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trent university forensics science master's student looks into a microscope during the graduate program
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  4. Forensic Science M.Sc.F.S.

Forensic Science M.Sc.F.S.

The first Canadian Masters of Science in Forensic Science has been designed for you to learn and implement best practices in forensic science.  

The M.Sc.F.S. program is a professional course-based program that will allow you to:

  • further your understanding of current topics, methods and research in forensic science
  • gain hands-on experience with techniques used in various subdisciplines of forensic science
  • develop effective communication techniques to present technical scientific analysis to scientific, legal and non-scientific audiences
  • explore the relationship between forensic science research and professional practice

Program Options

Course Based stream:

You will be engaged for three semesters. The first two in 4 core courses and 4 electives. In the third semester, you will complete an independent, hands-on forensic placement resulting in a final report and a symposium presentation

Courses:

Students will be taking 2 core courses and 2 elective courses in both the fall and winter terms.  

In the third semester (spring-summer), students  complete a one-term research placement which culminates in a poster presentation at the annual Trent MScFS Experiential Learning Symposium, in late August.

Core Courses (subject to change)

  • FRSC 5001H - Leadership and Communication in Forensic Science
  • FRSC 5040H - Complex Crime Scene Analysis
  • FRSC 5003H - Research Design and Statistics in Forensic Science
  • FRSC 5030H - Presentation of Expert Evidence and the Courts

Elective Courses (subject to change) Please note that not all courses are offered every year.

  • FRSC 5010H - Advanced DNA Typing
  • FRSC 5007H - Advanced Forensic Toxicology
  • FRSC 5800H - Bioinformatics
  • FRSC 5100H - Advanced Topics in Crime Scene Investigation
  • FRSC 5600H - Forensic Chemistry and Environmental Applications
  • FRSC 5990H - Special Topics - Advanced RPAS Operations for Field Applications

Major Research Paper stream:

You will design and carry out forensic research under the supervision of a faculty member and write a major paper. Permission of the program and availability of a faculty supervisor are required. Students will be interviewed by potential supervisors for the available major research paper positions. Available projects will be posted on the website.

Courses:

Students will take 2 half credit courses in each term (Fall and Winter) selected in consultation with the faculty research supervisor.   Additionally students will complete the Major Research Paper 1 course (FRSC 5950D) in the Fall-Winter and the Major Research Paper 2 course (FRSC 5970H) in the Spring-Summer. In contrast to the course-based stream, students in the Major Research Paper stream begin working on their projects in September. They continue through August, where they present their work at the symposium alongside the course-based stream students.

 

For more information about the program please contact mscforensics@trentu.ca or the program office at 705.748.1011 ext 7200.

Graduate Timetable

2025-26 Graduate Calendar

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Related Links

  • Trent Forensic Science Society
  • Sherlock Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Program
  • The Scientific Method in Forensic Science: A Canadian Handbook
  • Forensic Science Student Awards
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