Course Overview
Students enrolling to pursue a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Forensic science will be equipped with knowledge and skills in ethical problem-solving, legal analysis and application, quantitative reasoning, investigation and scientific laboratory procedures for immediate employment or advanced study mainly in investigations. The course is offered in a period of eight semesters (4 years). It involves theory and practicals. In third year, the students participate in industrial attachment for three (3) months (government chemist, KRA, DCI, insurance, city mortuary and other relevant establishments). In the fourth year, a student can opt to carry out a research project in a related area which is equated to two units.
Rationale
Forensic science is any kind of science used in the legal or justice system to support and uphold the law. When a crime has been committed and evidence is collected at the scene, scientists analyze it, arrive at scientific results and give expert court testimony about their findings. Forensic science concentrates on facts that prove something did or did not happen in a criminal or civil case.
Objectives
This Program of study provides a broad knowledge of forensic science which the learner can build upon with more specialist knowledge. It introduces aspects of criminalistics such as crime scene investigation, legal procedures and the law, evidence interpretation and statistical evaluation and the analysis of evidence types including impression marks, trace evidence and questioned documents among others.
By the end of the programme, the graduate shall be able to effectively;
i. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of criminal justice system, rules of evidence and legal systems.
ii. Apply critical thinking and analysis of evidence without bias.
iii. Demonstrate laboratory skills to exacting standards of precision and care in forensic investigations
iv. Uphold ethics and professionalism in criminal investigations and audit.
v. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and practical hands on skills in specialized areas including forensic biology, forensic genetics, forensic toxicology, forensic pharmacology and environmental forensics among other fields.
Mode of Delivery
The programme shall be offered on a Full Time (face to face) basis.
Admissions Requirements
The candidate must meet the 吃瓜头条 and the School of Pure and Applied Sciences requirements. To be admitted to Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, the candidate shall be required to have passed KCSE at a mean grade of C+ and obtained at least for those in alternative A: Biology B- (B minus), Chemistry B- (B minus), physics C+ (C plus) and Mathematics C+ (C plus). For those from Alternative B: Biological Science B, Physical Science B and Mathematics C+; OR Diploma certificate in a relevant discipline, with KCSE mean grade of C (plain) or KCE Division III and C+ in each of the mandatory subjects plus at least two years relevant working experience.
OR Two principal passes at A-Level in Biology and Chemistry and a subsidiary pass either in Physics or Mathematics.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this course can persue any of these specific career paths or fields