M. Sc. (Forensic Science) - Mixed Mode | Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Science

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			Ministry of Higher Education
Language(s) of Instructions			English
Mode of Study			Conventional
Mode of operation
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
Type of Semester	Full Time	Part Time	Full Time	Part Time
Normal	3		18
Maximum	8		18

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

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

Faculty Requirement:
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 Requirement (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.

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

Program Education 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 to continuously enhance forensic science knowledge and research skills for providing better services and products.
PEO3:
Capable of developing new forensic technologies as well as facilitating technology transfer.
PEO4:
Capable to collaborate with relevant governmental agencies and private entities for enhancing forensic practice and/or research activities.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
(a) Technical Knowledge and Competencies
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)	Intended Learning Outcomes	Teaching and Learning Methods	Assessment
PLO1 (Advanced Knowledge)	Ability to acquire and apply advanced knowledge as well as understanding of forensic principles and related research advances.	Lectures, group laboratory works, group discussion and problem based learning.	Examinations, tests, project reports and assignments
PLO2 (Research Skills)	Ability to demonstrate thorough knowledge, understanding and research skills in applying scientific methodology for undertaking and reporting laboratory analyses and field investigation.	Lectures, group laboratory practical, simulated crime case investigation, group discussion and problem based learning. Hands-on instrumentations, forensic skills and research project.	Examinations, tests, assignments, and project reports, Oral presentations and group crime scene investigation simulation.
PLO3 (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving)	Ability to think critically in formulating and solving problems related to crime scene and forensic science, as well as competent in initiating, developing, and pursuing a scientific research.	Lectures, simulated crime case investigation, group discussion, problem based learning and expert witness testimony Hands-on instrumentations, forensic skills and research project. Research proposal, experimental works, project presentation and report.	Examinations, tests, assignments, project reports, Moot court. Oral presentations, group projects, computer simulation. Proposal, presentation and project report

(b) Generic Skills
PLO4 (Ethics, Values and Professionalisms)	Ability to act ethically and professionally with sensible humane values while undertaking their profession and societal obligations.	Research project, expert witness testimony.	Individual assignment, research project report, oral presentation and moot court.

(b) Generic Skills

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Intended Learning Outcomes

Teaching and Learning Methods

Assessment

PLO4

(Ethics, Values and Professionalisms)

Ability to act ethically and professionally with sensible humane values while undertaking their profession and societal obligations.

Research project, expert witness testimony.

Individual assignment, research project report, oral presentation and moot court.

PLO5

(Communication)

Ability to communicate technical, scientific and forensic information as well as expert testimony effectively via oral and written presentations

Group laboratory works, individual research, expert testimony in moot court session, simulated crime scene investigation.

Oral presentations (seminar and moot court), written assignments, and research project report.

PLO6

(Life-long Learning)

Ability to independently and continuously seek relevant forensic knowledge and skills from various appropriate sources.

Research projects and problem based learning.

Assignment and research project report.

PLO8

(Team Working)

Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively within a team in achieving a common goal.

Group laboratory works, simulated crime scene investigation, expert testimony.

Group reports (laboratory works, crime scene investigation and moot court) and presentations.

PROGRAMMES

MASTER OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
– by Taught Course

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 MSc Taught Course in Forensic Science:

SEMESTER 1

COURSE CODE	COURSE	CREDIT
MSCQ 1823	Forensic Chemistry Kimia Forensik	3
MSCQ 1803	Forensic Evidence and the Aspects of Law Bukti Forensik dan Aspek Perundangan	3
MSCQ 1XX3	Elective 1 Elektif 1	3
MSCQ 1033	Research Methodology Kaedah Penyelidikan	3
UHAX 6XX3	University Compulsory Course Kursus Wajib Universiti	3
Total		15

XX – year and semester of study

SEMESTER 2

COURSE CODE	COURSE	CREDIT
MSCQ 1853	Forensic Practical Amali Forensik	3
MSCQ 1923	Biological Aspects of Forensic Sciences Aspek Biologi Sains Forensik	3
MSCQ 1913	Siasatan Tempat Jenayah Crime Scene Investigation	3
MSCQ 1180	Forensic Research Project 1 Projek Penyelidikan Forensik 1	6
Total		15

SEMESTER 3

COURSE CODE	COURSE	CREDIT
MSCQ 2180	Forensic Research Project 2 Project Penyelidikan Forensik 2	6
MSCQ 1833	Expert Testimony and Moot Court Keterangan Pakar dan Mahkamah Moot	3
MSCQ 1XX3	Elective 2 Elektif 2	3
MSCQ 1XX3	Elective 3 Elektif 3	3
Total		15
XX – year and semester of study
Total credits		45

LIST OF ELECTIVE COURSES

COURSE CODE	COURSE	CREDITS
MSCN 1813	Forensic Analytical Instrumentation Analitikal Forensik Berinstrumen	3
MSCQ 1933	Examination of Questioned Documents Pemeriksaan Dokumen yang dipertikaikan	3
MSCQ 1943	Quality Assurance in Forensic Science Jaminan Kualiti dalam Sains Forensik	3
MSCQ 1953	Forensic Engineering Kejuruteraan Forensik	3
MSCQ 1963	Computer Forensics Komputer Forensik	3
MSCQ 1973	Fire and Explosion Investigation Siasatan Kebakaran dan Letupan	3
MSCQ 1983	Firearms and Forensic Ballistics Senjata dan Balistik Forensik	3
MSCQ 1993	Forensic Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse Toksikologi Forensik dan Dadah yang Disalahgunakan	3

Elective course availability is subject to change

Please refer to Appendix B for the synopsis of each course.

SPECIAL ADMISSION 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

field

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.