Accredited Forensic Science Course

International Open Academy

Module Exams

Included in course price

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

• 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

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.

• 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