Forensic Science
About the Program
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.
We have developed well-established partnerships with organizations including 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.
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!
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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:
- International Baccalaureate
- U.S.-Patterned Education
- British-Patterned Education
- French Baccalaureate
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Please visit the Admissions section of our site for full requirements.
Discover Your Potential
Nina Harnarine, HBSc, Forensic Biology
Nina is a Forensic Document Examiner with Forensic Examiners Inc., examining and comparing writing, signatures, printing, and initials. In addition, she identifies mechanical impressions and instruments including typewriters, chequewriters, stamps, printers, photocopiers and fax machines.
Vivienne Luk, Assistant Professor, Forensic Chemistry
Dr. Luk, came to UTM from the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, where she worked as a Forensic Toxicologist. As a forensic toxicologist, she analyzed biological samples for the presence of drugs, alcohol and poisons and interpreted toxicological findings for the purposes of medical and legal investigations.
Forensic science undergraduate puts new roadside drug test device through its paces
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
FSC271H5 • Ethics and Professionalism in Forensic Science
This course covers the importance of professionalism and ethical behaviour for Forensic Scientists. It looks at the role of the Forensic Scientist and the expert witness and the consequences when ethical guidelines are not followed.
FSC303H5 • Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation
This course will provide students with an introduction to forensic photography, crime scene processing, and forensic identification.
FSC300H5 • Forensic Identification
Focusing on the scene of the crime and evidence found there, this course is an introduction to the field of forensic identification.
Student Groups & Societies
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.
Tracy Rogers: Bare Bones of Research
On this edition of the podcast, Professor Tracy Rogers plots her research path that has led to her place as forensic anthropologist at the University of Toronto Mississauga and as a consultant with the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. She discusses her broad program of research that touches on several areas, including identifying skeletal remains, analyzing bone composition, and investigating skeletal health.
Listen to the podcast
