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 professional development 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 forensic science 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 - Introduction to Forensics
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
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
From enrollment to completion the process was straight forward and easily navigated. Support was a phone call or email away with minimal delay in response from tutors who were knowledgeable and efficient in their assistance. The content of the course was thorough and interesting which prompted you to delve and research further into each topic. Thankyou AOC for a positive and supported learning experience, highly recommend AOC to anyone wanting to learn in their own environment at their own pace to a schedule that you develop to suit your learning needs.
D. Carey, Littleton, NSW | Certificate of Forensic Science and Investigation
I found this course very informative, the assignments were very challenging and I felt as if the certificate was earned and not just handed out which I think is fantastic.
B. Gersbank, South Africa | Certificate of Forensic Science
Seamless
V. Kreiman, Botany, NSW | Certificate of Forensic Science
Easy to manage with the time that I had
Luke | Healy QLD | Certificate of Forensic Science
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
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;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
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.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS 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 only 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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