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Telephone: (705) 748-1011 ext. 7200
Fax: (705) 748-1003
E-mail: forensicscience@trentu.ca
Web: www.trentu.ca/forensicscience
Chair of the Program
To be named
Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair
P.J. Wilson, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (McMaster)
Associate Professors
J. Freeland, B.Sc. (Saskatchewan), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Queen’s); B. Saville, B.Sc. (Guelph), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto)
Assistant Professor
C. Kyle, B.Sc. (Bishop’s), M.Sc. (Guelph), Ph.D. (Alberta)
The Forensic Science program at Trent University is a direct entry professional degree program with a limited number of student places. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science (B.Sc.F.S). All courses are delivered entirely at Trent University’s Symons Campus.
Trent University’s Forensic Science degree integrates the study of science, and law, as well as investigative practice and theory, and is designed and taught with the support of the Centre for Law and Justice at Fleming College. Students in Trent’s Forensic Science degree program will learn the foundational science of forensics through the study of anthropology, biology and chemistry. These foundational science courses will complement the specialized forensics courses offered in the program. The degree particularly emphasizes emerging developments in DNA forensic applications and Crime Scene Investigation through courses in laboratory techniques and related case work.
From the beginning of their forensic studies at Trent, students are fully immersed in a functioning forensic research and service environment located in the newly constructed state-of-the-art DNA Building. Students will practice casework, learn team building, analyze ethical and legal issues related to evidence, and face the challenge of communicating complex scientific evidence within the legal system. Students in the program will also participate in a placement/mentorship course where they gain valuable ‘real-world’ experience and begin to develop their professional network.
Admission Requirements
This is a direct entry program with a limited number of student places. A high school diploma and six Ontario U/UC credits including one 4U credit in each of Chemistry, Biology, English and Mathematics are required for admission. 4U Physics is highly recommended. Normally students with an overall average lower than 75% will not be admitted to the program.
Application Procedure
Applications for this program are to be submitted to:
Ontario Universities’ Application Centre
Application code: RU
Program name: Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science in FORENSIC SCIENCE
- See Degree Requirements for requirements which apply to all undergraduate degree programs.
- There is no General degree in Forensic Science.
- For information on individual courses see calendar entries for Anthropology, Biology and Chemistry.
- A maximum of three D grades (50-59%) can be counted toward the degree. These cannot be in Forensic Science courses.
- A D grade earned in FRSC–PHYS 102H does not count as a D in the Forensic Science program.
- A cumulative average of 65% is required for the B.Sc.F.S. degree program.
- Students must successfully complete all required courses in a given year before proceeding to the next year of the program.
- There is no minor in Forensic Science.
The Honours program. At least 7 credits in Forensic Science. The program must include:
Year 1
– 1.5 FRSC credits consisting of FRSC 101, 110H
– 3.5 credits in BIOL 103H, 105, CHEM 100, MATH 150
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of forensics through a case-based course integrating use of scientific evidence, critical argument and reporting media. Biology and chemistry courses provide a base for subsequent work. Issues related to society and justice are introduced within a forensic context.
Year 2
– 2.0 FRSC credits, consisting of FRSC 201H, 210H, 211H, FRSC – PHYS 102H
– 2.0 credits consisting of ANTH 101H, BIOL 205H, 362H, BIOL – CHEM 231H
– 1.0 science credit in addition to the above
Forensic techniques and legal procedures are presented in detail for the first time. The students shift from general science courses to science courses more directly related to forensic analyses and begin study in anthropology to prepare for course-work in the next two years. A mentorship program follows from the first-year study of justice and society.
Year 3
– 2.0 FRSC credits consisting of FRSC 300H, 301H, 310H, 311H
– 2.0 credits consisting of ANTH 240, BIOL 308H, CHEM 240H
– 1 science credit in addition to the above
The forensic case-based education of first-year and the detailed treatment of technical and legal issues in second-year are now followed by a crime scene investigation course and a course on trends in forensic science that synthesizes and re-integrates the two approaches and introduces new forensic techniques and a course on trends in forensic science. Students build on the technical and theoretical competencies developed in forensic-related biology and chemistry and are now prepared for a course devoted solely to forensic DNA.
Year 4
– 0.5 FRSC credit consisting of FRSC 312H
– 2.5 credits consisting of ANTH 341, BIOL 460H, CHEM – ERSC 342H, 343H
– 2.0 FRSC credits consisting of FRSC402D
or
– 1.0 FRSC credit consisting of FRSC 401
– 1.0 science credit in addition to the above
The final year of the program provides an opportunity to become a researcher and practitioner through independent study, placement or thesis research.
Please consult the academic timetable, through myTrent, for information on courses that will be offered in 2008-2009 including when they will be scheduled.
FRSC 101 – Case studies in scientific law and ethical practices
A course designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science and to the professional cultures – government, police/legal and industry – that intersect in the practice of forensics. Students will gather scientific evidence, assemble it in light of legal practice, and present it as reports and in the “courtroom.” Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC – PHYS 102H – Forensic physics (See Physics)
FRSC 110H – Introduction to Canadian justice
This course will introduce students to current issues in criminal justice, and will emphasize the study of civil and administrative laws, and the processes and systems that structure the enforcement of these laws. Particular attention will be given to investigative and evidentiary responsibilities. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 201H – Mentorship/placement
Students gain first-hand experience of the practice of forensic science in one of its three dimensions – science, policing, or law – and will apply the theories and concepts acquired in their first year of the program. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 210H – Criminal code
The course provides a systematic and detailed review of the Criminal Code. It will focus on implications of the Criminal Code for forensic science, current issues in its interpretation by the courts, and its implementation by law enforcement agencies. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 211H – Police powers
This course will focus on the legislation governing criminal investigations – including the Constitution Act and Charter of Rights and Freedoms – the practical application of those laws and their judicial interpretation in the day-to-day activities of police officers and other law enforcement personnel. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 300H – Laboratory DNA forensics
This course with examine the theoretical foundations and techniques of DNA analysis with leading-edge technology in light of forensic cases. Students will learn the theory and practice of generating forensic DNA evidence. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 301H – Crime scene investigation
This course explores forensic investigation techniques – observation, analysis, evidence identification, collection and preservation, and interviewing. The course will emphasize gathering experts’ scientific evidence and assessing it. Students will explore use of evidence in Canadian court cases, the decision-making processes in court, and the roles of investigators, advocates, judges and juries. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 310H – Trends in forensic science
This course will cover recent developments in forensic science and will reflect the recommendations of practitioners. It will typically include updates in the theory and practices related to DNA analysis, blood-spatter analysis, tire-track and footwear impressions, ballistics and so forth. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 311H – Criminology
This course will provide the student with a comprehensive view and appreciation of criminology, including the scientific study of criminal behaviour, its forms, causes, legal implications and controls. It will provide a forum for discussion and debate and will enhance their knowledge of crime, criminal justice and society. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 312H – Presentation of forensic evidence
This course explores the legal functions and processes of courts and tribunals and the laws governing evidence and testimony by witnesses. Communication theory and techniques will be applied to the experience of testifying in a courtroom setting and to understanding the impact of ethical and effective testimony. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC – BIOL 3330H – Forensic entomology (See Biology)
FRSC 391H – Reading course
This course provides an opportunity for more intensive or broader study of a selected topic in forensic science under the guidance of a faculty member. This course will be open to FRSC students who have earned 10 credits and received permission from the course supervisor. Students may take only one reading course. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 401 – Independent project
Study under the supervision of a faculty member that involves self-directed research. Students will also attend fourth-year Forensic Science seminars on research-related issues. Students must contact the course coordinator before the end of the Winter session of third year. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program.
FRSC 402D – Research thesis
A double credit. Students will design and carry out research under the supervision of a faculty member, and attend fourth-year Forensic Science seminars on research-related issues. Permission of the program and the availability of a thesis supervisor are required. Students will be contacted by the course coordinator regarding the application process before the end of the Fall session of third year. Open only to students registered in the Forensic Science program. |
