Forensic Science
Apply scientific principles and procedures to the law as we reveal the fascinating world of forensic science.
Forensic science draws on many scientific disciplines in order to answer real world questions. We participate in making society a safer place for us all.
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Forensic Science at Laurentian University is to provide our students with an excellent scientific education within a legal context from forensic faculty who are practitioners and researchers in their respective areas of expertise and to prepare our students for careers either in forensic science or enable them to go on to further education in other scientific specialties or the law.
II. Program Goals and Objectives
Program Goals
A. Provide students with a science education that will enable them to pursue careers in forensic science or other related disciplines.
B. Provide students with the intellectual and critical evaluation skills to successfully work as forensic scientists or as professionals in a related discipline.
C. Provide students with a legal and ethical grounding that is appropriate for careers in forensic science or other related disciplines.
Program Objectives
Objectives for Goal A:
- Provide students with a coherent curriculum of study that gives them a foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, forensic science and Canadian criminal law.
- Develop each student’s ability to recognize the limitations of scientific testing in order to interpret scientific data in an unbiased fashion.
- Require students to have the ability to understand how scientific data are generated, analyzed, and interpreted.
Objectives for Goal B:
Students in the Forensic Science Program must demonstrate the following:
- The skills to research, organize and interpret the current primary scientific literature as it pertains to forensic science.
- Written and oral presentation skills to convey scientific principles in forensic science.
- Understanding of the dynamics of crime scene processing.
- The protocols for handling physical evidence from discovery at the crime scene through to the analysis at the forensic laboratory.
Objectives for Goal C:
Students must demonstrate the following:
- An understanding of the basic principles of Canadian criminal law with respect to police powers, constitutional rights and the evidentiary role of the expert witness.
- An understanding of the ethical responsibilities of the forensic scientist in the Canadian system of criminal justice.
- The ability to work with their peers in a collegial manner with honesty, integrity, reliability and the initiative to complete tasks in a timely fashion.
- The ability to present in a courtroom the results and analysis contained in a forensic report in their area of specialization.
Download a copy of the Course List below:
For students enrolled prior to Fall 2023 (PDF)
For students enrolled in or after Fall 2023 (PDF)
Academic Advisor
Dr. James Watterson
Telephone: 705.675.1151 ext 4349
Email: forensic_advising@laurentian.ca
Office: F-325, Science II Building. Secretary - Angèle Gosselin-Mainville.705.675.1151 ext 3366
Program Highlights:
- We offer a curriculum that has been accredited by the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Employers of forensic labs now look for job candidates who have come out of FEPAC accredited programs prior to looking at other candidates. This gives our students a competitive advantage over other students.
- The core science curriculum in the Laurentian University forensic science programs is complemented by comprehensive coursework in law and ethics, as they pertain to the forensic scientist.
- Small class sizes (the largest forensic class is usually around 25 students).
- Fourth-year thesis or internship; internships have been conducted with the following organization:
- Ontario Provincial Police, Forensic Identification Services
- South Porcupine Detachment
- Sault Ste. Marie Detachment
- North Bay Detachment
- London Detachment
- City of Greater Sudbury Police Service, Forensic Identification Services.
- Royal St. Lucian Constabulary, Forensic Identification Branch, St. Lucia.
- Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario.
- Regional Supervising Coroner, North Eastern Ontario
- Regional Supervising Coroner, Northern Ontario
- Chief Coroner of Ontario
- The most common fields that students pursue after graduation from our programs are:
- Graduate Study/Research: Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Forensic science
- Medicine/Nursing
- Dentistry
- Education
- Law
- Policing In recent years
- Students of the program have their own club known as the Laurentian Association of Forensic Scientists.
Program Accreditation
The Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
FEPAC is a standing committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) . The mission of the FEPAC is to maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education through a formal evaluation and recognition of college (or University) level academic programs. The primary function of FEPAC is to develop and maintain standards and administer an accreditation program that recognizes and distinguishes high quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs.
In 2009, Laurentian University was pleased to announce that the Department of Forensic Science was the first in Canada to be granted full accreditation of its BSc (Forensic Science) and BSc (Forensic Science and Chemistry) degrees through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ (AAFS) Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
More information on FEPAC accreditation can be found here.
Ontario High School Applicants
Program Prerequisites:
- 1 grade 12 English U/M course; 1 grade 12 4U Advanced Functions; 1 grade 12 4U Biology; 1 grade 12 4U Chemistry; 2 other grade 12 U/M courses
- A minimum overall average of 75% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses
Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.
Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.
Applicants from outside an Ontario High School
Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario
Canadian Applicants
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.
Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant
International Applicants
If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.
Apply Now as an International Applicant
The degree options listed below are for the upcoming academic year, not the current academic year. If you are a current student looking for which courses to take in order to complete your degree options from a previous academic year's curriculum, please consult with an academic advisor.
Specialization in Forensic Science (FEPAC Accredited)
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the BA or B.Sc.
Total 120 credits
First Year
BIOL 1506E Biology I
BIOL 1507E Biology II
CHMI 1006E General Chemistry I*
CHMI 1007E General Chemistry II
FORS 1006E Introduction to Canadian Criminal Law and Trial Process
MATH 1036E Calculus I
MATH 1057E Linear Algebra I
PHYS 1006E Introductory Physics I
PHYS 1007E Introductory Physics II
3 elective credits
* Students lacking grade 12 4U Chemistry or equivalent must first complete CHMI 1031.
Note: Students can take any first year or upper year courses in English or in French, when available.
Second Year
BIOL 2105E Human Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 2356E Principles of Ecology
CHMI 2227E Biochemistry I
CHMI 2426E Organic Chemistry I
CHMI 2427E Organic Chemistry II
FORS 2106E Introduction to Forensic Biology
FORS 2107E Introduction to Forensic Science
STAT 2246E Statistics for Scientists
3 credit elective in FORS or FOID
Third Year
BIOL 2007E Genetics
BIOL 3327E Experimental Methods in Biology
CHMI 3226E Biochemistry II
FORS 3006E Evidence and Ethics for the Expert Witness
FORS 3016E Seminars in Forensic Biology
FORS 3017E Seminars in Forensic Science
FORS 3146E Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis
FORS 3216E Laboratory Operations in Forensic Science
NATS 3106E Scientific Writing and Communication
3 elective credits from among Forensic Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics
and Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or Psychology chosen in consultation with the
Department of Forensic Science (INTE 3107E and NATS 3206 may also be taken as part of this requirement)
Fourth Year
FORS 4017E Investigative Techniques for Forensic Scientists
21 elective credits from among Forensic Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics
and Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or Psychology chosen in consultation with the
Department of Forensic Science (INTE 3107E, NATS 3206, NATS 4005 and NATS 4106 may also be taken as part of this requirement)
6 elective credits
Note: Students may not exceed 48 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program. SCOM 4006E is recommended as a
general elective.
Combined Specialization in Forensic Science & Chemistry (FEPAC Accredited)
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the BA or B.Sc.
Total 120 credits
First Year
BIOL 1506E Biology I
BIOL 1507E Biology II
CHMI 1006E General Chemistry I*
CHMI 1007E General Chemistry II
FORS 1006E Introduction to Canadian Criminal Law and Trial Process
MATH 1036E Calculus I
MATH 1037E Calculus II
PHYS 1006E Introductory Physics I
PHYS 1007E Introductory Physics II
3 elective credits
* Students lacking grade 12 4U Chemistry or equivalent must first complete CHMI 1031.
Note : Students can take any first year or upper year courses in English or in French, when available
Second Year
CHMI 2117E Introductory Quantitative Analysis
CHMI 2227E Biochemistry I
CHMI 2316E Inorganic Chemistry I
CHMI 2426E Organic Chemistry I
CHMI 2427E Organic Chemistry II
CHMI 2516E Introductory Physical Chemistry I OR CHMI 2526E Introductory Physical Chemistry I
FORS 2106E Introduction to Forensic Biology
FORS 2107E Introduction to Forensic Science
STAT 2246E Statistics for Scientists
3 credit elective in FORS or FOID
Third Year
CHMI 3116E Instrumental Techniques in Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Sciences
CHMI 3226E Biochemistry II
CHMI 3416E Intermediate Organic Chemistry
FORS 3006E Evidence and Ethics for the Expert Witness
FORS 3016E Seminars in Forensic Biology
FORS 3017E Seminars in Forensic Science
FORS 3106E Chemical Principles in Forensic Science
FORS 3146E Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis
FORS 3216E Laboratory Operations in Forensic Science
NATS 3106E Scientific Writing and Communication
Fourth Year
FORS 4017E Investigative Techniques for Forensic Scientists
6 credits from among:
CHMI 2317E Inorganic Chemistry II
CHMI 2517E Introductory Physical Chemistry II OR CHMI 2527E Introductory Physical Chemistry II
CHMI 3317E Inorganic Chemistry III
CHMI 3427E Introductory Medicinal Chemistry
FORS 4107E Principles of Forensic Toxicology
12 upper year CHMI credits
6 elective credits from among Forensic Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics
and Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or Psychology chosen in consultation with the
Department of Forensic Science (INTE 3107E may also be taken as part of this requirement)
3 elective credits
Some suggested electives are as follows:
BIOL 2026E Introduction to Microbiology
BIOL 2126E Cell Biology
BIOL 2306E Diversity of Plants
BIOL 2726E Diversity of Animals
BIOL 3026E Applied and Environmental Microbiology
BIOL 3306E Vascular Plant Systematics
BIOL 3317E Plant Ecophysiology
BIOL 3336E Plant Ecology
BIOL 3706E General Entomology
BIOL 3726E Animal Histology
BIOL 3746E Animal Ecology
BIOL 3756E Vertebrate Physiology
BIOL 4066E Quantitative Ecology
BIOL 4736E Developmental Biology
BIOL 4756E Freshwater Biology
BIOL 4797E Environmental Physiology
BIOL 4807F Advanced Genetics
CHMI 3427E Introductory Medicinal Chemistry
CHMI 4217E Biomembranes, Structure and Function
CHMI 4226E Recombinant DNA Technology
CHMI 4227E Recombinant DNA Technology II
CHMI 4237E Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHMI 4287E Biochemical Toxicology
FORS 3036E Forensic Anatomy of the Human Skeleton
FORS 4106E Forensic Analysis of the Human Skeleton
FORS 4107E Principles of Forensic Toxicology
NATS 3206E Internship**
NATS 4005E Honours Thesis*
NATS 4106E Literature Review
* Topics must be approved by the coordinator of the Forensic Science prgram; this course is highly recommended for students
wishing to pursue graduate studies.
** Only open to students in the summer prior to their fourth year; the number of placements is limited and will therefore require
students to apply to the coordinator of the Forensic Science program and the coordinator of NATS 3206; placements are based
on students’ overall average of the previous three years, their resume, and finding a suitable placement.
Note: Students may not exceed 48 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program. SCOM 4006EL is recommended
as a general elective.
Combined Specialization in Forensic Science & Biology
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the BA or B.Sc.
Students must take the Required Forensic Sciences Courses and the courses listed below in their chosen second area of specialization.
Required Forensic Science Courses (60 credits)
FORS 1006E Introduction to Canadian Criminal Law and Trial Process
BIOL 1506E/F Biology I*
BIOL 1507E/F Biology II
CHMI 1006E/F General Chemistry I*
CHMI 1007E/F General Chemistry II
MATH 1036E/F Calculus I
MATH 1057E/F Linear Algebra I
PHYS 1006E/F Introductory Physics I
PHYS 1007E/F Introductory Physics II
FORS 2106E Introduction to Forensic Biology
FORS 2107E Introduction to Forensic Science
CHMI 2426E/F Organic Chemistry I
CHMI 2427E/F Organic Chemistry II
STAT 2246E/F Statistics for Scientists
FORS 3006E Evidence and Ethics for the Expert Witness
FORS 3016E Seminars in Forensic Biology
FORS 3017E Seminars in Forensic Science
FORS 3216E Laboratory Operations in Forensic Science
FORS 4017E Investigative Techniques for Forensic Scientists
NATS 3106E Scientific Writing and Communication
Biology Specialization (57 credits)
BIOL 2007E/F Genetica
BIOL 2126E/F Cell Biology
BIOL 2105E/F Human Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 2356E/F Principles of Ecology
CHMI 2227E/F Biochemistry I
CHMI 3226E/F Biochemistry II
BIOL 3327E Experimental Methods
FORS 3146E Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis
FORS 4206E Population Genetics
6 credits from among:
BIOL 2026E/F Introduction to Microbiology
BIOL 3706E/F General Entomology
BIOL 3807E/F Applied Entomology
BIOL 4807E/F Advanced Genetics
CHMI 3217E Biochemistry of the Nucleic Acids
6 credits in upper-year BIOL courses
15 credits in electives from among Forensic Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics
and Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics*, and Psychology. Students may also take INTE 3107E to
satisfy this requirement. All of these course choices must be approved by the coordinator of Forensic Science programs.
3 credits in general electives
Note: Students can take any first year or upper year courses in English or in French, when available.
Some suggested electives are as follows:
BIOL 2026E Introduction to Microbiology
BIOL 2126E Cell Biology
BIOL 2306E Diversity of Plants
BIOL 2726E Diversity of Animals
BIOL 3026E Applied and Environmental Microbiology
BIOL 3117E Plant Ecophysiology
BIOL 3306E Vascular Plant Systematics
BIOL 3316E Plant Form and Function
BIOL 3317E Plant Ecophysiology
BIOL 3336E Plant Ecology
BIOL 3706E General Entomology
BIOL 3726E Animal Histology
BIOL 3746E Animal Ecology
BIOL 3756E Vertebrate Physiology
BIOL 3807E Applied Entomology
BIOL 4066E Quantitative Ecology
BIOL 4736E Developmental Biology
BIOL 4756E Freshwater Biology
BIOL 4797E Environmental Physiology
BIOL 4807F Advanced Genetics
BIOL 4987F Immunologie médicale
CHMI 2117E Introductory Quantitative Analysis
CHMI 3116E Instrumental Techniques in Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Sciences
CHMI 3416E Intermediate Organic Chemistry
CHMI 3427E Introductory Medicinal Chemistry
CHMI 4217E Biomembranes, Structure and Function
CHMI 4226E Recombinant DNA Technology
CHMI 4227E Recombinant DNA Technology II
CHMI 4237E Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHMI 4287E Biochemical Toxicology
CHMI 4486E Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
FORS 3036E Forensic Anatomy of the Human Skeleton
FORS 3106E Chemical Principles in Forensic Science
FORS 4106E Forensic Analysis of the Human Skeleton
FORS 4107E Principles of Forensic Toxicology
GEOL 3397E Introductory Soil Science
NATS 3206E Internship
NATS 4005E Honours Thesis
NATS 4106E Literature Review
NSCI 2606E Brain and Behaviour
NSCI 3506E Neuropharmacology
PSYC 2706E Emotion
PSYC 2707E Motivation
PSYC 3605E Psychopathology
PSYC 4026E Forensic Psychology
Note: SCOM 4006EL is recommended as a general elective.
Please note: It is the responsibility of students to check that they have completed all the degree requirements as listed above.
Any deviation from this list may delay graduation.
Minor in Forensic Science
Note : Only students who have been in the Hons. B.Sc. in Forensic Science, or Forensic Science and Biology, or Forensic Science
and Chemistry are eligible for the minor.
FORS 1006E Introduction to Canadian Criminal Law and Trial Process
FORS 2106E Introduction to Forensic Biology
FORS 2107E Introduction to Forensic Science
FORS 3006E Evidence and Ethics for the Expert Witness
12 credits of FOID courses 2000 or 3000 level
Certificate in Forensic Identification for the Honours Bachelor of Forensic Science
Admission Requirements:
Students enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, Single Specialization or the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Biology may enroll in this certificate.
Prerequisite:
Must be a student in good standing within either the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, Single Specialization or Honours Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Biology.
Requirements (30 credits):
FORS 2106E Introduction to Forensic Biology
FORS 2107E Introduction to Forensic Science
FORS 3036E Forensic Anatomy of the Human Skeleton
FORS 3146E Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis
FORS 4017E Investigative Techniques for Forensic Scientists
5 of the courses below:
FOID 1006E Introduction to Scientific Inquiry and Crime Scene Investigation
FOID 2206E Detection, Development and Photography of Fingerprint Evidence
FOID 2216E Forensic Aspects of Firearm and Tool Mark Evidence
FOID 2306E The Law and Fire Scene Management
FOID 2506E Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
FOID 3006E Concepts in Human Decomposition
FOID 3016E Forensic Applications of DNA [Practicum]
FOID 3026E Diagnosis, Sequential Fingerprint Processing and Photography of Crime Scenes and Exhibits
FOID 3036E Fire Scene Investigation
FOID 3046E Essentials of Footwear Impression Evidence
Academic Regulations
For all Forensic Science Undergraduate Degree Programs
A student is considered to be in good standing in any of the Forensic Science Programs when all of the following criteria are met:
1. Has satisfied all conditions of admission;
2. Achieves a sessional GPA of at least 5.5
3. Achieves a minimum grade of C in all FORS courses;
4. Has not failed more than 6 of the previous 30 credits;
5. Has not failed more than 15 credits out of 120 required credits for the degree;
A student will be placed on probation for any of the following reasons:
1. Obtains a sessional GPA of less than 5.5 on a minimum of 18 credits;
2. Receives a grade of less than C in any FORS course;
3. Fails more than 6 credits in the previous 30 credits
A student is permitted to continue in the program on probation for no more than one academic year.
A student will be required to withdraw from the Forensic Science Programs if he/she fails to meet any of the following:
1. Fails to satisfy all conditions of admission after one academic year on probation
2. Fails (achieves less than C) after two attempts at any FORS course;
3. Fails more than 15 credits out of the 120 credits required for the degree;
4. Has not achieved good academic standing in two consecutive years.
Additional requirements:
1. Students may be required to undergo in depth security checks as a condition of placement with a forensic agency for the purposes of fulfilling the requirements of any course work in the program.
2. Student with a criminal record are advised that employment in Forensics is unlikely, and that they will also be precluded from placements with forensic agencies during their program.
Courses only available to Students enrolled in the Forensic Science Program
List of Faculty Members
Sessional Faculty
Gerard Courtin
Lindsey Santerre
Danielle Vincent
Frequent Lecturers
-
Dr. Peter Clark, Regional Supervising Coroner, Northeast Region.
-
Mr. Tony Tessarolo, Hair and Fibres, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Toronto.
-
Dr. Martin Queen, Forensic Pathologist, Sudbury Regional Hospital.
-
Det. Sgt. Jim Van Allen, Behavioural Science Section, Ontario Provincial Police.
-
Dr. Gerard Courtin, Prof. Emeritus, Department of Forensic Science Laurentian University, Forensic Botany.
-
Tracy Oost, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Scientist & Continuity Officer, Forensic Osteology Laboratory.
-
Mr. Jim Goodwin, Finger Prints Comparison, Instructor, Forensic Identification Training Branch, Ontario Police College.
-
Mr. Pat Laturnus, Blood Spatter Interpretation, Instructor, Forensic Identification Training Branch, Ontario Police College.
-
Ms. Rhonda Reimer, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Sudbury Regional Hospital, Emergency Department.
-
Ms. Tania Burrows, Forensic Biology Unit, Northern Regional Forensic Laboratory, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Sault Ste. Marie.