Department of Forensic Science


Program Information and Admission Standards
The Department of Forensic Science is an academic unit in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Laurentian University. This Department is the home to two FEPAC Accredited degrees: Honours B.Sc. in Forensic Science Honours B.Sc. in Forensic Science and Chemistry These elite degree programs are designed to provide students with an undergraduate degree that focuses on the application of scientific principles in legal contexts. This is achieved through classroom learning with an emphasis on hands-on training in laboratory sessions. Students may also participate in thesis level research and/or internships. Courses with FORS designations are restricted to students in the Forensic Science Program. Students may be admitted to Forensic Science directly from Secondary School (Grade 12 or equivalent). All other applicants are assessed on a case by case basis. Please see Application Procedures. Admission Requirements for 2010-2011 The Department will accept the applicants with a minimum overall average of 80% in the following: -one 4 U English -one 4 U Chemistry -one 4 U Biology -Advanced Functions -two other 4 U/M courses (4U Calculus and Vectors and 4U Physics are strongly recommended) Admission is solely based on marks. Police Record Check The Department of Forensic Science, as part of its curriculum, has guest lectures from police personnel, site visits to forensic agencies and even student placements for the purpose of course work and/or research. Due to the material that students will be exposed to, the agencies involved will require proof that students do not have a criminal record. To that end, we would like to invite you to submit an original Police Background Check (CPIC check) directly to the Department of Forensic Science prior to beginning classes. Students should also expect that agencies may require updated police record checks throughout the program to satisfy their requirements, and eventually, as a condition of employment in the field of forensic science. Progression Requirements Progression Requirements as of 2011 A student is considered to be in good standing in any of the Forensic Science Programs when all of the following criteria are met: Has satisfied all conditions of admission; Achieves a cumulative average of 70% in all courses required for the degree; Achieves a minimum grade of 60% in all FORS courses; Has not failed more than 6 of the previous 30 credits; Has not failed more than 15 credits out of 120 required credits for the degree; Has not failed any FORS courses (a pass is 60% as per item 3, above). A student will be placed on probation for any of the following reasons: Obtains a cumulative average of less than 70%; Receives a grade of less than 60% in any FORS course; 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 year, or 30 consecutive credits. A student will be required to withdraw from the Forensic Science Programs if he/she fails to meet any of the following: Fails to satisfy all conditions of admission after one year, or 30 consecutive credits; Fails (achieves less than 60%) after two attempts at any FORS course; Fails more than 15 credits out of the 120 credits required for the degree; Has not achieved good academic standing in two consecutive years. Additional requirements: Students are required to submit a Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) criminal record check before they begin their first year of studies; Students are further required to submit a CPIC in the last term before they graduate from a Forensic Program; Students with a finding of guilt in their criminal record check are advised that employment in Forensics is unlikely, and that they will also be precluded from placements with forensic agencies during their program; Students may be required to undergo further, more 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.