If you’re considering a career in forensic science, forensic psychology, criminal psychology, criminal law, or crime writing, then our fascinating Forensic Science course is designed for you.
Our Forensic Science online course takes you behind the police tape and into the crime scene where you’ll discover how evidence is gathered, analysed and used to catch criminals.
With 5.5 million crimes being committed in England and Wales each year, there is a massive demand for people to work within the field of forensic science. You’ll be responsible for gathering evidence at a crime scene to bring criminals to justice.
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Forensics is a fascinating subject working with bodily fluids, fingerprints and DNA to analyse a crime scene. Sign up for our Forensic Science certificate course to begin your journey discovering more about the important part that forensics plays in investigations.
Certificates
Proof of Completion
Digital certificate -
Included
Assessment details
Module Exams
Included in course price
CPD
50 CPD hours / points
Accredited by The CPD Certification Service
Course media
Description
Working within the forensics team, it’s your mission to ensure that crime doesn’t pay. By gathering evidence at a crime scene or analysing the material in the laboratory, you’ll be an important cog in the criminal justice system. Forensic science deals with crime scenes to find evidence to catch criminals. Forensic psychology studies human behaviour and crime.
Forensic science, forensic psychology and criminal psychology are powerful forces that are putting a new face on solving current cases and clearing up old cold cases. As you study our course, you’ll become more experienced about what forensics is. This will give you greater confidence in interviews and in applying for jobs within this field.
You will see how:
forensic science developed and its roles in police work and solving crimes
evidence such as blood and fingerprints can be analysed and used as evidence
to determine how long someone has been dead, even for a very long time
powerful DNA evidence is to catch a criminal
forensic scientists apply their expertise in court
forensic science has an impact on many exciting and varied roles
forensic science is used in criminal cases by studying our real-life criminal case studies
Our online Forensic Science course equips you with a new wealth of knowledge to prepare you for a new career in forensic science, forensic psychology or criminal psychology; improve your current job; enhance your resume; or help you understand your favourite crime book or TV show better. Not only that, but you can study in your own time, from home. Sign up now.
How is the Forensic Science course assessed?
There is a short multiple choice exam at the end of each module for you to take and you’ll know your score immediately. By studying Forensic Science online with IOA, you do not pay an extra fee for sitting an exam or have to wait for a set date to sit an exam.
Forensic Science Course Syllabus
Module 1: Historical Development And Role Of Forensic Sciences
Introduction to forensic sciences and basic principles
Special areas and contributions of the forensic sciences
Development of medico-legal investigation
Forensic pathology and toxicology
Module 2: The Crime Scene
Processing the crime scene
Reconstruction of the crime scene
Legal considerations of the crime scene
Using science to link crimes
The significance of physical evidence
Module 3: Fingerprinting
Fundamental principles of fingerprinting
Classification of fingerprints
Methods of detecting and preserving fingerprints
Digital imaging techniques
Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)
Case study: product tampering and Stella Nickell
Module 4: DNA Analysis
The nature of DNA
Collecting DNA samples
DNA typing
Analysis of DNA evidence
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)
Case study: the exoneration of Earl Washington
Module 5: Toxicology
What is forensic toxicology?
Techniques used in toxicology
The significance of toxicological findings
Toxicology and identification of poisons
Toxicology and identification of drugs
Module 6: Arson And Explosion Investigations
The chemistry of fire
Investigating the fire scene
Type of explosions
Collecting and analysing explosives
Case study: Is Daniel Dougherty guilty of arson?
Module 7: Serological Evidence
The nature of blood
Stain patterns of blood
Forensic analysis of blood, semen, and other bodily fluids
Collection and analysis of rape evidence
Module 8: Firearms
Forensic ballistics
Gunpowder residue
Bullet and cartridge casing comparisons
Striations and tool marks
Gunshot wounds
Case study: family murderer Christopher Vaughn proven guilty
Module 9: Time Of Death Determinations
Stages of decomposition
Body temperature calculations
Stomach contents
Decomposed skeletonized remains
Forensic entomology (insects)
Case study: the murder of Leanne Tiernan
Module 10: The Forensic Scientist As Expert Witness In Court
Preparation for testimony
Testimony and cross-examination
Admissibility of scientific evidence
Ethical considerations
Module 11: Collaboration In Criminal Investigations
Working with detectives
Working with the forensic psychology team
Working with the prosecutor or defense
Conducting research
Lecturing and consulting
Who is this course for?
Career-minded individuals interested in a career in forensic science, forensic psychology, criminal psychology or detective work
People with an interest in science and crime
Anyone wanting a better understanding of criminal investigations and court cases
Fans of crime shows and detective stories who want to get ‘behind the scenes’
Anyone seeking an intriguing and interesting insight into another aspect of the criminal justice system
Employees or volunteers within the justice system
Writers who want to publish a crime or detective novel or series
Requirements
International Open Academy's Forensic Science course is designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us.
Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.
Career path
This course could inspire you to study further to pursue a fascinating career in forensic science, forensic psychology, criminal psychology, law or detective work
Start a career within law enforcement
Elevate your crime writing to the next level
Start a blog or podcast about Forensics
Write a blockbuster crime-solving TV show
Look into a career working with offenders or the victims of crime
Questions and answers
No questions or answers found containing ''.
Janelle asked:
Does it come with a certificate?
Answer:
Yes, once you complete your Forensic Science course, you will receive a certificate of completion issued by the course provider.
Does it involve carrying out of practicals or mainly theoretical?
Answer:
After each module of your Forensic Science course, there is a short exam which includes multiple choice questions. The final grade of your course will be the average of the eleven modules.
Hi is this course for beginners level, and is the £10 the only payment I will make
Answer:
Yes, the Forensic Science course is an introductory course. The offer includes the full course, lifetime access to the course content, and a certificate of completion issued by the International Open Academy.
1.:Who will conduct the test/examination and when?
2. Whether this course can be completed before 6 months?
Answer:
After each module of your Forensic Science course, there is a short exam section which includes multiple choice questions. Our course is entirely online and self-paced.
So we require any books for this coarse to learn from
Answer:
Hi Louise, Thank you for your query. Our courses, including the "Forensic Science" course are fully online. All you need to start and complete your course is a device with a common operating system and a reliable access to internet. Kaoutar - IOA Team
Our Forensic Science is available to start as soon as you purchase it with REED. Our course is entirely online and once is completed you will receive a Certificate of completion.
What happenes if you fail an exam? Can you retake it & would it be free of charge?
Answer:
If you have failed the module (received < 55% mark), you only need to re-sit enough marks within that failed module to achieve a pass rate of 55%. Within the exam section, you will see a "re-sit" button instead of a “check-results” button on each page. Please note that there is always one re-sit per exam free of charge, however, you’ll be charged an additional fee only if and when you re-sit the same exam again, after the free re-sit.
How do you start the course you've bought and where do you put in your preference for printed modules
Answer:
Thank you for your interest in our Forensic Science course. Once the purchase is made you will be contacted by our customer support team with all the relevant information for you to get started with your studies on the world of criminal law.
Once you complete your Forensic Science course, you will receive a certificate of completion that will definitely improve your CV and therefore increase the chances of getting employment or to start a career in law enforcement or criminal law.
Will this course enable me to get a job within the forensics field or would I still need further education?
Answer:
Once you complete your Forensic Science course, you will receive a certificate of completion that will definitely improve your CV and therefore increase the chances of employment or to start a career in law enforcement or criminal law.
after completing this course what type of jobs i will get
Answer:
Once you complete your Forensic Science course, you will receive a certificate of completion that will definitely improve your CV and therefore increase the chances of getting employment.
Hi, I would like to know all about forensics courses offered and would like to know how to apply for this course mentioned in your instituition. Thx.
Answer:
You can purchase the Forensic Science directly with REED. Once you do you will be contacted by our customer support team with information to start your course.
Is this course available for a 16 year old school leave?
Answer:
Hi Amanda, Thank you for your query.
There is no age restriction to avail of our courses. However, if the student is under 16 and through Article 8 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in that case, we are required by law to obtain the authorization of the parent or legal guardian to offer services to the minor. We must also verify the legal guardian's identity by giving consent. You can reach out to our support team, and we will help you with the process.
Kind regards, IOA team
What is the minimum age to do this course? My daughter is fourteen and is interested. Thanks
Answer:
Hi Susana, Thank you for your query.
There is no age restriction to avail of our courses. However, if the student is under 16 and through Article 8 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in that case, we are required by law to obtain the authorization of the parent or legal guardian to offer services to the minor. We must also verify the legal guardian's identity by giving consent. You can reach out to our support team, and we will help you with the process.
Kind regards, IOA team
Is the qualification diploma or certificate? Can I get transcript afterwards?
Answer:
Hi, Thank you for your query. We offer high-quality training, but these are not degrees or diplomas. Our programs benefit individuals on many levels and aim to support learners in several stages of their learning process. Our courses are accredited by ICOES and CPD Certification Service, meaning that the course counts towards the individuals' CPD hour records. I invite you to look at the course syllabus on REED to learn more about its content.
Kind regards, IOA Team
Is there a time limit to do this course? for example it runs out after 60 days
Answer:
Hello Paige, once you register you will have one year to activate the course. Once activated you will have 60 days to complete it and in case you need additional time you can always purchase an extension.
Is there any chance for practical training with the course?
For instance: blood sample or fingerprint recognition.
Answer:
Hi Cosimo, thank you for your query. The "Forensic Science" course is a reading-based course and has no practical training at the moment. I invite you to have a look at the course syllabus on REED to learn more about the course content. Please feel free to reach out to our customer support team through the contact page on our website for further information in this regard. Kaoutar - IOA Team
After I have paid the £25 for the course is there any other costs that would be involved?
Answer:
Hi Amy, Thank you for your query. The "Forensic Science" course price includes a lifetime access to the course and a PDF certificate delivered by IOA upon course completion. So there are no additional costs for you to complete the course, receive your ceritificate and refer back to the course whenever you need to. Kaoutar - IOA Team
Does the exam show your mark at the end of each module and can you retake to increase your score multiple times
Answer:
Hi Jane, Thank you for your query. The exam shows your mark at the end of each module. However, you can only retake an exam if you fail it. The minimum score you need to receive to pass is 55% per module. Kaoutar - IOA Team
Will I be able to get a job in forensic science straight away after doing this course?
Answer:
Hi Lucy, Thank you for your query. Our "Forensic Science" course is the perfect foundation for anyone who's considering a career in forensic science, forensic psychology, criminal psychology, criminal law, or crime writing. I invite you to have a look at the Course Syllabus on REED to learn more about the course content and the opportunities it opens. Kaoutar - IOA Team
Hi Deborah, thank you for your query. Our "Forensic Science" course is fully online, and as you have a lifetime access, you can study at your own pace. Kaoutar - IOA Team
Is this the best course to start of with for beginners
Answer:
Hi Jasmine, Thank you for your query. The "Forensic Science" course is the perfect foundation for anyone who's considering a career in forensic science. I invite you to have a look at the course syllabus on REED to learn more about the course content. Kaoutar - IOA Team
I get paid 21st this offer is on till 21st so can I still apply on that date at that price please
Thank you
Answer:
Hi Louise, Thank you for your query. For all your queries regarding the payment, please take the time to reach out to REED's Customer Support Team to be properly assisted. Kaoutar - IOA Team
Is this course recognized in the United States? I did not see it listed on this specific course.
Answer:
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for query. Our certification is international and is accredited by the International Council for Online Educational Standards, ICOES, and CPD ( CPD UK). Kaoutar - IOA Team
Hi, I was just wondering if there is any tutor support with this particular course. Thank you.
Answer:
Our Forensic Science course is fully online and self-paced. Although you won't have a tutor you can contact our customer support team for any questions or issues.
This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such,
content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility
is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to
the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.
FAQs
Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.
A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.
An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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We have partnered with DivideBuy to offer interest-free credit (0% APR) on course purchases between £50 and £6000.
Monthly instalments can be spread over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
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Interested?
Select DivideBuy at checkout
The cost of the first instalment is indicative as you may be required to pay a deposit.
This will be deducted from your total amount to pay.
Credit subject to status. UK orders only.
