Forensic Science – Undergraduate Programme Overview
Forensic Science as an undergraduate programme is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific principles and techniques to investigate crimes and assist in legal proceedings. It combines knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and law to analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes. The programme equips students with practical and analytical skills for crime detection, laboratory investigation, and legal interpretation. It typically spans four years and leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Forensic Science.
Students in this programme study topics such as criminalistics, toxicology, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, ballistics, DNA analysis, forensic psychology, digital forensics, and law of evidence. The goal is to train professionals who can work in law enforcement, laboratories, the judiciary, or private investigation.
Importance Across All Fields and Sectors
Forensic Science plays a critical role in the justice system and extends its relevance to several sectors:
Law Enforcement: Assists in criminal investigations by analyzing evidence like fingerprints, blood, and weapons.
Judiciary and Legal Sector: Provides expert testimony and laboratory reports used in court proceedings.
Healthcare and Pathology: Works with medical examiners and hospitals in cases involving unnatural deaths, poisoning, and substance abuse.
Security and Intelligence: Supports national security efforts through crime profiling, surveillance analysis, and counter-terrorism investigations.
Environmental Protection: Assists in detecting environmental crimes such as illegal dumping, wildlife trafficking, and pollution incidents.
Corporate and Insurance: Investigates fraud, embezzlement, and workplace incidents.
Academic and Research Institutions: Conducts research into new forensic techniques and teaches future professionals.
Digital and Cyber Forensics: Involves analyzing digital evidence like emails, mobile phones, and data breaches in cybercrime investigations.
Forensic Science is increasingly vital in ensuring justice, public safety, and evidence-based decision-making across sectors.
Admission Requirements for Forensic Science
1. National Requirements (UTME and SSCE)
O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
Candidates must obtain at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Credits must be obtained at not more than two sittings.
UTME Subjects
Candidates must sit for and pass the following:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics
Minimum UTME Score
Most universities require a score of 180–200.
Highly competitive programmes may require 220 or above.
JAMB Subject Combination
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
Candidates applying for Direct Entry into 200 Level must have one of the following:
Two A-Level passes in Chemistry and Biology/Zoology or Physics.
ND/NCE with merit or upper credit in relevant fields such as Science Laboratory Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, or Forensic Science.
JUPEB/IJMB passes in relevant science subjects.
3. University or Faculty-Specific Requirements
Some universities may conduct a Post-UTME screening or aptitude test.
Candidates are expected to have a solid background in science subjects.
Some institutions may accept Agricultural Science or Further Mathematics in place of a second science subject at O’Level.
Exposure to ICT, basic lab techniques, or science fairs can be an added advantage.