Placement

The Forensic Science mentorship/placement is a required second-year half-credit course designed to provide students with an opportunity to observe/participate in the day-to-day operation of a forensic specific or related agency. Prior to taking the Mentorship/Field Placement course students will have acquired a grounding in Biology, Chemistry, Math, the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science, an introduction to the Canadian Justice System and scientific law and ethical practices. The placement is intended to bring theories and concepts from science, law and policing courses into a workplace experience. Such settings could include a laboratory, law enforcement agency, and law office or related-government agency.

Structure

The mentorship/placement is a minimum of 70 hours in length. The sequencing of the hours and the dates are flexible and is determined based on the student’s availability and mentor’s schedule. Potential options for scheduling include:

• accumulate hours over the course of the school year
• during the two reading weeks (October and February)
• following final exams in April

Note: Mentorship/placement hours do not commence until approval is given by Placement Officer.

Placement Opportunities

• Archeological Company
• Pharmaceutical Company
• Regional Conservation Authority
• Teaching Pathologist
• Physician
• Geriatric Care Facility
• City Police Services
• Mental Health Sciences Facility
• Forensic Identification Units – Ontario Provincial Police
• Genetic Counselling – Hospital
• Medical Laboratory
• Analytical Testing and Consultation Company
• Attorney General's Office
• Public Health Laboratory
• Chemical Company
• Private Laboratory
• Funeral Home
• Document Examination Consultants
• Nursing
• Correctional Facility
• Health Services

For more information on Forensic Science careers, download our Career Options brochure.

Student Testimonials

My experience during my placement in the Forensic Identification Unit at the Mount Forest Detachment of the OPP was extremely successful. I learned more than I ever could have imagined, and received real-life, hands on training from experienced field Officers. I was able to see what day to day life for a Forensic Identification Officer is like, what duties are involved in the job, and what skills are required to be a successful Identification Officer.

Because of my placement, I now have a definite goal for my career path. I have learned where I would like to end up working, as well as what I will need to do to get there. This placement was extremely helpful in shaping my future, and I could not be happier with the outcome!

— Jill Johnson

The notion that the forensic placement experience offers the student the optimal opportunity to acquire new skills, and further develop those already possessed, was cemented during my student placement at the Forensic Science Centre in Barbados. During the two week period, I was assigned to the DNA section of the Centre and was trained in the extraction, quantification, amplification and electrophoresis of human DNA samples. The experience was incredible as I not only learnt about the scientific aspect of the functioning of the DNA laboratory and the many protocols that must be put in place but I further discovered the crucial ethical role that the lab plays in the processing of DNA evidence which in turn can have significant effects on the outcome of a criminal case. Suffice to say, I found the work of the DNA analyst to be rather engaging.

Contrary to my expectations, my work in the DNA laboratory did not confirm my desire to become a DNA analyst but heightened my interest in the field of forensic pathology. Given the opportunity to explore the pathology lab for two days, I immediately grew tremendously fond of this branch of forensics. The idea of criminal cases intertwined with human anatomy and a heavy dose of medicine pushed my efforts firmly to pursue a career in forensic pathology.

— Nakita Haynes