Forensic Science Level 3

• Course Code: OCN310
• Award Level 3, Similar to - A-Level

This home learning Forensic Science course is designed for all ages and abilities.

• If you want to learn more about investigation and crime, then this is the course for you.
• Studying this course will provide a comprehensive guide to crime detection and analysis of crime scene evidence.

Course Content

Unit 1: Introduction to Forensic Science

• What is forensic science?
• Scientific disciplines: Chemistry, Biology and Computing

Unit 2: Crime Scene Investigations

• The role of forensic science services
• Health and Safety
• Crime scene preservation
• Documentation of the scene and evidence
• Recognition and recovery of physical evidence
• Transportation and storage of evidence
• Chain of custody

 Unit 3: Investigating Computer Based Electronic Evidence

• Gathering digital forensic evidence and principles of doing this
• Common types of storage devices
• Recovering and packaging of digital evidence
• Transporting digital evidence
• Written records

 Unit 4: Crime Scene Equipment

• General equipment
• Optional equipment
• Specialised equipment

Unit 5: Analysis of Crime Scene Evidence

• Inspect and prepare submitted items
• A range of chemical, biological and physical techniques applied to forensic analysis
• DNA and body fluid analysis
• Bloodstain pattern analysis
• Fingerprint analysis
• Physical impression and imprints analysis
• Trace evidence analysis
• Arson analysis
• Explosives and ballistics analysis
• Drug analysis
• Documents analysis
• Digital equipment analysis
• Interpreting results

Unit 6: Presentation of Evidence

• Presenting findings
• Written and oral skills
• Computing skills

Assessment

The Forensic Science course assessment takes the form of a series of written assignments, which are submitted and marked by your personal tutor. There is no external examination required for this course.

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual, assignments and study guide plus tutor support by mail or email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration.

Qualifications

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a level 3 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You can read more about NCFE and our awarding bodies here: Awards.