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The Science Behind Forensic Science

Get an introduction to the science of forensic science and discover how it's applied in the real world.

11,340 enrolled on this course

King's Forensics student working in a laboratory
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

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.

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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?

  • Date to be announced

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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.

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.

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.

Gabriella is a Forensic Scientist in the ISO17025 accredited DNA analysis at King's laboratory and is carrying out a PhD in Forensic Metagenomics.

Who developed the course?

King's College London

King’s College London, established in 1829 and a founding college of the University of London, is one of the world’s leading research and teaching universities, based in the very heart of London.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • 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

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • 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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Get a taste of this course

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