The Science Behind Forensic Science (FutureLearn)

Offered by King's College London,
The Science Behind Forensic Science (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to the science of forensic science and discover how it's applied in the real world. Discover the biology and chemistry behind forensic science. How does forensic science really work? How are scientific principles applied in crime scenes? Answer these questions and more with this course from the team who teach the longest-running forensic science programme of its type in England.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

On the course you will get an introduction to the chemistry and biology of forensic science. You will examine the methods used in forensic science and learn about how these technique are used in crime scenes and explained in the court room.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Forensic Science and The Crime Scene
Week 2: Forensic Biology
Week 3: Forensic Chemistry
Week 4: Evidence in the Court

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how a crime scene is evaluated and some of the analytical techniques required for an analysis of the evidence.
  • Apply the chemistry knowledge acquired to approach the learning and understanding of more sophisticated techniques used in forensic science
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the genome that enables them to comprehend forensic DNA analysis
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of strengths and limitations of an adversarial judicial system in giving forensic evidence

Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone interested in discovering more about forensic science. It will be especially useful if you’re thinking of studying forensic science in the future or if you work in a field related to forensic science (for example law or the police force) and want to find out more.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Teaching for Home Learning: Secondary Science (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
National STEM Learning Centre

Teaching for Home Learning: Secondary Science (FutureLearn)

Ease the transition to teaching science to secondary pupils during the COVID-19 pandemic with online and offline approaches. Overcome the challenges of teaching science remotely to your secondary students. Due to COVID-19 related school closures around the world, many teachers are having to adjust their teaching. Whilst teaching remotely may be new, this course will help you to develop new online and offline teaching strategies for supporting learning at home and at a distance.

No sessions available
2 Weeks
The Science of Medicines (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Monash University

The Science of Medicines (FutureLearn)

Learn the science behind how and why medicines work, and what can improve patient's treatment, with this online course. What do you know about the medicines you take? The world’s growing population faces major health issues, and medicines are a primary pillar to effect better health. Learn about the science of key medicines used to manage heart disease, depression, diabetes, pain control and smoking cessation.

Jan 17th 2022
5-12 Weeks
Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change (Coursera) Coursera
University of Chicago

Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change (Coursera)

This class describes the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. Intended for an audience without much scientific background but a healthy sense of curiosity, the class brings together insights and perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, earth and atmospheric sciences, and even some economics—all based on a foundation of simple mathematics (algebra).

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Teaching Science at University (Coursera) Coursera
University of Zurich

Teaching Science at University (Coursera)

This course will prepare you for teaching science in higher education. In this MOOC you will learn to make your knowledge as an excellent researcher accessible to your students. We will show you how to communicate science to novices as well as advanced students in science.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Decoding Forensics for Legal Professionals (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Monash University,Project 39A

Decoding Forensics for Legal Professionals (FutureLearn)

Delve into forensic science and examine its limitations to better understand how to use forensics in criminal trials. Explore the basics of forensic pathology. Explore commonly relied on disciplines in forensics. Today, forensic evidence is integral to criminal investigations and trials. Therefore, it is important for legal professionals to have an understanding of the scientific foundations and limitations of different types of forensic evidence, in order to engage more meaningfully with such evidence.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Understanding Ramon Llull: Philosophy, Arts and Science through the Ars Combinatoria (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Universitat Pompeu Fabra,Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona - CCCB

Understanding Ramon Llull: Philosophy, Arts and Science through the Ars Combinatoria (FutureLearn)

Explore the fascinating work of philosopher Ramon Llull and its impact with this free online course. Ramon Llull, born in Majorca in the 13th Century, was an influential philosopher, writer and pioneering thinker. This controversial man was admired and scorned alike by some of the most enlightened minds in European culture. He was also one of the leading lights in the intellectual circles of the late 13th century, in which Arab, Jewish and Christian philosophers and scientists participated.

No sessions available
2 Weeks
Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The University of Nottingham

Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession (FutureLearn)

Learn what it takes to become a vet and explore the challenges of the vet profession to decide if it's the right career for you. Get virtual vet work experience before embarking on a veterinary degree. The COVID-19 pandemic means that many potential vet students cannot undertake animal handling work experience. On this course, you’ll get insight into the reality of life as a vet so that you can make an informed decision before embarking on a veterinary degree course.

Feb 1st 2021
2 Weeks
Snow: What It Is and Why It Matters (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Luleå University of Technology

Snow: What It Is and Why It Matters (FutureLearn)

Explore the science of snow – how it forms, its different types, and how it can best be used. Learn all about snow from cold weather experts in Sweden. Snow can affect every aspect of life, from transport systems to business operations; that’s why it’s crucial to understand what exactly snow is, how it forms, and how we can manage it.

Oct 25th 2021
2 Weeks
Foundations of Science for Undergraduate Degrees (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The University of Nottingham

Foundations of Science for Undergraduate Degrees (FutureLearn)

Develop the right skills for study and assessment in higher education while refreshing your core science knowledge.Give yourself an advantage for starting a university degree. With interruptions to education occurring all the time, many school students intending to go to university in the coming years may not feel prepared.

Aug 23rd 2021
5-12 Weeks
Invisible Worlds: Understanding the Natural Environment (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Exeter,Eden Project

Invisible Worlds: Understanding the Natural Environment (FutureLearn)

Explore the connection between life and the Earth's invisible systems and gain new insights into the natural environment. Discover Earth's invisible systems and transform your understanding of the world. Given the current climate emergency, it’s increasingly important that we have a good understanding of Earth’s life support systems. We rely on these systems for fresh air, clean water, fertile soil, rich biodiversity and a stable climate. On this course, you’ll explore the natural systems we can’t see or feel, from microscopic creatures to gases.

Available Now
4 Weeks
Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Finding Mr. X (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The University of Sheffield

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Finding Mr. X (FutureLearn)

Learn about the forensic technique of facial reconstruction from the experts involved in a real crime case. On Saturday 22 January 2000, two men found a small holdall, abandoned on an industrial estate in the north of Sheffield. Upon opening the bag they made a gruesome discovery. A badly decomposed body. Who was this person? Why did they die? Where had the body been stored all of this time? On this course from The University of Sheffield, you’ll learn alongside the experts who worked to determine the identity of Mr. X. You’ll discover the forensic science techniques that were used to identify the body and understand the circumstances surrounding their death.

Sep 21st 2020
2 Weeks
Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Strathclyde

Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree (FutureLearn)

Dive into your family ancestry and learn how to create a family tree on this online genealogy course. Discover the basics of genealogy and build your own family tree. Have you ever wondered about your family ancestry or wanted to create a family tree of your own? On this 6-week genealogy course for beginners, you’ll learn how to uncover the past and record your family history. The information on this course does not apply to just one country, so you can learn about your family lineage no matter where you’re from.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks