In the final year of a Forensic Science Specialist Program, students will participate in a culminating and integrative capstone experience that provides professional practice and preparation for their next steps after graduation.
Applications will open in late October. Please complete the application by Monday January 25, 2027 at 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions, contact Teresa Didiano, Program Manager, Academic Programs and Curriculum (t.didiano@utoronto.ca).
Contents
Please review all sections of this webpage before completing the application.
1. Capstone Courses
2. Eligibility Requirements
3. When will my Capstone Placement be Finalized?
4. Important Considerations for Completing the Capstone Application
5. Other Considerations
Capstone Course Details
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Prefer self-directed research
✓ Interested in conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member at UTM
✓ Are looking for one-on-one mentorship
✓ Are planning to continue to graduate school
Course Description
This course provides senior undergraduate students who have developed some knowledge of a discipline and its research methods an opportunity to work in a research project. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, develop their research skills and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
FAQ
Do I find my own placement?
Yes, students should connect with faculty members whose research aligns with their interest to discuss potential research opportunities.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Are planning a career in forensic identification or police investigation
✓ Are looking to learn advanced forensic identification techniques
✓ Want summer field experience prior to the academic year
Course Description
A field course to complement the material covered in both FSC300H5: Forensic Identification and FSC302H5: Advanced Forensic Identification. The field school will be held on the U of T Mississauga Campus over a two-week period during the Summer term and during weekly two hour labs in the Fall term. In these classes, students will experience practical exposure to field and laboratory methods related to evidence recognition, collection and interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on the types of evidence collected, processed, and analyzed by forensic identification specialists. General evidence and small object photography techniques will be an important component of the course.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
Students who are taking this course as a capstone experience must also enrol in FSC482H5: Professional Practice in Forensic Science.
FAQ
Do I make professional connections?
Yes. Professor Knaap brings a breadth of experience and connections, and there are often opportunities to meet and discuss careers with active police and investigation agents. A favourite guest speaker among students is directly involved with recruitment in the police services.
What is a highlight of the Field School?
The Field School culminates in an advanced mock crime scene. If you enjoyed the mock crime scene in FSC302H5, then get ready for one that is even bigger and more complex! Multiple rooms and locations are used for a large-scale crime scene scenario. Students participate by processing one location, then sharing their findings with the group to collectively uncover the events leading up to the crime. It is kicked up a notch with a mock court where students get a taste of the court experience with real lawyers acting as the crown and defense.
Examples of Topics Covered in Past Course Offerings
- Duties of a forensic identification specialist
- Scene documentation techniques
- Different types of evidence
- Scene preservation and management techniques and protocols
- Evidence visualization techniques
- Advanced fingerprint development techniques
- Footwear impression evidence recovery and preservation techniques (two and three dimensional impressions)
- Basic blood stain patterns and the application of blood stain analysis in a crime scene investigation
- Crime scene reconstruction through use of 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry/cloud comparison
- Fire scene investigations
- Evidence collection using archaeological recovery techniques (including human remains)
- Identification process relating to friction ridge and footwear impression evidence through the use of comparator software programs and analysis reports
- Presentation of crime scene evidence
Course Delivery, Location, and Time
Field School
The Field School takes place from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm over two consecutive weeks in August on the UTM campus. Participation in the Field School is a required component of the course.
Laboratory Classes
Weekly two-hour labs are held in the Fall session on the UTM campus.
Students must be available for both the August fieldwork and the laboratory classes in the Fall term. Participation in summer fieldwork is a required component of the course. This course is typically offered every year.
Fees and Supplies
- Students are charged tuition for the Fall session. There are no tuition charges in the Summer session.
- Students are charged a non-refundable ancillary fee of $35.00 CAD prior to being enrolled in the course via ACORN. The ancillary fee covers the cost of minor Field School supplies.
- Students are required to supply their own secure digital (SD) or photography storage memory cards (minimum 1 GB) for the photography portion of the course. The student can keep the card after the course.
- Students must have CSA-approved steel-toed work boots. A hiking boot style is acceptable.
- Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for outdoor/field work (long pants), including boots, for the Field School.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Prefer self-directed research
✓ Are looking for one-on-one mentorship
✓ Interested in conducting research under the supervision of a professional mentor at an external institution
✓ Prefer an oral presentation of your research to an audience
Course Description
As one of the capstone experience options for the Forensic Science Specialist Programs, this course provides students with the opportunity to gain research and professional experience. Students are required to attend classes that address research design and methodology, as well as topics related to professional work and practice in the forensic sciences. Students may be placed with a participating public agency, private organization, or university lab to conduct research and gain an understanding of the unit’s daily operations. In addition to their research, internship students are required to formally present the results of their research at the annual Forensic Science Day symposium and submit a high-quality academic manuscript of their work.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
Students must have one free day (Monday - Friday) to work at their internship placement site. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to the placement work site.
FAQ
Do I find my own placement?
The Institute of Forensic Sciences is responsible for placing students. Do not contact placement opportunities or mentors until advised by the Institute.
Do I create my own project?
No, your mentor creates the project and the project is based on the needs of your mentor and the placement.
Do I present my work to an audience?
Yes, part of your grade includes communicating your work in several ways, from a mock trial to a final publishable product to a conference-style presentation at Forensic Science Day.
Past Internship Placements
- Acquired Brain Injury Research Lab
- Ai2-3D (3D Technology, Crime Scene Reconstruction, Forensic Engineering)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS): Biology Section, Chemistry Section, Toxicology Section, Documents and Photo Analysis, Central Receiving Office, Firearms and Tool Marks (CFS provides limited placements, most of which involve data analysis. Practical experience, if available, will be limited to an orientation and a possible training day.)
- Clotho AI (Algorithmic Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence)
- Home and Community Care Support Services: Brant, Haldimand, Hamilton, Niagara
- Innocence Canada, Osgoode Hall Law School
- Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario
- Ontario Court of Justice
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
- OPP: Barrie Detachment, Forensic Identification Lab Orillia, Forensic Identification Lab Peterborough
- Police Agencies: Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Peel, Toronto, Waterloo, York
- RCMP: Newmarket (requires Canadian citizenship)
- Toronto Police: Bloodspatter Lab, Irv Albrecht
- Toronto Rehab University Health Network
- York Regional Police: Canine (Cadaver) Unit
Some students have completed placements during the summer at the following locations:
- Canadian Border Services Agency, Ottawa
- Durham University, Durham, UK (Forensic Psychology placements only)
- Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) (Forensic Anthropology placements only; requires American citizenship; must stay 2 to 3 months)
- Northern Regional Laboratory, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Sault Ste. Marie
- Nova Scotia Medical Examiner, Halifax (Forensic Anthropology or Pathology placements only)
- RCMP: Charlottetown, Montreal, Nova Scotia, Ottawa, Red Deer, Vancouver (requires Canadian citizenship)
- Singapore Police Force, Singapore: Forensic Management, Criminal Investigations
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene (Forensic Psychology placements only)
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Prefer working with a team for multiple voices and ideas
✓ Interested in conducting research under the supervision of an academic mentor or faculty member at UTM
✓ Are planning to continue to graduate school
✓ Prefer presenting posters to smaller groups or one-on-one
Course Description
As the alternative capstone experience, this course provides students the opportunity to work in a cross-disciplinary collaborative environment to address case-based research questions.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
Students who are placed in this capstone experience must also enrol in FSC482H5: Professional Practice in Forensic Science. Students must have one free day (Monday - Friday) to work on their collaborative research internship.
FAQ
Do I find my own placement?
The Institute of Forensic Sciences is responsible for placing students. Do not contact mentors until advised by the Institute.
Is this a group project?
No. While the overall topics within a team may be similar, each student is expected to conduct their own study. Students will collaborate with each other and their mentor for input, ideas, and feedback.
Do I present a joint poster with my peers?
Maybe. Ideally, each student should produce their own poster. In some instances, a mentor may recommend producing a poster with a peer(s).
Previous Collaborative Research Projects
Supervisor: Eugene Liscio
|
Supervisor: Caitlin Pakosh
|
Supervisor: Karen Woodall
|
Supervisor: Tracy Rogers
|
Supervisor: Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen
|
Supervisor: Vivienne Luk
|
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Found your own opportunity that you do not want to miss
✓ Are looking for additional certification or experience
✓ Prefer presenting to smaller groups or one-on-one
Course Description
This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in, and reflect on, a professional forensic experience that contributes to their employment eligibility after graduation. They will develop networking skills, enhance professional competencies, and are given the opportunity to locate and select their own experience relevant to their career goals, which may include (but is not limited to) a possible: work-study position, conference workshop, professional certification, field school, paid or unpaid internship or agency co-op. All opportunities must be approved by the Institute of Forensic Sciences' Director in the term prior to enrolment.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
Students who are placed in this capstone experience must also enrol in FSC482H5: Professional Practice in Forensic Science.
FAQ
Do I find my own opportunity?
Yes, students are responsible for locating and selecting their own opportunity relevant to their career goals. Once students have identified an opportunity, they must contact the Institute of Forensic Sciences' Director (ifs.director@utoronto.ca) prior to finalizing the opportunity. Failure to receive approval from the Director may impact enrolment in the course.
Where should I find an opportunity?
Examples of opportunities are included below. Students are not permitted to solicit new opportunities. The opportunities must already exist.
Can I apply for a paid position?
Yes. The experience must cover the learning goals of the course and offer a meaningful professional experience.
Examples of Previous Opportunities
- American Academy of Forensic Science: Workshops (minimum of 4 full day workshops)
- Blackfriary Archaeology Field School or Internships
- Federal Student Work Experience Program
- Ontario Public Service: Summer Employment Opportunities
- Royal Ontario Museum: Internship
- Slavia Foundation: Field School in Mortuary Archaeology Poland
- Transylvania Bioarchaeology Field School
- Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
- University of Toronto Research Excellence Award (UTEA)
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Prefer self-directed research
✓ Interested in conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member at UTM
✓ Are looking for one-on-one mentorship
✓ Are planning to continue to graduate school
Course Description
For students wishing to complete original research, a feasibility study, critical review of the literature or position paper leading towards a publishable report.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
Students enrolling in FSC489H5 as their capstone option must also enrol in FSC482H5: Professional Practice in Forensic Science.
FAQ
Do I find my own placement?
Yes, students should connect with faculty members whose research aligns with their interest to discuss potential opportunities.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
✓ Prefer self-directed research
✓ Interested in conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member at UTM
✓ Are looking for one-on-one mentorship
✓ Are planning to continue to graduate school
Course Description
For students wishing to complete an extended research project across the Fall and Winter terms. Students are responsible for identifying a supervisor, after which they must seek Program Director approval.
View the complete course description (including prerequisites) here.
FAQ
Do I find my own placement?
Yes, students should connect with faculty members whose research aligns with their interest to discuss potential opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
✓ Enrolled in a Forensic Science Specialist Program
✓ Entering the final full year of studies in September
✓ Have completed (no later than August 31) 15.0 credits
✓ Have completed (no later than August 31) your Forensic Science Degree Program required statistics course(s)
✓ Have completed the prerequisites for the capstone course(s) that you are interested in
When will my Capstone Placement be Finalized?
Placement notification occurs on a rolling basis. Students can expect to receive a placement notification by the end of July.
Students should monitor their U of T email daily for important information on their placement.
Do not use non-U of T emails for communications regarding placements.
Important Considerations for Completing a Capstone Application
It is recommended that students work on their application throughout the prior Fall session. The application requires that students complete a personal statement and resume. Students may also need time to discuss potential capstone experiences with faculty. Students should submit their application in January once they receive their Sessional GPA for the Fall session and have clarity on the capstone experiences that they want to pursue.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should be written in full paragraphs, and describe your research and/or professional interests, the skills and experiences that you bring to a capstone opportunity, and your career goals (200 words max).
Resume
You will be asked to upload a PDF of your resume using the following file name format: LastName_FirstName_Resume.pdf. Note: Resume template will be available for download soon.
Please include two references in your resume: one related to your academic experience and one related to your work experience. Please share the names and best contact information only. Do not ask for reference letters. Your references could be contacted in the next six to eight months.
Other Considerations
Placement Transportation
Transportation to Local (GTHA) Placements:
Students are responsible for their own transportation to local placement.
Transportation for Out-of-Town, Out-of-Province, and Out-of-Country Placements:
Students must receive a placement notification before finalizing travel plans.
Students are responsible for making arrangements for their travel and accommodations.
Police Agency Projects
Students interested in forensic identification related placements must have completed FSC300H5 and FSC302H5.
Professional Training
Students interested in ballistics should take or plan to take the firearms safety and licensing course offered annually by the UTM Forensics Society (IVNVI). There is no guarantee that you will receive a placement related to ballistics, but some agencies require the training to be completed before they will consider you.