Forensic Science (Honours) Ontario Tech University

Overview

• Our Forensic Science (Honours) program at Ontario Tech University is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) recognizing that our curriculum, labs, faculty and research have met the rigorous standards set by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
• You will benefit from both a strong general scientific foundation and forensic courses. Students gain real-world experiences and unique hands-on training at the Crime Scene House, Forensic Ecology Research Facility and Forensic Teaching Laboratory.
• At the end of first year, you will choose to specialize in one of the following areas:

Forensic Biology

• Forensic biology spans a multitude of applications of biological evidence, such as blood and other body fluids, hairs, botanical remains, microbes and insects, to criminal, civil and regulatory law investigations and prosecutions. 
• You will learn how forensic biology plays a crucial role in the justice system through courses such as Population Genetics and Forensic Biology.

Forensic Chemistry

• Forensic Chemistry encompasses numerous disciplines including paint analysis, arson and fire debris investigations, explosives analysis, fibre and textile testing as well as the subdiscipline of toxicology, the study of drugs and poisons.
• You will further your skills in analytical instrumentation, the analysis of fire accelerants and toxicology through courses such as Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Fire Investigation.

Forensic Physics

• The discipline of forensic physics describes the application of the scientific study of matter, motion and energy to forensic investigations of many types, including ballistics, accident reconstruction, metal strength and damage analysis, and optical and acoustic analyses. 
• Courses such as Electricity and Magnetism, and Forensic Physics will help you understand forensic materials analysis as well as the mechanics of bloodstain patterns and vehicle collision investigations.

Careers

There are many opportunities for graduates holding an Honours undergraduate degree in Forensic Science, whether they choose to continue on to higher education or go directly into the workplace. 

Some options include:

• Customs and immigration/document examination
• Forensic scientist or technologist
• Government or private research laboratory
• Insurance and fraud investigation
• Police services (after required training)
• Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) (after required training)