Course description
CSI Miami, CSI New York, Cracker…just some of the hugely popular crime drama series on television that have made people develop a keen interest in that most fascinating of subjects: forensic science.
The word ‘forensic’ comes from the Latin word forensis which simply means ‘public’ or ‘from the forum’.
Forensic science is concerned with using scientific methods either in public, in a court, or in the justice system as a whole. In fact, any science used for the purposes of the law is forensic science. The prime function of Forensic Scientists is to provide evidence to support criminal investigations.
Drugs, violence, property crime, hi-tech crime, youth crime…detection is all about the appliance of forensic science. The good news is, you can now study this fascinating subject in your own time, at your own pace, from the comfort of home thanks this course from UK Open learning – the Diploma in Forensic Science.
Full professional tutor support
Once you decide to study for our home study Forensic Science course, you will have your own personal tutor on hand seven days a week to help you through the course. On completion of the Diploma, you will be the proud recipient of a fully-accredited OCN (Open College Network) Qualification with 18 Learning Credits which can be used towards further learning.
What will I learn on the Forensic Science course?
By taking our Diploma in Forensic Science course, you will gain a thorough understanding of Criminology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, as well as an Introduction to the world of forensics. The Diploma covers fascinating subjects such as The UK Justice System, understanding crime, theories of terrorism, the complex workings of the human body, criminal profiling, forensic psychology, fingerprinting, DNA and Crime Scene Analysis to mention but a few.
Who can take the Forensic Science course?
UK Open learning’s nationally accredited Diploma in Forensic Science is open to anyone and no prior knowledge is needed. Obviously, an interest in crime, the causes of crime and solving crime would be an advantage, as would the desire to gain a fuller understanding of the workings of the human body.
How does the Forensic Science Course work?
The Diploma in Forensic Science 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 and post, and our student advisors are also contactable by telephone for general enquiries.
How is the course designed?
The Diploma in Forensic Science is fully comprehensive and designed into three main areas covering an Introduction to Forensics, Criminology, and Human Anatomy & Physiology. There are a total of 33 units covered, and you will complete a series of assignments, submitted by post or email and marked by your personal tutor. The course is paper based and delivered via courier.
Is there an exam?
There is no exam as such, although you will be required to complete a series of assignments.
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, and career prospects are numerous and varied. However, this course is an excellent ‘taster’ to a fascinating subject. You should contact one of the Forensic bodies for more information and help on how to obtain employment in maybe a laboratory as a junior technician.
Training to Become a Forensic Scientist
There are two main elements in the training required to become a general forensic scientist. The first involves academic courses, and the second, on-the-job training usually with one of the main suppliers of primary services to police.
Academic requirements:
Requirements in respect of academic qualifications depend on the ultimate goal. For instance, to become an assistant forensic scientist or equivalent or a technical specialist, you are likely to need at least four good passes at GCSE including English and either science (Biology/Chemistry) or Maths, and at least one A level in a science subject. To become a case-reporting forensic scientist and/or a forensic science researcher, you will usually require at least a good first degree in Biology, Chemistry or related subject, followed up, in many cases, by a postgraduate/MSc qualification in forensic science or direct employment.
Training on-the-job:
On-the-job training tends to be best catered for by suppliers of forensic science services to police and other law enforcement agencies as it is in these organisations that there is the breadth and depth of casework to provide the necessary experience. Such training generally includes a combination of specialist in-house courses and practical casework - all forming part of a professional apprenticeship.
Is the Introductory Diploma in Forensic Science a recognised qualification?
Yes. UK Open Learning is a registered centre with Open College Network North West Region.
OCNNWR is licensed with the National Open College Network which is approved as an awarding body with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
Do you want a FULLY recognised qualification which carries learning credits towards further learning? UK Open Learning is a leading distance learning company offering these qualifications in conjunction with OCN an approved awarding body with strict quality assurance to ensure you receive the best training possible
This course has been prepared to enable students to obtain the OCN (Open College Network Qualification). It also carries 18 Learning Credits which can be used towards further learning.
Why should I choose a course accredited by OCN instead of another awarding?
OCNs, work with organisations providing your learning to ensure that the content of your course, and the way it is assessed, is of the highest quality and is suitable for the people who wish to take it.
As a learner on an OCN approved course you are entitled to earn credits for the work that you do. For each successful course you complete, you will be awarded a certificate detailing the number of credits you have achieved.
You can then use your credits to move to a higher level of learning, or to prove to an employer, or anyone else, that you have obtained new skills and knowledge. OCN credits are generally accepted as a means of entry to further study by Further and Higher Education providers, and by a large number of employers and trainers.
You can use your credits to demonstrate your achievements and prove that you have knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects. Depending on which level of course you take, you can use the credits to progress onto other courses. Contact your local colleges to find out more about what opportunities are open to you.
Q. How do I send in my work?
A. You can post or email your assignments for marking. You do not need to wait for your results before moving onto the next section.
Q. If I fail an assignment can I retake it?
A. Yes, your tutor will ask you to resubmit your assignment and give you some pointers as to where you could improve.
Q. What do I receive once I order the course?
A. We will send you ALL the course materials. This consists of a 600-page course delivered to your door within 48 hours. You can start your studies straight away.
Q. Is there a time limit or any deadlines?
A. We do like you to complete the course within 12 months but we can extend this if you check with your tutor. If you allow 100 study hours this will give you a good guide to work to. There are no deadlines to meet.
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. We do, however, charge a £15 fee for administration costs.
Course Contents.
The course is divided into three sections
Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 learning credits)
Key Topics
Unit 1 Introduction to the Human Body
* Human Body Structure
* Body functions
* Life Process
* Anatomical Terminology
Unit 2 Cells, Tissues and Membranes
* Cell Structure and Function
* Body Tissues
* Membranes
Unit 3 Skeletal System
* Functions of the Skeletal System
* Bone Tissue
* Bone Development and Growth
* Classifications of Bones
* Divisions of the Skeleton
Unit 4 Muscular System
* Functions of the Muscular System
* Structure of the Skeletal Muscle
* Muscle Types
* Skeletal Muscle Groups
Unit 5 Nervous System
* Functions of the Nervous System
* Nerve Tissue
* Organisation of the Nervous System
Unit 6 Endocrine System
* Introduction to the Endocrine System
* Characteristics of Hormones
* Endocrine Glands
Unit 7 Cardiovascular System
* Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
* Heart
* Blood
Unit 8 Lymphatic System
* Functions of the Lymphatic System
* Components of the Lymphatic System
Unit 9 Respiratory System
* Introduction to the Respiratory System
* Mechanics of Ventilation
* Respiratory Volumes and Capacities
* Conducting Passages
Unit 10 Digestive System
* Functions of the Digestive System
* General Structure
* Regions of the Digestive System
Unit 11 Urinary System
* Functions of the Urinary System
* Components of the Urinary System
Unit 12 Reproductive System
* Introduction to the Reproductive System
* Male Reproductive System
* Female Reproductive System
Criminology (9 learning credits)
Unit 1: Introduction to Criminology
* Define what Criminology is and have an understanding of the theories used.
Unit 2: Criminal Statistics
* Study the trends of modern day criminal statistics.
Unit 3: The UK Justice System
* Have an understanding of the UK Justice system and have reference to key legal terms.
Unit 4: Understanding Drugs
* Describe a large range of drugs, what effects they have, their methods of use, their prevalence, production, marketing and common street names.
Unit 5: Understanding Violence
* Describe different forms of violence and understand the possible reasons for it.
Unit 6: Understanding Property Crime
* Describe different forms of property crime and understand when and where they occur.
Unit 7: Understanding Crime and the Community
* Understanding the role of the community in crime prevention.
Unit 8: Understanding Trans-national and Organised Crime
* Describe various forms of organised and trans-national crime.
Unit 9: Understanding High Tech Crime
* Understand the use of computers and internet technology in support of criminal activities.
Unit 10: Understanding Crime Prevention
* Describe how to focus on the causes of crime and use problem solving tools in order to significantly reduce or eliminate the factors that can to lead crime.
Unit 11: Understanding Youth Crime
* Understand why youths turn to crime and why everyone has a role in supporting youth and preventing youth crime.
Unit 12: Understanding Anti-Social Behaviour
* Describe different forms of anti-social behaviour, who it effects, its long terms effects and approaches to tackling it.
Unit 13: Introduction to Forensic Psychology
* Describe what Forensic Psychology is, how it works; from basic theories and principles, through research, understanding and explaining results, to the actual application of psychological techniques.
Unit 14: Introduction to Criminal Profiling
* Understand what is meant by Criminal profiling, and how the use of scientific methods, logical reasoning, sources of information on people, criminology, victimology, and experience or skill is employed to interpret the events that surround the commission of a crime.
Unit 15: Introduction to the Theory of Terrorism
* Understanding what terrorism is and why it is a deliberate use of violence against civilians for political or religious ends
Forensics (9 learning credits)
Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry
* Understanding the different branches of chemistry and topics such as the periodic table.
Unit 2: Introduction to Forensic Psychology
* This covers the application of Psychology in the field of Forensics and it’s history plus an excellent overview of Forensic Psychology.
Unit 3: Introduction to Criminal Profiling
* This section covers the fairly new topic of crime reconstruction and covers history and applications.
Unit 4: Introduction to Fingerprinting
* A complete overview of Fingerprinting, methods of obtaining fingerprints and how they are used in Forensics.
Unit 5: Introduction to DNA
* This complexed subject is broken down into easy bite sized sections to provide and understanding of how DNA is used to catch criminals.
Unit 6: Introduction to Crime Scene Analysis
* This section of the course will tell you how to analyse and collect evidence from a crime scene.
Unit 7: Introduction to Examining Evidence
* An excellent overview of examining evidence collected from a crime scene.
Unit 8: Introduction to Forensic Computing
* An overall view of the exciting world of Forensic Computing and how technology is used to capture criminals
