B.Sc Forensic Science

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Overview
Forensic science is defined as the application of scientific methods and processes in solving crime, both civil and criminal. During the course of an investigation, forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence. Physical evidence is collected from an object, person or crime scene, analyzed in a forensic laboratory and then the results presented in court. Each crime scene is unique and each case presents its own challenges.
The study of forensic science is grounded in fundamental concepts and techniques gathered from the natural sciences. The study involves a multi-disciplinary approach, largely covering biological methods and analytical chemistry techniques. Forensic science is, indeed, a multi-disciplinary and broad field, covering an array of sub-disciplines.
Philosophy
The Philosophy of Forensic Science Programme is to programme is to prepare graduates with necessary skills and knowledge to examine and analyse evidence from crime scenes, and/or suspects to develop findings that can assist crime investigation and prosecution.
Objectives
The principal objectives of the programme are:

  1. students will develop a thorough understanding of modern scientific principles of crime scene investigation, particularly evidence collection and preservation;
  2. students will receive intensive training in forensic laboratory methodology so as to examine and analyse evidences.
  3. students will develop effective written and oral communication skills for presentation of their findings in the court of law;
  4. students will develop and appreciate the importance of interaction between law and enforcement agents, scientists and legal professionals;
  5. students will develop and appreciate the importance of a high sense of professionalism and ethical behaviour; and 6. students will acquire advanced knowledge through research studies.
    Unique Features of the Programme
    Forensic Science is unique in the following respects:
  6. applies the methods and techniques of all the established sciences to legal matters;
  7. uses unique investigative techniques in the evaluation of samples taken at crime scenes; and 3. addresses issues associated with the law.
    Employability Skills
  8. Analytical Chemist
  9. Arson & Fire Investigator
  10. Ballistics Expert
  11. Blood Spatter Analyst
  12. Biomedical Scientist
  13. Crime Scene Investigator
  14. Crime Lab Analyst
  15. Crime Scene Photographer
  16. Computer Forensic Investigator
  17. Detective
  18. Digital Forensic Analyst/Officer
  19. Fingerprint Analyst
  20. Forensic Accountant
  21. Forensic Anthropologist
  22. Forensic Artist
  23. Forensic Ballistics Analyst
  24. Forensic Hypnotist
  25. Forensic Investigator
  26. Forensic Odontologist
  27. Forensic Pathologist
  28. Forensic Serologist
  29. Forensic Scientist
  30. Forensic Psychologist
  31. Forensic Toxicologist
  32. Latent Print Examiner
  33. Mobile Forensic Analyst
    21st Century Skills
  34. Critical thinking (quantitative reasoning and problem solving)
  35. Computer proficiency
  36. Observation and attention to details
  37. Interpersonal skills
  38. Public speaking
  39. Oral and written presentation
    Admission and Graduation Requirements
    Admission Requirements
    Candidates can be admitted into the B. Sc. Forensic Science degree programme by one of the following two ways:
  40. Indirect Entry
  41. Direct Entry (DE)
    Indirect Entry Mode
    The minimum academic requirement is credit level passes at Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics at not more than two sittings. In addition, an acceptable pass in the following Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) subjects is also required for admission into 100 Level: English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
    Direct Entry Mode
    Candidates seeking admission into B. Sc. Forensic Science programme through Direct Entry must have two passes at GCE ‘A’ Level/IJMB or its equivalent in Biology, Chemistry or Physics to be considered for admission into 200 Level.
    Graduation Requirements
    To qualify for the award of B.Sc. Forensic Science degree, a student must satisfy the following
    requirements:

pass a minimum of 120 Units (for UTME candidates) and 90 Units (for DE candidates) including all
compulsory courses.

Course Structure

100 Level

Course Code Course Title Units Status LH PH
GST 111 Communication in English 2 C 15 45
GST 112 Nigerian Peoples and Culture 2 C 30  
COS 101 Introduction to Computing Science 3 C 30 45
MTH 101 Elementary Mathematics I 2 C 30 –
MTH 102 Elementary Mathematics II 2 C 30 –
FRS 102 Introductory Forensic Science 2 C 30 –
  Total 13      

200 Level

Course Code Course Title Unit(s) Status LH PH
GST 212 Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence 2 C 30 –
ENT 211 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2 C 15 45
CYB 201 Fundamentals of Cyber Security I 1 C 15 –
FRS 201 Footwear and Tire Track Examination 2 C 30 –
FRS 203 Forensic Audio and Video Analysis 2 C 30 –
FRS 205 Forensic Entomology 2 C 30 –
LAW 211 Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists 2 C 30 –
PSY 215 Forensic Psychology 2 C 30 –
CYB 202 Fundamentals of Cyber Security II 2 C 30 –
FRS 202 Crime Scene Investigation 2 C 30 –
FRS 204 Trace Evidence 2 C 30 –
FRS 206 Forensic Microbiology 2 C 30 –
LAW 212 Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration 2 C 30 –
  Total 25      

300 Level

Course Code Course Title Unit(s) Status LH PH
GST 312 Peace and Conflict Resolution 2 C 30 –
ENT 312 Venture Creation 2 C 15 45
FRS 301 Introduction to Forensic Serology 2 C 30 –
FRS 303 Forensic Practical I 1 C – 45
FRS 307 Research Methodology 3 C 45 –
FRS 308 Forensic Practical II 1 C – 45
FRS 302 Fingerprint 2 C 30 –
FRS 305 Forensic Odontology 2 C 30 –
FRS 306 Forensic Toxicology 2 C 30 –
FRS 399 SIWES 3 C – 12 weeks
  Total 20      

400 Level

Course Code Course Title Unit(s) Status LH PH
FRS 401 Introduction to Questioned Documents 2 C 30 –
FRS 402 Forensic Pathology 2 C 30 –
FRS403 Forensic Ballistics 3 C 45 –
FRS 404 DNA Fingerprinting 2 C 30 –
FRS 405 Forensic Practical   III 2 C – 90
FRS 406 Forensic Practical IV 2 C – 90
FRS 404 Forensic Anthropology 2 C 30 –
FRS409 Applied Forensic Physics 2 C 30 –
FRS 410 Entrepreneurship for Forensic Scientists 2 C 30 –
FRS 499 Final Year Research Project 6 C – 270
  Total 25