Trent University Offers Canada’s First Multidisciplinary Joint-Major Degrees in Forensic Science

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Combined Degrees Provides Students with Unique Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Monday, March 30, 2009, Peterborough

Starting in September 2009, Trent will be the only university in Canada where students can combine their study of forensics with another academic discipline of their choice, leading them to an honours Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

“Students are very excited about the option of pursuing a joint-major degree in forensics because it allows them to create a strong interdisciplinary educational focus and become uniquely marketable professionals upon graduation,” said Dr. Joanna Freeland, chair of the Forensic Science program at Trent University. “Trent has a well-established tradition of interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to benefit greatly from the creative degree combinations available to them in the humanities, sciences and social sciences.”

Trent students pursuing the joint major option in forensics can choose a complementary subject to earn either a B.A. or a B.Sc. in Forensic Science plus the subject of their choice. The range of possibilities are enormous, as students can combine their study of forensics with one of numerous options such as psychology, biology, computer sciences, chemistry, sociology, political studies, anthropology, or physics to create a one-of-a-kind degree.

Sample Joint Major Forensics Courses at Trent:

• Forensic Entomology
• Computer Crime and Forensics
• Human Osteology and Forensic Anthropology
• Biocrime and Bioterrorism
• History of Crime in England
• Forensic physics
• Forensic criminology
• Community-based research project

For students wishing to focus exclusively on forensic science, Trent continues to offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science honours degree (B.Sc.F.S.). This professional degree program integrates the study of investigative practice and theory with both science and law, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to process forensic cases from crime scene to court room.

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For further information, please contact Dr. Joanna Freeland, chair, Forensic Science Program at (705) 748-1011, ext. 7180.