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Feb 03, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		My Forensic Science Course
by: Forensics_Girl

I studied for a BSc(Hons)Forensic Science and graduated last summer.

My course was very intense, it had the highest class hours of any course at the university and was one of the few undergraduate degrees which comprised a compulsory dissertation.

Here is what I studied during my degree course to give you an idea of what sort of thing a Forensics major would study.

1st Year During this year compulsory courses were taken in mathematics/statistic, chemical principles, biological principles, documenting and reporting crime scenes, and an introduction to Forensic Science, which covered techniques and methods as well as legal precedent. On top of this each student was expected to take one option module. I took periodicity but other options were basic chem and environmental chem.

2nd Year During this year most courses taken were compulsory, these were, Methods of Chemical Analysis, Methods of Crime Detection, Research and Professional Skills and DNA profiling and Forensic Biology. Students were expected to take one option module from the school. I studied Forensic Histories, in which we applied modern forensic knowledge and techniques to historical cases.Other options offered at this level were Human Identification Techniques, Forensic Geoscience and Experimental Chemistry.

Third Year:
In this year there are fewer compulsory courses, the compulsory courses were. Investigating and Reporting Crime Scenes (Crime Scene to Court) and Expert Witness and The Legal System which covered all the law that Forensic Experts in the UK are expected to have knowledge of. Students were expected to take 3 option modules, 2 of which had to be from the forensic school in this year I studied, Toxicology, Pathology and Analysis of Incidents of Terrorism, Fires and Firearms, the school also offered, advanced DNA profiling and Environmental Forensics. Finally in this the final year each student is expected to produce a dissertation thesis, this involves completing, individual independent research and laboratory work, the dissertation assessment involved each student presenting a 12,000 - 15,000 word written report of their laboratory work and research along with all of the notes comprised from the students laboratory sessions, students were also expected to produce a written review of their progress whilst undertaking this work and to present their work and their findings at a Viva Voce review board, comprised of senior lecturers from the school.

Having completed this degree course, I am now a fully accredited member of the United Kingdom Forensic Science Society. I am currently studying for an MSc in Forensic Medicine whilst lecturing part time in Biological Principles and Forensic Biology.

Obviously, courses differ from university to university and I have heard that Forensic Science courses in the USA are not as in-depth as courses here in the UK. However, I help that this gives you some idea as to the depth of study involved in a Forensics course.
Jan 12, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Forensic Classes
by: Anonymous

Depending on which branch of Forensics you are going into then biology might not be too good. If you are interested in going into the part of Forensics where your primary job would be working in a labatory than, Chemistry is a good class, considering that you will be dealing with chemicals.
Jan 11, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		glad you asked
by: forensicmentor.com

Hello there. I am a forensic serologist that created a website for people just like you. I will be offering classes, workshops and an association and certification as well as job/internship finder.

As for classes, I think a physical science undergraduate ( bachelor's ) degree is the best way to go. You can take a few specalized courses in forensics, but major in a real science, that will give you more options later.

ask me anything at askme@forensicmentor.com

good luck !

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