Forensic Science (HBSc)

About

UTM hosts Canada’s premier Forensic Science degree program. Dive into the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context, best defined as “science in service to the courts.” The unifying paradigm of Forensic Science is the search for truth and the meaning of evidence in both criminal investigations and through courts of law.

Courses are taught by professionals who bring their own expertise and unique field experience into the classroom. Professor Tracy Rogers, Director of the program, was the lead Forensic Anthropologist at the Pickton pig farm in BC, arguably Canada’s largest crime scene. And as a result, many UTM Forensic Science students have helped her and her team recover materials at the infamous site.

Our courses also provide you the opportunity to learn about all aspects of Forensic Science in the classroom and then apply your knowledge to practical assignments, such as in the Forensic Identification Field School, using state-of-the-art technology and instruments.\

Programs & Requirements

OUAC Program Code: TMK
Approximate Grade Range: Mid to high 70s

^{The chart below is based on requirements in the Ontario curriculum. We will accept equivalent courses from other academic systems. Admission and approximate grade requirements are based on 6 Grade 12 "U" or "M", which includes English (ENG4U). See bottom of page for prerequisites legend.}

Why Study Forensic Science at UTM?

• Well-established partnerships. As Canada’s first HBSc program in Forensic Science, UTM has developed well established partnerships with organizations such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences, the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, and numerous other police services and agencies across Canada.

• Major research projects. In your senior year, intern with a professional forensic practitioner at one of these agencies above to complete a major research project, monitored by a UTM professor. Past projects have involved researching the best methods of lifting fingerprints, examining practices for locating marijuana grow operations, investigating issues surrounding criminal profiling and collecting DNA from firearms. Each year, students present their reports in front of an audience of forensic science professionals invited from across Canada.

• Maggot Farm. Students learn about entomology, decay and decomposition first-hand through experiments at the Maggot Farm, an outdoor lab on-campus where students study the decomposition of animal remains in various environmental conditions.

• Forensic Science Crime Scene House. Located right on campus, it provides our students with the unique opportunity to investigate simulated crime scenes in a realistic setting. This enables students to put theory, skills and knowledge gained in lectures, practical demonstrations and tutorials into practice. Students learn hands-on how to preserve, document and process the scene using appropriate equipment and procedures, including the collection and analysis of data such as DNA, fingerprints, footwear impressions, tool marks and trace evidence. The extensive outside areas around the house simulate outdoor crime scenes, such as clandestine burials and vehicle crime scenes.

• Field courses. Like the Archeology Field School, these opportunities allow students working in teams to put themselves in the place of an investigator to locate a “missing person” buried on campus, collect evidence, reconstruct the crime scene, and do a complete analysis of the victim.

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.

• Forensic Science (HBSc) - major 
• Forensic Science Anthropology (HBSc) - specialist 
• Forensic Science Biology (HBSc) - specialist 
• Forensic Science Chemistry (HBSc) - specialist
• Forensic Science Psychology (HBSc) - specialist

Related Student Clubs

• Forensics Society ((IVNVI))
• Erindale Biology Society
• UTM Anthropology Society
• Erindale Society of Chemical & Physical Sciences

Careers by Major

The skills you develop combined with your experiences while at UTM can help you succeed in a number of occupations. Your program of study doesn't determine your career. Created by UTM's 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.

• Forensic Science

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