Forensic science is essentially the application of any scientific knowledge to the law. This course is ideal for anyone considering a career in criminal law or law enforcement, including those working in legal offices, investigative journalism, the security industry, and even those who would like to pursue a career in crime writing!
The Certificate of Forensic Science is an online program that will give you a fundamental understanding of the nature and scope of forensic science, including techniques like anthropometry, fingerprinting and bloodstain analysis.
In this professional development course, you will study the types of physical and biological evidence, evidence collection, the analysis of evidence, and specialist forensic services like pathology, psychology and anthropology.
You will also learn about criminology and psychological theories, criminal profiling and intelligence, how to present evidence in court, and the ethical issues involved in forensic psychology.
On completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills to embark on a career in forensic science or have gained new specialised skills to advance in your area of career expertise.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Nature of Forensic Science
- What is forensic science?
- Laboratory sciences
- Field sciences
- Digital services
- Forensic medicine
- Origins and principles of forensic science
Unit 2 - Forensic science and law
- Scientific principles
- Feature comparison methods
- Applications of forensic science to law
- Use of evidence
- Relationship with law
- What is evidence?
- Types of physical and biological evidence
Unit 3 - Evidence collection
- Chain of custody
- Crime scene investigations
- First respondents
- Assessing the scene
- Collection of samples
- Completion of crime scene
Unit 4 - Analysis of evidence
- The purpose of analysis
- Principles underlying analysis
- Statistical analyses
- Types of evidence
- Laboratory analysis
- Laboratory evidence
Unit 5 - Specialist forensics
- Civil vs criminal courts
- Types pf forensics used
- Digital and electronics forensics
- Forensic pathology
- Forensic anthropology
- Forensic psychology
Unit 6 - Criminology
- Psychological theories
- Cognitive theory
- Moral development
- Personality and crime
- Intelligence and crime
- Children and crime
Unit 7 - Psychological disorders and crime
- Mental health disorders
- Mental health and criminal offences
- Types of disorder and crime
- Personality disorders
- Mental health in children and crime
- Conduct disorder
- Oppositional defiance disorder
Unit 8 - Criminal profiling
- Role of forensic psychologist and psychiatrist in profiling
- Police profiling
- Statistical profiling
- Applications of profiling
- Profiling typologies
- Problems with profiling
- Intelligence
- Intelligence gathering
Unit 9 - Presenting evidence in court
- Evidence
- Burden of proof
- Admissibility of evidence
- Admissibility of forensic evidence
- Witness and delivering testimony
- Expert witness testimony
- Forensic case study
- DNA evidence
Unit 10 - Ethical issues
- Legislation vs legislature
- The purpose of the law
- The purpose of ethics
- Ethical practice and forensic science
- Jury tainting
- Chain of custody
- Forensic practice and ethics
- Mental health and psychology
- Ethical implication in forensic psychology
- Best interests
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:-
- Correctional Officers/Personnel
- Police Officers
- Criminal Justice Personnel
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