Get an introduction to the science of forensic science and discover how it's applied in the real world.
12,344 enrolled on this course
![King's Forensics student working in a laboratory](https://ugc.futurelearn.com/uploads/images/6c/b2/header_6cb21c05-70b9-429e-8ea0-21340199d664.jpg)
Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
The Science Behind Forensic Science
Discover the biology and chemistry behind forensic science
How does forensic science really work? How are scientific principles applied in crime scenes? Answer these questions and more with this course from the team who teach the longest-running forensic science programme of its type in England.
On the course you will get an introduction to the chemistry and biology of forensic science. You will examine the methods used in forensic science and learn about how these technique are used in crime scenes and explained in the court room.
Kindly note that the course material was produced before COVID-19 distancing and restrictions were put into effect. To learn more about COVID-19 advice and guidance at King’s College, please visit this page.
What topics will you cover?
- Introduction to Forensic Science and the Crime Scene
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Chemistry
- Evidence in the Court Room
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Demonstrate an understanding of how a crime scene is evaluated and some of the analytical techniques required for an analysis of the evidence.
- Apply the chemistry knowledge acquired to approach the learning and understanding of more sophisticated techniques used in forensic science
- Demonstrate an understanding of the genome that enables them to comprehend forensic DNA analysis
- Demonstrate an appreciation of strengths and limitations of an adversarial judicial system in giving forensic evidence
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in discovering more about forensic science.
It will be especially useful if you’re thinking of studying forensic science in the future or if you work in a field related to forensic science, such as law or the police force, and want to find out more.
Who will you learn with?
Kim’s area of expertise is biomarkers of substance misuse and investigating the detection of drugs in different matrices. She has been particularly involved in drug-driving research in this regard.
A professor of forensic genetics and expert witness with over 25 years' experience in criminal justice leading a research group, supervising PhD students and running an ISO17025 MoJ laboratory.
David Ballard is a researcher in forensic genetics and the senior scientist within the ISO17025 accredited DNA analysis at King’s unit. Dr Ballard has over 15 years’ experience in forensics.
Quality co-management of DNA analysis' Laboratory at King's Forensics for Immigration & Relationship casework. My PhD research is centered around canine identification of breeds using genetic tools.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
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Choose the best way to learn for you! | $109/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 5 Mar 2025 |
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Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
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Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 5 Mar 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
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- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Map your progress
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- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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