Forensic Science

Forensic Science

About the Forensic Science Certificate

When science is applied to criminal and civil law, we call it forensic science. Thanks to TV programs such as CSI, careers in forensic science are becoming increasingly fashionable. However, what the TV doesn't tell you is that experts in forensics must be rigorously disciplined, have a sharp eye for detail and possess an analytic mind capable of noticing minute elements.

If this sounds like something you might be good at, the Forensic Science Certificate could help you towards your career goals. When you study an online forensic science course with learndirect, you undertake six individual modules. These distance learning units cover everything from crime scene equipment to crime scene analysis techniques. The programme also teaches students how to investigate computer-based electronic evidence.

Who should study this course?

This course has been designed for individuals who want to work towards a forensics related career or pursue further study in a forensics related discipline. This qualification is also suitable for learners who want to nurture a personal interest in the field.

As with all our home study courses here at learndirect, you do not need prior qualifications to enrol. All we ask is that you have an interest in forensic science, access to the internet, and the motivation to engage in home learning.

What happens after this course?

On successful completion of this distance learning course, students will be well versed in the basics of forensic science. They will be able to carry out a range of chemical, biological and physical techniques when they are applied to forensic analysis.

With this knowledge in hand, students may choose to embark on further study. Students who wish to become forensic scientists will first need a university degree. A distance learning qualification like this one will certainly help on the journey towards higher education.

Alternatively, students may choose to enter employment immediately after the course. This qualification could prepare you to apply for a number of supporting forensic roles. Jobs available to professionals who have studied forensic science include:

• Forensic scientist
• Forensics lab support assistant
• Toxicologist

For more information about this course, give us a call on this number: 01202 006 464

Modules

Unit 1 Introduction to forensic science

• What is forensic science?
• Scientific disciplines

o   Chemistry

o   Biology

o   Computing

Unit 2 Crime scene investigations

• The role of the forensic science services
• Health and Safety
• Crime scene preservation
• Documentation of the scene and its evidence
• Recognition and recovery of physical evidence
• Transportation and storage and of evidence
• Chain of custody

Unit 3 Investigating computer based electronic evidence

• Gathering digital forensic evidence
• Common types of storage devices
• Recovering and packaging of digital evidence
• Transporting digital evidence
• Written records
• Principles of gathering digital forensic evidence

Unit 4 Crime scene equipment

• General equipment
• Optional equipment
• Specialised equipment

Unit 5 Analysis of crime scene evidence

• Inspect and prepare submitted items
• A range of chemical, biological and physical techniques applied to forensic analysis

o   DNA analysis

o   Body fluid analysis

o   Blood stain pattern analysis

o   Fingerprint analysis

o   Physical impression and imprints analysis

o   Trace evidence analysis

o   Arson analysis

o   Explosives analysis

o   Ballistics analysis

o   Drug analysis

o   Documents analysis

o   Digital equipment analysis

• Interpreting results

Unit 6 Presentation of evidence

• Presenting findings
• Written and oral skills
• Computing skills

Entry Requirements

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 12 months.

On successful completion of your course you will receive the learndirect Certificate of Completion of Training in Forensic Science.

Your course certificate will also state the number of CPD points/hours the course is eligible for.

View a sample of the certificate (opens in new window)

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