Forensic Science Level 3
Studying forensic science involves learning crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, laboratory techniques, and legal procedures. Take a deep dive into fascinating topics and discover how small details can make a big difference.
Course Introduction
Why study Level 3 Forensic Science?
Forensic scientists apply science and technology to examine various types of evidence from crimes. This Forensic Science Diploma provides a comprehensive foundation of skills and knowledge essential for interpreting evidence and aiding investigations.
Forensic science is a demanding yet fascinating field that has gained popularity in recent years, partly due to the influence of TV dramas and documentaries. If you have a curious mind, keen attention to detail, and a passion for science, enrolling in a forensic science diploma could be an excellent choice.
Studying Level 3 Forensic Science offers valuable skills in evidence analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It enhances knowledge of crime scene investigation, laboratory techniques, and legal procedures. This qualification can lead to careers in forensic science, law enforcement, or further study, providing a strong foundation for investigative and scientific roles.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- QAN Code
- Units
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12 months
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580
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Level 3
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NCFE CACHE
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603/2618/9
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7 units (view units)
Awarding Body: NCFE Customised Qualifications
With a heritage stretching back over 150 years, NCFE is one of the largest awarding bodies in the UK. Last year, NCFE awarded certification to over 340,000 students.
NCFE Customised Qualifications are bespoke, unregulated qualifications developed to meet the specific needs of learners. These courses fit in where there are no other regulated qualifications available. This means you can achieve recognition from a well-respected awarding body, even if there isn’t a pre-existing qualification in a certain subject area.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Crime scene examination & management
- Forensic science in the UK
- Crime scene sketching and reporting
- Protecting crime scenes & avoiding contamination
- Collecting and recording evidence
- The difference between volume crime & serious crime
Unit 2: Trace Evidence
- Dusting for fingerprints
- Latent fingerprints
- Analysis of fibre evidence
- The information provided by hair evidence
- Comparing glass evidence
Unit 3: DNA and Body Fluids
- What is DNA?
- Sources of DNA
- Collecting DNA evidence
- Processing and analysing DNA
- Blood spatter analysis
Unit 4: Ballistics
- Understanding firearms
- Trace evidence from ballistics – gunshot residue
- Bullets & striations
- Casings and identifying weapons
Unit 5: Forensic Toxicology
- Drugs of abuse & poisons
- Metabolites and drug evidence
- Using chromatography in chemical analyses
- Spectroscopic techniques in forensic toxicology
Unit 6: Human remains and anthropology
- The value of human remains
- Dentition – using teeth to tell a story
- The skull as evidence
- Mapping bones to draw conclusions
Unit 7: Integrity of evidence & legal process
- Follow the journey of a case from the crime scene to court
- The importance of chain of custody in preserving reliability
- The criminal court system, criminal law and legal framework for forensic scientists
- The forensic expert’s role in court
- Collecting and recording evidence
- The difference between volume crime & serious crime
Course Outcome
Upon completion of the qualification, Learners will be awarded a formal certificate of achievement from NCFE CACHE.
This qualification can lead to careers in forensic science, law enforcement, or further study, providing a strong foundation for investigative and scientific roles.
Examinations and Assessments
This Level 3 course is designed to provide you with everything you need to develop professionally to work in the field of forensic science.
Your skills will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as written assignments and a work-based portfolio of evidence. You will also be assessed by observations, which should take place during your normal routine.
When you submit your written work, you will be required to include a bibliography using clear citations and references. No external examinations are required.
Entry Requirements
In order to achieve this qualification, you must be at least 16 years old and working, volunteering or on practical placement as you will need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.