Forensic Science

a person wearing a hazmat suit

About Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws during a criminal investigation. The Biochemistry and Forensic Science specialization will provide students with job ready skills and abilities to become the future leaders of the forensic science and biochemistry industries. The curriculum taught at UBC and BCIT will include courses in core science and provide a broad exposure in biochemistry, forensic science, chemistry and molecular biology.

Graduates will be proficient at working in a laboratory setting and gain important critical-thinking and analytical skills. In addition, graduates will have conducted both academic and applied research, conducted forensic testing, and will be able to communicate their results effectively. Graduates will also have gained knowledge of the accredited laboratory environment, which will help expand their employability beyond accredited forensic laboratories. This program is the only forensic science bachelor of science degree offered in Western Canada.

BCIT Program Website
https://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/9940bsc

BCIT Program Advisor: Jason Moore
https://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/9940bsc#contacts

Program Details

The combined honours specialization is offered in cooperation with BCIT and requires a criminal record check as part of the entrance requirements. Students will complete their first-year program at UBC and then attend classes at both BCIT and UBC for their second, third and fourth years. A co-op option is also available. The mission of this joint BSc (Combined Honours) is to combine the strengths of UBC and BCIT to provide students with an exceptional interdisciplinary educational experience.

Skills

Comparison, interpretation, and evaluation of evidence using laboratory techniques and instruments Report and expert testimony writing for evidentiary findings Advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis Application of logical/systematic thinking Collaboration with laboratory teams across disciplines Technical skills in ELISA, PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, western blots, southern transfers, DNA hybridization, protein assays, and enzyme digests Usage of specialized instruments like pH meter, IR, and UV/VIS spectrophotometers

Programs offered

  • Combined Honours, Biochemistry and Forensic Science
  • Co-op

Resources

Career Options

With an undergraduate degree

Forensic science technician Forensic specialist Forensic analyst

With additional study

Medicine Research Chemical analyst Laboratory Manager Lawyer Forensic pathologists

Related Professional Groups

More Career Resources

Meet Our Alumni

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. A bookmark An ribbon to indicate a special marker. Calendar A calendar. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Time A clock. Chats Two speech clouds. External link An arrow pointing up and to the right. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. A Facemask The medical facemask. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Lock, closed A closed padlock. Lock, open An open padlock. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Mask A protective face mask. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Money A money bill. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. RSS Curved lines indicating information transfer. Search A magnifying glass. Arrow indicating share action A directional arrow. Spotify The logo for the Spotify music streaming service. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.