Forensic Chemistry

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Forensic Chemistry

About the Program

Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail. 

We have developed well-established partnerships with organizations such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences, the Office of the Chief Coroner for the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, and numerous other police services and agencies worldwide.

Degree

Honours Bachelor of Science

Program Options

Specialist

After completing your first year, you'll be asked to confirm what program(s) you wish to study – your Programs of Study. They can be integrated in unique ways to obtain your U of T degree, but must be one of the following three combinations: one Specialist; or two Majors; or one Major and two Minors. You don't need to worry about that now, but if you'd like to learn more about this process, watch our handy video (7 min).

Admission Requirements

You apply to an admission category, which is a collection of similar programs. Once you've accepted an offer of admission to our campus, we go into greater detail about specific program and course selection options.

At the end of your first year, you will choose your program(s), which means that your first year is an excellent opportunity to explore the full breadth of offerings.

Regardless of what you study, remember that you will receive a prestigious University of Toronto degree when you graduate that tells everyone that you are ranked among the best in the world!

OUAC Application Code
TMK
Program Course Prerequisites
English, Advanced Functions, Biology, Chemistry; (recommended: Calculus, Physics)
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Approximate Competitive Average
Mid to High 70s

The admission average is calculated with English (ENG4U) plus the next best five Grade 12 U or M courses. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee you admission to the University. Admission is subject to space availability and competition.

The content in this section is based on requirements in the Ontario curriculum.

Find requirements to other common curricula:

Please visit the Admissions section of our site for full requirements.

Discover Your Potential

Bethany Krebs

“Dusting for fingerprints” is a term we may know well from crime shows, but if Bethany Krebs has her way, forensic teams would instead be “sandblasting for fingerprints.” The fourth-year Forensic Science student at U of T Mississauga has conducted experiments showing abrasive blasting of a specialized powder over a surface is more effective at revealing fingerprints than the conventional dusting method.

Novroski Shadoff

UTM forensic scientists are studying the accuracy of a forensic DNA kit in predicting an individual's hair and eye colour. What makes this study novel is that the researchers are testing the commercially-prepared kit on a population of individuals of mixed ancestry.

Adrienne Chiang

For decades police have had a roadside device to test potential drunk drivers, but until recently there have been no such devices for suspected drugged drivers. With the legalization of cannabis, the federal government, in the interest of public safety, approved such a device.

Student Experience

Courses You Would Love

test tube rack

Introduction to the basic theory and practice underlying important techniques in analytical chemistry, chosen from three major areas of instrumental analysis: spectroscopy, electrochemistry and separation science.

Laboratory

Forensic Science examines physical evidence in relation to the law. There are a number of scientific techniques used to characterize physical evidence, but perhaps the most utilized technique is microscopy.

chemical test

This course focuses on the analysis of physical evidence based on the principles of analytical chemistry. Students will gain knowledge in the theory and operation of forensically relevant chemical and instrumental techniques.

Planning Ahead

Whether you want to land your dream job, conduct groundbreaking research, or start your own business, we can get you there. Here are resources to help you explore your career options.

Career Options

Created by our Career Centre, the Careers by Major database identifies some potential career fields, how to gain related skills and experience, and useful resources and job samples. But always remember, your program of study doesn't have to determine your career!

Program Plans

Program Plans are quick and accessible overviews of the many academic and co-curricular opportunities available to help you get the most out of your UTM experience.

Tip Sheets

The Career Centre offers dozens of tip sheets with helpful information about topics related to searching for work, planning your career, and pursuing further education.

View to the U: An eye on UTM research

View to the U is a podcast that features U of T Mississauga faculty members from a range of disciplines who will illuminate some of the inner-workings of the science labs and enlighten the social sciences and humanities hubs at UTM.

Ulli Krull

Professor Ulli Krull is a prof in UTM’s Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences, he’s one of Canada’s leading experts in analytical chemistry, the AstraZeneca Chair in Biotechnology, and just an all-around prince of a guy.

Other Programs to Consider

Forensic Science

Forensic Science

Forensic Science the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.

Forensic Biology

Forensic Biology

Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” Forensic Biology is the study of forensics and molecular biology. UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.