughout the world as almost everyone has widely traveled to attend various international conferences, seminars and symposia, and published their research work in reputed referred journals. Some of our faculty members have also worked as visiting professor and visiting scientists in advanced laboratories of the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Our students are working in various fields of the subject in countries like USA, U.K, Nigeria and Mauritius etc.

POSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND UNIVERSITY VIS-A-VIS GLOBAL STATUS

Our university is the first in the northern region and second in our country to have started department of Forensic Science and offering Master’s and Doctoral programmes in Forensic Science.

Our Faculty is well trained and recognized throughout the world as almost every one is widely traveled to attend various international Conferences, Seminars and Symposia and published their research work in reputed referred journals. Some of our faculty members have also worked as visiting professor and visiting scientists in advance laboratories of the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Our students are working in various fields of Forensic Science in different Countries namely USA; UK; Nigeria and Mauritius.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENTS

The major opening for students of our department is no doubt all the Govt. Forensic Science laboratories and institutes where they can be employed as scientists. We can boast proudly that our students are working at high positions as Deputy Directors; Assistant Directors and Senior Scientific Officers in various central and state Forensic Science Laboratories. But with the opening of the economy and globalization process, the scope of the subjects has enhanced many folds. Now the students can be employed in diverse fields as in banking sectors and financial institutions including insurance companies.

Many of our students are successfully running their own consultancy services in various fields of Forensic Science and they appear in the courts of law as expert witness.

And of course, they can pursue their studies further by joining research and teaching in the universities.

Changes made in the courses or programmes

The curricula is continually revised & updated almost every year, depending upon the latest development in the field and keeping in mind need of the hour. Faculty has contributed a lot to these changes by designing new teaching modules, regular seminars/presentation & Lab experiments. One new specialization on Questioned Documents & Finger Prints Examination was added to curriculums.

Enhancement of the learning resources

Department is maintaining a small departmental library and a student computer lab. Faculty of the department has been provided with PCs with internet Connectivity (OFC Link).

Participation of teachers in academic activities and other than teachings and research

Teachers of the department have very frequently delivering lectures at various reputed institutions, namely Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, Panjab University, Chandigarh, National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, Delhi; Govt. Medical College, Patiala & Amity University, Noida (UP).

Collaboration with other departments and institutions at the national and international levels

Department is actively collaborating with central Forensic Science laboratory Chandigarh, Wild life institute of India, Dehradun, GEQD Shimla & State Forensic Science lab., Jaipur, Rajasthan. Seven students have been awarded Ph.D. degrees, one student has submitted Ph.D. thesis and eight students are continuing with their research work. A good number of research publications have been published as a result of collaborative programmes.

Methods of continuous student assessment

Continuous student assessment is being extensively done on the basis of weekly seminars, assignments, monthly internal assessment tests and lecture attendance.

CYBER FORENSIC LAB

The Department is in the process of establishing a CYBER FORENSIC LAB to combat cyber and computer crime.

Placement record of the past students and the contribution of the department to the student’s placement

Students of the department have been gainfully placed at central and state Forensic Science laboratories as scientific officers and scientific associates. A large numbers of students have started their own practice as private forensic consultants in the area of Questioned Documents; Finger Print Examination and other areas of Forensic Science. Most of them are doing very well.

Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
Course summarySubject area: Forensic Science
Location of study: Cambridge
Length of study: 3 years
UCAS code: F411
Entry requirements: 200 tariff points at A Level or equivalent. A levels required include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Course overview
Forensic Science is the application of scientific disciplines and techniques that may be used to produce evidence acceptable in a court of law. Recent advances in forensic science, most famously in DNA analysis, have combined to greatly increase the investigating powers of practising forensic scientists, making this a field of increasing importance and relevance.

The main aims of this degree are:
to give you a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic science
to enable you to carry out investigations and research, and to assess the reliability of your results.
Throughout your three years of study, the focus will be on providing you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to operate as a forensic scientist. You will have the opportunity to hone these skills in our on-campus “crime-scene” under the guidance of teaching staff who are, in many cases, professional forensic practitioners.

A range of module options, including Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, and Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation, will allow you to develop specialisms within the field.

When you graduate you will be able to:
demonstrate your understanding of the essential principles and concepts of forensic science
demonstrate your command of the principal techniques of forensic investigation and their application to different types of evidence.
This academically challenging course delves into some important and fascinating areas of science. The real focus of this course though, is on providing you with the practical skills used by professionals within the field – which should make your abilities very attractive to a range of potential employers.
Module guide
Year one core modules:
Introduction to Forensic Methodologies
Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry
Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
Introduction to Police and Forensic Photography
Year two core modules:
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Quality Management
The Forensic Analysis of DNA and Biological Material
Spectroscopic Techniques for Forensic Science
Project Preparation
Scene Laboratory Investigation
Year three core modules:
Advanced Forensic Methodologies
Undergraduate Major Project
Associated careers

This course is specifically designed to prepare you for a career in forensic science.
Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, work portfolios, presentations, poster presentations, role play and evaluation of work from practical classes.
Other courses in the Forensic Science subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Forensic Science BSc (Hons) 3 years F411 200 A levels required include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Criminology BSc (Hons) 3 years FL43 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Medical Biology BSc (Hons) 3 years FB49 200 Required subjects include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Psychology BSc (Hons) 3 years FC48 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Forensic Science and Psychology BSc (Hons)
Course summarySubject area: Forensic Science
Location of study: Cambridge
Length of study: 3 years
UCAS code: FC48
Entry requirements: 200 tariff points at A Level or equivalent. 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Course overview
Forensic Science is the application of scientific disciplines and techniques that may be used to produce evidence acceptable in a court of law. Recent advances in forensic science, most famously in DNA analysis, have combined to greatly increase the investigating powers of practising forensic scientists, making this a field of increasing importance and relevance.

The main aims of this degree are:
to give you a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic science
to enable you to carry out investigations and research, and to assess the reliability of your results.
Throughout your three years of study, the focus will be on providing you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to operate as a forensic scientist. You will have the opportunity to hone these skills in our on-campus “crime-scene” under the guidance of teaching staff who are, in many cases, professional forensic practitioners.

A range of module options, including Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, and Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation, will allow you to develop specialisms within the field.

When you graduate you will be able to:
demonstrate your understanding of the essential principles and concepts of forensic science
demonstrate your command of the principal techniques of forensic investigation and their application to different types of evidence.
This academically challenging course delves into some important and fascinating areas of science. The real focus of this course though is on providing you with the practical skills used by professionals within the field – which should make you very attractive to a range of potential employers.
Module guide
Year one core modules:
Introduction to Forensic Methodologies
Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry
Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
Introduction to Police and Forensic Photography
Year two core modules:
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Quality Management
The Forensic Analysis of DNA and Biological Material
Spectroscopic Techniques for Forensic Science
Project Preparation
Scene Laboratory Investigation
Year three core modules:
Advanced Forensic Methodologies
Undergraduate Major Project
Associated careers

This course is specifically designed to prepare you for a career in forensic science.
Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, work portfolios, presentations, poster presentations, role play and evaluation of work from practical classes.
Other courses in the Forensic Science subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Forensic Science BSc (Hons) 3 years F411 200 A levels required include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Criminology BSc (Hons) 3 years FL43 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Medical Biology BSc (Hons) 3 years FB49 200 Required subjects include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Psychology BSc (Hons) 3 years FC48 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Forensic Science and Medical Biology BSc (Hons)
Course summarySubject area: Forensic Science
Location of study: Cambridge
Length of study: 3 years
UCAS code: FB49
Entry requirements: 200 tariff points at A Level or equivalent. Required subjects include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Course overview
Forensic Science is the application of scientific disciplines and techniques that may be used to produce evidence acceptable in a court of law. Recent advances in forensic science, most famously in DNA analysis, have combined to greatly increase the investigating powers of practising forensic scientists, making this a field of increasing importance and relevance.

The main aims of this degree are:
to give you a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic science
to enable you to carry out investigations and research, and to assess the reliability of your results.
Throughout your three years of study the focus will be on providing you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to operate as a forensic scientist. You will have the opportunity to hone these skills in our on-campus “crime-scene” under the guidance of teaching staff who are, in many cases, professional forensic practitioners.

A range of module options, including Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, and Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation, will allow you to develop specialisms within the field.

When you graduate you will be able to:
demonstrate your understanding of the essential principles and concepts of forensic science
demonstrate your command of the principal techniques of forensic investigation and their application to different types of evidence.
This academically challenging course delves into some important and fascinating areas of science. The real focus of this course though is on providing you with the practical skills used by professionals within the field – which should make you very attractive to a range of potential employers.
Module guide
Year one core modules:
Introduction to Forensic Methodologies
Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry
Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
Introduction to Police and Forensic Photography
Year two core modules:
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Quality Management
The Forensic Analysis of DNA and Biological Material
Spectroscopic Techniques for Forensic Science
Project Preparation
Scene Laboratory Investigation
Year three core modules:
Advanced Forensic Methodologies
Undergraduate Major Project
Associated careers

This course is specifically designed to prepare you for a career in forensic science.
Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, work portfolios, presentations, poster presentations, role play and evaluation of work from practical classes.
Other courses in the Forensic Science subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Forensic Science BSc (Hons) 3 years F411 200 A levels required include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Criminology BSc (Hons) 3 years FL43 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Medical Biology BSc (Hons) 3 years FB49 200 Required subjects include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Psychology BSc (Hons) 3 years FC48 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Forensic Science and Criminology BSc (Hons)
Course summarySubject area: Forensic Science
Location of study: Cambridge
Length of study: 3 years
UCAS code: FL43
Entry requirements: 200 tariff points at A Level or equivalent. 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

Full-time A-Z courses listing | Related courses
Course overview
Forensic Science is the application of scientific disciplines and techniques that may be used to produce evidence acceptable in a court of law. Recent advances in forensic science, most famously in DNA analysis, have combined to greatly increase the investigating powers of practising forensic scientists, making this a field of increasing importance and relevance.

The main aims of this degree are:
to give you a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic science
to enable you to carry out investigations and research, and to assess the reliability of your results.
Throughout your three years of study, the focus will be on providing you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to operate as a forensic scientist. You will have the opportunity to hone these skills in our on-campus “crime-scene” under the guidance of teaching staff who are, in many cases, professional forensic practitioners.

A range of module options, including Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, and Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation, will allow you to develop specialisms within the field.

When you graduate you will be able to:
demonstrate your understanding of the essential principles and concepts of forensic science
demonstrate your command of the principal techniques of forensic investigation and their application to different types of evidence.
This academically challenging course delves into some important and fascinating areas of science. The real focus of this course though is on providing you with the practical skills used by professionals within the field – which should make you very attractive to a range of potential employers.
Module guide
Year one core modules:
Introduction to Forensic Methodologies
Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry
Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
Introduction to Police and Forensic Photography
Year two core modules:
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Quality Management
The Forensic Analysis of DNA and Biological Material
Spectroscopic Techniques for Forensic Science
Project Preparation
Scene Laboratory Investigation
Year three core modules:
Advanced Forensic Methodologies
Undergraduate Major Project
Associated careers

This course is specifically designed to prepare you for a career in forensic science.
Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, work portfolios, presentations, poster presentations, role play and evaluation of work from practical classes.
Other courses in the Forensic Science subject area:Course title Length of study UCAS code Total tariff points Specific entry requirements
Forensic Science BSc (Hons) 3 years F411 200 A levels required include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Criminology BSc (Hons) 3 years FL43 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Medical Biology BSc (Hons) 3 years FB49 200 Required subjects include Grade C Biology OR Chemistry
Forensic Science and Psychology BSc (Hons) 3 years FC48 200 200 points at GCE/VCE A Level or equivalent, including including Grade C Biology OR Chemistry

TRACK DESCRIPTION

The Forensic Biochemistry MS has a strong biochemistry-DNA focus to serve the needs of supervisory personnel in DNA sections of crime laboratories. National DNA standards mandate that such personnel have advanced degrees.

CURRICULUM
Total Hours Required for MS—32 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.

Forensic Science is a highly interdisciplinary science, as reflected in the following program of study. The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes it imperative that students seek advising from faculty members on the content of courses to ensure that they have the appropriate background to master the course content. Up to 6 hours of graduate credit for advanced courses taken at another approved institution can be accepted with approval of the program director.
Foundation Courses—9 Credit Hours
CHS 5502 Principles of Forensic Science (3 credit hours)
CHS 5596 The Forensic Expert in the Courtroom (3 credit hours)
CHS 6513 QA and Bioinformation (3 credit hours)
Required Courses—16 Credit Hours
CHS 6535L Forensic Analysis of Biological Materials (3 credit hours)
CHS 6535 Forensic Molecular Biology (3 credit hours)
CHS 6536 Population Genetics and Genetic Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
PCB 5665C Human Genetics (4 credit hours)
BCH 6740 Advanced Biochemistry (3 credit hours)
Thesis—7 Credit Hours Minimum

The grounding in scientific research methodology provided by the thesis requirement is a central focus of the proposed program. Students will conduct research either on site or at the professional laboratories where they work. In either case, a member of the UCF Forensic Science faculty will act as research adviser and approve the research topic. This research culminates in the writing and presentation of the thesis.

The student’s research adviser will select the thesis examination committee, consisting of two UCF faculty members and at least one other acknowledged forensic expert in the field. The student will present his/her thesis for examination by the committee. The thesis must be judged worthy of publication by the review committee and may not be submitted for examination until approved. For nonresident students, the thesis adviser will visit the student’s laboratory, where their research is to be performed, before the research begins and on a regular basis until the work is complete.
CHM 6971 Thesis Research (7 credit hours)
INDEPENDENT LEARNING

Each student in the Forensic Science MS program is required to present a written thesis to their committee. The committee reviews the thesis and examines the student on the content and quality of the research described in the thesis. The research described in the thesis is conducted independently by the student with guidance from the supervising faculty member, and as such, the thesis represents a significant independent learning component of the Forensic Science MS degree.
Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
Two letters of recommendation.
Résumé.
Personal statement explaining why the applicant wants to pursue advanced studies in forensic biochemistry.

The Forensic Science Graduate Committee will evaluate the background of potential students applying for admission into the program.

Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant’s career/academic goals, and the applicant’s potential for completing the degree.
Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.

Forensic Biochemistry MS Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Mar 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

TRACK DESCRIPTION

The Forensic Analysis MS emphasizes the application of modern chromatographic, spectroscopic and micro-analytical techniques to problems in forensic science.

CURRICULUM
Total Hours Required for MS—32 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.

Forensic Science is a highly interdisciplinary science, as reflected in the following program of study. The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes it imperative that students seek advising from faculty members on the content of courses to ensure that they have the appropriate background to master the course content. Up to 6 hours of graduate credit for advanced courses taken at another approved institution can be accepted with approval of the program director.
Foundation Courses—9 Credit Hours
CHS 5502 Principles of Forensic Science (3 credit hours)
CHS 5596 The Forensic Expert in the Courtroom (3 credit hours)
CHS 6513 QA and Bioinformation (3 credit hours)
Required Courses—16 Credit Hours
STA 5206 Statistical Analysis (3 credit hours) or equivalent
CHM 5235 Applied Molecular Spectroscopy (3 credit hours)
CHM 6492 Atomic Spectroscopy (3 credit hours)
CHS 6539C Forensic Analysis Laboratory (4 credit hours)
CHS 6548 Explosives and Accelerants Analysis (3 credit hours)
Thesis—7 Credit Hours Minimum

The grounding in scientific research methodology provided by the thesis requirement is a central focus of the proposed program. Students will conduct research either on site or at the professional laboratories where they work. In either case, a member of the UCF Forensic Science faculty will act as research adviser and approve the research topic. This research culminates in the writing and presentation of the thesis.

The student’s research adviser will select the thesis examination committee, consisting of two UCF faculty members and at least one other acknowledged forensic expert in the field. The student will present his/her thesis for examination by the committee. The thesis must be judged worthy of publication by the review committee and may not be submitted for examination until approved. For nonresident students, the thesis adviser will visit the student’s laboratory, where their research is to be performed, before the research begins and on a regular basis until the work is complete.
CHM 6971 Thesis Research (7 credit hours)
INDEPENDENT LEARNING

Each student in the Forensic Science MS program is required to present a written thesis to their committee. The committee reviews the thesis and examines the student on the content and quality of the research described in the thesis. The research described in the thesis is conducted independently by the student with guidance from the supervising faculty member, and as such, the thesis represents a significant independent learning component of the Forensic Science MS degree.
Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
A bachelor’s in Forensic Science or another physical science, based on at least 30 hours of college-level science subjects, that provides the background required to be successful in the proposed program. Acceptable non-Forensic Science BS degrees may include Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Biology, and Chemical Engineering.
Three letters of recommendation. If the applicant is employed in a forensic laboratory and wishes to continue working in that laboratory while a distance learner in the Forensic Science MS program, one letter should come from his/her supervisor and should express their willingness to allow the student to use the laboratory instrumentation for their thesis research. Otherwise, the student will be unable to complete the research component of the degree.
Short (one page) statement describing why the applicant wants to pursue an advanced degree in Forensic Science.

The Forensic Science Graduate Committee will evaluate the background of potential students applying for admission into the program.

Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant’s career/academic goals, and the applicant’s potential for completing the degree.
Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.

Forensic Analysis MS Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Mar 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program is designed to service the needs of both practicing professionals and full-time students who desire an advanced program of study in the forensic analysis of biological materials.

CURRICULUM

The Forensic Science MS degree is comprised of 32 hours of study beyond the BS degree with intensive specialization in one of two tracks, Forensic Analysis or Forensic Biochemistry. The full-time student should complete the degree in two years of continuous full-time study, while nonresident students will generally be expected to finish the degree in four years. The degree program is research-based and requires original and independent research resulting in a written thesis to be defended before a committee consisting of two UCF faculty members and at least one other acknowledged forensic expert in the field.
Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).
FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

BSc (Hons) Forensic ScienceFaculty: Health, Life and Social Sciences
School: Department of Forensic and Biomedical Sciences
Campus: Lincoln
UCAS Code: F410 (Campus Code: L)
Duration: 3 Years
Entry Requirements: 240 Points

This course is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry

This course is accredited by the Forensic Science Society
Introduction

Forensic science is the application of science to law and its enforcement.

The degree will appeal to those with an interest in the application of science to the investigation and analysis of evidence. The programme provides an intellectually challenging study of a full range of forensic applications. It consists of a varied but well balanced combination of subjects including crime scene investigation techniques, advanced chemical and microbiological analysis and specialist areas such as forensic entomology and forensic anthropology. It fulfils the growing demand for expertise in investigatory, enforcement and monitoring work, including incident scene investigation, physical evidence collection, laboratory analysis of evidence and defence of testimony.
Course Content
Level 1
Introductory Chemistry
Quantitative Methods in Science
Crime Scene Investigation
Introductory Biology
Level 2
Analytical Techniques
Anatomy, Physiology and Post-mortem Processes
Drugs of Abuse
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation & Analysis
Forensic Molecular Biology
Level 3
Forensic Anthropology
Applied Forensic Analysis
Forensic Toxicology
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Independent Study
Forensic Entomology

Forensic Science Integrated Program
Integrating Forensic Science into Your Major

The forensic science program at USP offers a unique, multidisciplinary curriculum that is integrated into existing major disciplines of study. It couples a core program of forensic science to a strong foundation in one of the scientific disciplines USP is known for.

Designed with the help of experts from the EPA, FBI, and law enforcement officials, this program follows the accreditation requirements of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

You’ll receive a BS degree in your chosen major and a certificate of completion in forensic science, just the educational background employers are looking for.
How Your Studies Will Be Enhanced

You choose the science major that appeals most to you, and we’ll help you tailor your courses toward forensic science.
Discipline-specific courses

Discipline-specific courses with integrated forensic science focus in:
Genetics
Analytical Chemistry
Advanced Microbiology
Toxicology (coming soon)
Instrument Analysis (coming soon)

Courses like these will add an extra credit hour to the standard course, which will be spent with a field expert.

You’ll benefit from instructors who are working in places such as the:
EPA
Medical Examiner’s Office
Philadelphia Crime Scene Unit
Federal government investigative agencies

Through their real-world knowledge of forensic science, you’ll discover how to apply what you are learning to the area of forensic science.
Forensic science courses

These fundamental forensic science courses will help you learn principles and procedures you can apply to your classroom research and labwork, as well as in your chosen internship.
Forensic Analysis
Crime and Society
Forensic Anthropology
Principles of Forensic Pathology
Internship or Research

You’ll spend a summer performing research in your chosen major or in an internship in a forensics laboratory at places such as the:
EPA
CIA
FBI
Homeland Security
Philadelphia Crime Scenes Unit
Forensic Anthropology Consultants

This hands-on experience will allow you to investigate an area of forensic science and discover how well your USP education has prepared you for a challenging career. You’ll apply knowledge gained in USP’s classrooms and labs, assisting law enforcement personnel in pursuing justice.