Criminalistics Diploma Level 3

Course Description

If you want to develop your knowledge of Criminalistics so that you can embark on a rewarding career or you are already working in a related field and want to improve your career prospects, then the Distance LearningCriminalistics Diploma course is for you.

Criminalistics is the forensic science of analysing and interpreting evidence using natural sciences. Forensic science pertains to all sciences applied to legal problems and Criminalists use the science of criminalistics to help solve crimes. They examine and identify any physical evidence to reconstruct a crime scene and physical evidence they gather, may be anything: evidence so small that a microscope is needed to see it, or as large as a truck. It may be as subtle as a whiff of a flammable gas at an arson scene or as obvious as a pool of blood found at a murder scene. The enormous range of material challenges the ingenuity of the criminalist who examines and identifies hair, fibres, blood, seminal and body fluid stains, alcohol, drugs, paint, glass, botanicals, soil, flammables, and safe insulating material; restores smeared or smudged markings; and identifies firearms and compares bullets. Criminalists use this physical evidence to enable them to provide a link between a suspect and the victim. The transfer of clothing fibres or hair fibres between a suspect and the victim can provide an invaluable link. Fingerprints, bullets, and shoe impressions are other important links that can be found.

It is not possible for a single person to become proficient in the examination and analysis of all types of physical evidence and increasingly, criminalists and other workers in forensic science laboratories are specialising in the examination of one or a few types of physical evidence rather than all of them. As an example, forensic biologists analyse the biological or genetic properties of evidence, trace evidence analysts identify material that is transferred between two objects and determine its origin, and firearms and tool mark experts examine firearms, ammunition components, and tools and marks left by them.

Although not strictly speaking, a component of criminalistics, a module on psychological evidence has been included in this course. This is because the input for the discipline of forensic psychology is heavily dependent on the output of criminalistics.

At the beginning of each module is detailed guidance of the evidence against which the students’ work will be assessed. It is essential that the students make constant reference to this guidance as they progress through each module to ensure you have a thorough understanding.

The final module is a reference and data file. It is possible for the student to obtain a bare pass in the course using only the course material and the material contained in the reference and data file. This file also points the student to further reading and websites which will assist in further research and allow the student to evidence independent enquiry and creative thinking, thereby securing a more creditable pass.

Previous Knowledge Required

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy. You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 12 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Support

You will receive the entire package of course materials in a single dispatch together with dedicated Tutor Support for 12 months.  All assignments are marked by one of our professional Tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course.

You will be provided with the telephone number for your dedicated Student Support Team who will be available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your course. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

Assessment

The Criminalistics Diploma course is assessed by a series of activity questions, all which require submission to your allocated tutor for marking and feedback. Once all assessments and activities have been completed satisfactorily, you will then be awarded your certificate.  The good news is, there is no final exam.