Do you envisage yourself in a white suit, with latex gloves and lots of plastic bags? Are you hooked on CSI Miami or CSI New York? Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law.
This course will cover the key knowledge and skills required for students interested in pursuing a career in this fascinating and gripping topic area, which also includes aspects of science, law and psychology. Forensic scientists use principles of biology, chemistry and maths, and a range of techniques, to obtain and analyse evidence from a variety of sources – including blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibres, glass fragments and tyre marks. As a forensic scientist, your main role would be to look for evidence to link a suspect with a crime scene. However, your duties could vary depending on your specialism. If you enjoy science and want to help solve crimes, this job could be perfect for you. This course could be your springboard to a better you. If you have an enquiring mind, a passion for science, a fascination with solving puzzles, with collecting all the minute details to find an answer, and keep a keen eye on developments in the scientific world? Then this is the ideal solution.
On this course you will:
Your first step in forensic science, learn procedures used to collect evidence and how crime scenes are investigated.
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Study with winnersWe’re an award-winning learning provider and have been recognised for our cutting-edge learning techniques.
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At your own paceStudy this course as quickly or slowly as you wish; we’ll work at a speed that suits you.
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Affordable price plansWe’ll find a way to make this course fit in to your budget.
- Awarding body: QLS
The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.
Study Hours
Up to 90 hours which is around 30 minutes per day for 6 months.
Study Method
The course is specially designed for study by distance learning. Throughout the course there will be self-assessment questions, and tutor marked assignments (TMAs), to enable you to monitor your progress.
Course Duration
You have up to a year to complete this course. This is usually ample time for learners, even with full-time jobs and other commitments. Don’t worry if you go over the year though, we can organise an extension to your course for an additional fee, which also extends your tutor support.
Assessment
Throughout this course, you may be expected to complete assignments, essays, research projects, presentations, video/audio recordings, and practical learning sessions to meet the requirements of your course. This information will be included in your study pack detailing exactly what you need to do to accomplish your goals as a student.
Course Outcomes
At the end of this course, successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from QLS (Quality Licence Scheme) and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the details all of the units you have completed as part of your course). You can read more about QLS here.
Additional Information
Difficulty - Level 3
Entry requirements - There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.
Course Content
- 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
- 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
- Inspect and prepare submitted items
- A range of chemical, biological and physical techniques applied to the forensic analysis.
- DNA analysis
- Body fluid analysis
- Bloodstain pattern analysis
- Fingerprint analysis
- Physical impression and imprints analysis
- Trace evidence analysis
- Arson analysis
- Explosives analysis
- Ballistics analysis
- Drug analysis
- Documents analysis
- Digital equipment analysis
- Interpreting results
Frequently Asked Questions
We have some answers to common student questions, but if you can't find the answer you're looking for then please contact us and we will do everything we can to answer your questions.
You don’t need any prior skills in the subject area to start. However, as with all of our courses, we recommend a reasonable level of English reading and writing ability.
We provide all the specially written learning materials you require to study this course at home. The course fee also includes tutor support for the specified duration of your course.
You will receive everything you need to complete this course within the study pack we send to you.
No, this course is assessed by coursework alone.
No, all of the study materials are supplied within your learning pack.
Most students finish comfortably within the course duration period given. However, if you do need more time, your personal tutor support can be extended for an additional fee.
Please check our main FAQs section or Contact Us, we have experienced course advisers who will be delighted to help!