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Programme Name: Master of Forensic Science

Awarding Institution Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Teaching Institution Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Programme Name Master of Forensic Science
Final Award
Master of Forensic Science
Programme Code MSCQ1
Professional or Statutory Body of Accreditation
MALAYSIAN QUALIFICATIONS AGENCY (MQA)
Language(s) of Instructions
English
Mode of Study Conventional
Mode of operation Self-govern
Study Scheme Full Time
Study Duration
Full Time: Minimum: 1½ years; Maximum: 4 years
Type of Semester No. of Semesters No. of weeks per semester
Full Time Part Time Full Time Part Time
Normal 3 18
Maximum
8
18

 

 

General University Requirements: 
Basic conditions of entry is referring to the Assessment Guidelines in 1998 Entry Pind. 1/2013. 

Faculty Requirements:
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Forensic Science, Applied Science, Health Science or related courses) with CPA ≥ 3.0 from any institution of higher learning recognized by the Senate OR

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Forensic Science, Applied Science, Health Science or related courses) or equivalent and recognized with CPA    ≥ 2.7 and work experience for at least ONE year in related field OR

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Forensic Science, Applied Science, Health Science or related courses) or equivalent and recognized with CPA     ≥ 2.5 and work experience for at least TWO years in related field.

English Language Requirements (for international students): 
All international students who apply for UTM must have a valid TOEFL for the last two years or IELTS certificate. Students with a TOEFL score of 550 (or 79 IBT) or IELTS Band 6 will be enrolled in the faculty program without undergoing UTM English Courses.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEO)
To produce forensic science professionals that are:

PEO1:
Skilled, competent, ethical, creative, and innovative for meeting the requirement of national development and advancement.
PEO2:
Capable of continuously enhancing forensic science knowledge and research skills for providing better services and products.
PEO3:
Professional, ethical, responsible and responsive to the values of humanity and sustainability in forensic practice, consistent with the philosophy of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
PEO4:
Capable of collaborating with relevant governmental agencies and private entities for enhancing forensic practice and/or research activities.

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
(a) Technical Knowledge and Competencies
Programme Learning Outcome Intended Learning Outcome Teaching and Learning Methods Assessments

PLO1

(Knowledge and Understanding, C1)

Ability to acquire and apply advanced knowledge as well as understanding of forensic principles and related research advances. Lectures, group laboratory works, group discussions and problem-based learning. Final examinations, tests, project reports and assignments.

PLO2

(Cognitive Skills, C2)

Ability to design practical skills, tools or standard investigative technique which are informed by forensic science knowledge at its forefront and the latest developments in its discipline. Lectures, group laboratory practical, simulated crime case investigations, group discussions, problem-based learning, hands-on instrumentations, forensic skills and research project. Final examinations, tests, project reports, assignments, oral presentations, group crime scene investigation simulation.

PLO3

(Practical Skills, C3A)

Ability to design highly advanced analytical methodologies or investigative techniques in one or more area of forensic science specializations. Lectures, simulated crime investigations, group discussions, problem-based learning, expert witness testimony (moot court), hands-on instrumentations, forensic skills, research project and its presentations. Final examinations, tests, project reports, assignments, moot court (expert witness testimony), oral presentations, group crime scene investigation simulation.
(b) Generic Skills

PLO4

(Interpersonal Skills, C3B)

Ability to explain the information, insights, ideas, problems, as well as present solutions coherently to peers, scholarly, community and community as well as society at large in the field of expertise, ethically and professionally. Lectures, simulated crime investigations, group discussions, problem-based learning and expert witness testimony (moot court). Individual assignments, research project reports, oral presentations and expert witness testimony (moot court).

PLO5

(Communication Skills, C3C)

Ability to elaborate technical, scientific and forensic information as well as expert testimony effectively via oral and written presentations Group discussions, individual research project, expert testimony (moot court), simulated crime scene investigation. Oral presentations, expert witness testimony (moot court), written assignments and research project reports.

PLO6

(Digital Skills, C3D)

Ability to utilize a wide range of appropriate suitable digital technologies and related software to enhance study, analysis, work and practice. Demonstrations, group discussions, problem-based learning, research project and problem-based learning. Assignments and research project reports.

PLO7

(Numeracy Skills, C3E)

Ability to evaluate the numerical and graphical data for forensic study and casework using mathematical and statistical methods. Group laboratory works, simulated crime scene investigations and expert witness testimony (moot court). Group laboratory reports, simulated crime scene investigation, expert witness testimony (moot court), presentations and assignments.

PLO8

(Leadership, Autonomy and Responsibility, C3F)

Ability to lead professionally with suitable management skills, and have full responsibility for own work, and significantly for others in the forensic analysis team, organizations, projects and works. Lectures, simulated crime case investigation, group discussions and problem-based learning. Oral presentations, group assignments, simulated crime case investigations.

PLO9

(Personal Skills, C4A)

Ability to demonstrate self-advancement through continuous academic or professional development that are relevant in forensic science disciplines. Lectures, simulated crime case investigation, group discussions and problem-based learning. Oral presentations, group assignments, simulated crime case investigations.

PLO10

(Entrepreneurial Skills, C4B)

Ability to recommend the commercial values of forensic projects and/or analysis. Lectures and group discussions. Assignments.

PLO11

(Ethics and Professionalism Skills, C5)

Ability to demonstrate adherence to legal, professional, ethically sound and sustainable codes of practice in reporting and presenting forensic tasks. Lectures and group discussions. Assignments.

MSCQ1 Programme Structure

This is a 3-semester full-time programme comprising a total of 45 credits that include six core courses (18 credits), three elective course (9 credits), one research methodology course (3 credits), one University compulsory course (3 credits), research project 1 and research project 2 (12 credits).

The following is a typical course distribution for the Master of Forensic Science (by taught course):

Year Sem Code Course Credit Hours
1 1 MSCQ1303 Research Methodology
Kaedah Penyelidikan
3
MSCQ1803 Forensic Evidence and The Aspects of Law
Bukti Forensik dan Aspek Perundangan
3
MSCQ1823 Forensic Chemistry
Kimia Forensik
3
MSCQ1XX3 Elective Course 1
Kursus Elektif 1
3
UHAX6XX3 University Compulsory Course
Kursus Wajib Universiti
3
Total Credit Hours 15
1 2 MSCQ1180 Forensic Research Project 1
Laporan Penyelidikan Forensik 1
6
MSCQ1853 Forensic Pratical
Amali Forensik
3
MSCQ1913 Crime Scene Investigation
Siasatan Tempat Jenayah
3
MSCQ1923 Biological Aspects of Forensic Science
Aspek Biologi Sains Forensik
3
Total Credit Hours 15
2 1 MSCQ1XX3 Elective Course 2
Kursus Elektif 2
3
MSCQ1XX3 Elective Course 3
Kursus Elektif 3
3
MSCQ1833 Moot Court and Expert Testimony
Keterangan Pakar dan Mahmakah Moot
3
MSCQ2180 Forensic Research Project 2
Laporan Penyelidikan Forensik 2
6
Total Credit Hours 15
Grand Total Credit Hours 45


List of Programme Elective Course:

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours
MSCQ1813 Forensic Analytical Instrumentation 3
MSCQ1933 Examination of Questioned Document 3
MSCQ1943 Quality Assurance in Forensic Science 3
MSCQ1953 Forensic Engineering 3
MSCQ1963 Computer Forensics 3
MSCQ1973 Fire and Arson Investigation 3
MSCQ1983 Firearms and Forensic Ballistic 3
MSCQ1993 Forensic Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse 3

Elective course availability is subject to change

MQA certificate

Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Science