Forensic Science

Forensic Science

Forensic science (or ‘forensics’) is the use of science and technology in analysing criminal evidence. It is used to provide impartial, factual information to support criminal investigations.

This challenging field of work has recently experienced increasing popularity as a result of various television programmes, such as CSI. If you enjoy science, have an enquiring mind and attention to detail, and want to help solve crimes, this course is ideal for you.

About Our Forensic Science Course

This forensic science training course offers an introduction to forensic science and an overview of the principles and techniques of the discipline, including crime scene investigations, investigating computer-based electronic evidence, crime scene equipment, analysis of evidence, and presentation of evidence.

This course is suitable for those with a keen interest in forensic science or who are looking to further their knowledge in this field as a foundation to a higher level of study.

What Could I Do After Taking This Forensics Course?

Build your career. If you wish to build your forensics career, you could continue your training and education in human anatomy and physiology, statistics and criminology: subjects that are essential to this field.

Obtain a degree. To work as a forensic scientist, you’ll need a science-based degree. Alternatively, if you want to focus on electronics casework, you could go on to gain experience and qualifications in computing, electrical engineering, and the like.

Work as a forensics lab support assistant. If you’ve already earned a HND, BTEC or A-level in science, and have some work experience, you could apply for a position as a forensics lab support assistant.

Forensic scientists earn an average of £28,000+*/year.

Source: Payscale.com, March 2013

Syllabus

Unit 1 Introduction to forensic science

• What is forensic science?
• Scientific disciplines

oChemistry 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

Qualifications

Award 2 is issued by our Awarding Body: Level 3 Forensic Science Award

At the end of this course successful learners will also receive a Level 3 NCFE Award Certificate of Achievement. Our course has been accredited under our NCFE IIQ Licence and the course measurable learning outcomes have been benchmarked at Level 3 (using Ofqual’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) level descriptors) to allow you to consider the depth of study, difficulty, and level of achievement involved.

This award has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.

To view a sample of the NCFE Certificate of Achievement, please click here.

To view a sample of the NCFE Candidate Unit Summary, please click here.

What is NCFE

NCFE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE Award certificate of achievement.

For more information on this award, click here

Requirements for Entry

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

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

Study Options

This course is currently only available to be studied via the traditional paper-based method.

Stonebridge Prices

Studying by Post. If you would like to pay by instalments, we do offer an affordable interest free payment plan scheme which allows you to spread the cost of your course over a number of months. However, to use this option you will need to study for your course using the traditional paper-based method. For more information on our payment plans please visit our website at www.stonebridge.uk.com

The reason why the course fee is less if you choose to study online, is because with online study there are no costs associated with postage and printing etc. and thus we are able to offer the course at a reduced rate.

The total amount payable over the term's period, is no more than the total cash price of the course.
(APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 150 hrs.