How does the Forensic Science Course work?
The Forensic Science course is from UK Open Learning, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. The great thing about distance learning is that you can study from home or work, at your own pace and in your own time. What’s more, you will have your own personal tutor offering support via email.
Is there an exam?
There is no exam although you will be required to complete a series of assignments which you will send to your tutor when completed for marking and feedback. There are also regular Self-assessment Activities for you to monitor your own progress and understanding.
Awarding Body Information 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.
Tutor Support
You will receive full tutor support for a full 12 months from the day you receive the course. To complete this course it will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period to suit the student.
Will I be able to work in forensic science after taking the course?
To become a qualified forensic scientist you would need to study further on a practically-based course. However, as we have said above, this course is an excellent introduction to a fascinating subject. You should contact one of the Forensic bodies for more information and help on how to obtain employment in, perhaps, a laboratory as a junior technician. More information is provided in the course itself.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have a full 12 months from the day you receive the course to complete it.
What happens if I’ve paid for the course but find it unsuitable?
Not a problem. If you return it within seven days, we’ll give you a complete refund as long as the course is in a re-saleable condition.
Course Contents
Introduction
- Computer Forensics
- Forensic Accountancy
- Forensic Archaeology & Anthropology
- Forensic Dentistry
- Forensic Entomology
- Forensic Graphology
- Forensic Pathology
- Blood Groups
- Body Fluids
- Toxicology
- Fingerprints
- DNA
- Forensic Ballistics & Ballistic Fingerprinting
- Hair and Fibres
- Criminal Profiling
Crime Scene
Establishing the crime scene
- Securing and Protecting the scene
- Collecting and categorising the evidence.
- Forensic and medical photography
- Bloodstains
- Tyre tracks
- Soil
- Toxic Gasses
- Trace evidence
- Hair & Fibres
- DNA
- Insects and flies
The Criminal Case
Evidence
- Asphyxiation
- Rape
- Blunt force
- Suffocation
- Strangulation
- Wounding
- Electrocution
- Drowning
- Defensive wounds
Crime scene reconstruction
Face reconstruction
Expert witnesses
Case Studies
As well as providing you with relevant material relating to the human anatomy, we have included a series of Case Studies drawn from historic incidents, many of the recent, where Forensic Science has helped solve a variety of mysteries including cases which seemingly had ‘gone cold’. These are scattered throughout the course so that you can see how in practical terms Forensic Science is crucial in investigative procedures.
