Course - BTEC National Diploma in Forensic Science
Entry requirementsWho is this course for? Young people aged 16-18 wanting to progress on to higher education in forensic science What do I need to get on the course? # Four GCSEs at grade A-C including science, English and mathematics or relevant work experience, or # BTEC First Diploma in Science # You must have very good communication skills
Academic titleBTEC National Diploma in Forensic Science.ce.
Course descriptionWhat is this course about?
This course is suitable if you are hoping to become a forensic technician or a scene-of-crime officer, or if you would like to go on to a degree course in forensic sciences.
What will I study?
City and Islington College has very unique facilities, such as a dedicated forensics lab and a purpose built scene of crime. We also have close links with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Services, who provide a number of guest lectures each term.
This course covers core sciences, communications, ICT, maths and 13 specialist forensics units. The specialist units include criminology, forensic photography, criminal investigation procedures, sciences, forensic media and crime.
The course is made up of 18 units, nine in each year.
# Scientific Principles - fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics and biology. Introduction to Criminology - introduction to the study of crime and the way society deals with crime.
# Biology Forensic Science - develops the collection and processing of biological evidence from crime scenes including fingerprinting, DNA profiling and Entomology.
# Chemical and Physical Forensic Science - develops the collection and processing of chromatography
# Forensic Photography - introduction to the practices of photography and to the use of
photographic evidence in forensic work.
# Introduction to Criminal Psychology - introduction to the basic principles of psychology
and then relate theories to crime and wider issues in society.
# Forensic Psychology - provides a grounding in techniques and methods used in the
analysis of specific crimes of particular relevance to society.
# Forensic Fire Investigation - introduction to the need for fire investigation and current
methodologies.
# ICT and Forensic Science - how the criminal community and forensic IT crime
investigators use computers.
# Traffic Accident Investigation - introduction to the traffic accident investigation with
emphasis on road traffic accidents.
# Criminal Investigations Procedures-
What can I do after the course?
You gain the professional skills needed to become a Crime Scene Investigator for the police or a Forensic Science Officer in a forensic science laboratory.
You make take your studies further and progress onto degree courses in Forensic Science and related subjects.
The course is equivalent to three A levels so universities regard BTEC National students very favourably.