The date for the receipt of Applications for entry into the Honours Forensic Analyst program being held at the University of the Free State, has been extended on request. If you wish to apply for a place in next years Honours Program, please email the Head of Genetics, Prof. Spies at: SpiesJJ@ufs.ac.za to request the necessary application form.
Im shnge thembeka I wanna do forencic sciences (DNA profiling) part timr….are there any universities that offers part time stidies?
HI I AM A GRADE 12 LEARNER AND WANT TO STUDY FORENSIC SCIENCE DNA
WHERE CAN I STUDY IN KZN
Hi
My daugher is interested in studying forensic science, please let me know the requirements for course selection at school and university level. How many points is required to enter univ.
What do we need to study to become a forensic analyst and where can we study this and what degree will be studied?
SOME ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What field of forensic science does the DNA Project focus
on?
There are many fields in forensic science and we can only provide you with information
on forensic genetics. The DNA Project focuses specifically on the use of DNA from
biological material that can be used as evidence in criminal cases. This type of work is
generally done in a laboratory where the scientist will receive evidence from a crime
scene, extract DNA from the evidence if possible and thereafter obtain a DNA profile of
the individual in question. The DNA profile obtained from crime scene evidence will then
be compared with the DNA profile from a suspect. If they match then it means that the
suspect must have been at the crime scene. In contrast if there is no match then the
suspect is innocent.
The DNA Project does not have any laboratories of our own and we are not involved with
any casework. We function merely as an NGO whose objectives include the
implementation of a DNA awareness campaign where we educate people who are likely
to be the first at a crime scene on the importance of DNA evidence as well as how to
contain and not contaminate a crime scene. In addition, we are lobbying for changes to
the existing legislation regarding the use of DNA evidence and a DNA Database to assist
in the detection and conviction of offenders.
2. What subjects do I need to take at school if I want to study
to become a forensic DNA analyst?
You will need to take Physical Science, Life Science (Biology) and core Maths for matric
in order to be accepted at a University offering a BSc degree in Molecular Biology.
3. How can I study to become a DNA analyst at a forensic
science laboratory?
If you are considering a career in Forensic Genetics (DNA) then you would need to
complete a B.Sc. and major in Genetics and Biochemistry or Molecular Biology. This can
be done at a number of Universities such as Pretoria, University of Cape Town,
University of Stellenbosch, University of Free State and University of KZN. The B.Sc.
degree takes 3 years to complete. Thereafter you would need to complete an honours
degree (1 year) where you would specialise in forensic DNA analysis. Currently there are
two Universities offering such a degree. These are the University of Free State and the
University of Cape Town. Such a degree would qualify you for employment at the State
Forensic Science Laboratory (part of SAPS) or other private laboratories offering
services such as paternity testing.
The contact person at UFS is Dr. Karen Ehlers: EhlersK.SCI@ufs.ac.za
The contact person at UCT is Dr. Marise Heyns: marise.heyns@uct.ac.za
All the above-mentioned courses are offered at postgraduate level at University.
Alternatively, a diploma in forensic science is offered by a company called Forensics 4
Africa. In this regard you could contact Pierre Joubert at: pierre@forensics4africa.com or
look at their website: http://www.forensics4africa.com/
4. Can I do an internship or job show someone at the DNA
Project?
The DNA Project does not have any laboratories of their own and are not involved with
any case work. We function merely as an NGO that tries to assist the State Forensic
Science Laboratory to operate more efficiently. At present our primary objectives include
a DNA awareness campaign where we educate people who are likely to be the first at a
crime scene on the importance of DNA evidence as well as how to contain and not
contaminate a crime scene.
Unfortunately due to contamination issues, as well as the sensitive nature of criminal
casework, I do not think it will be possible for you to job shadow anyone at the State
Forensic Science Laboratory. You could however contact one of the private laboratories
to see if they would have anything available. This would give you some idea only of the
type of laboratory work you would be involved with. Some private laboratories include:
Pathcare, Unistel, GENEDiagnostics and Lancet.
5. How do I find out about employment opportunities in the
field of forensic biology?
In terms of employment opportunities, your best bet would be to obtain employment
within the South African Police Force – the structure under which all disciplines of
forensics fall. The State labs are often looking for new staff members. They generally
advertise in the Sunday papers and advertise for a number of posts at the same time.
Whenever we are notified of posts that are available you will find the information on our
blog. The last advertisement can be found at http://dnaproject.co.za/blog/forensicservices-
posts-available-applications-are-now-open. Alternatively, some private
laboratories that do work on cases such as paternity testing include: Pathcare, Unistel,
GENEDiagnostics and Lancet.
I’m currently doing a Bsc degree and my majors are maths and physics, do i qualify to do a forensics honours degree?
I’m in my first year studying biomedical technology and I would like to know if I could have a career in forensic science.
hi, I reside in Pretoria, is there anywhere that I can study forensics in Pretoria. Freelance though?
Hi, my daughter is doing gr12 and is studying,Maths and Science.She is interested to study towards Forensics Degree. what are the requirement for her to register and when and how can she register for next year. thank you
Sweetness Mdzanga
where can I study forensic pathology or forensic DNA in south africa?
You may contact Prof Johan Spies on SpiesJJ@ufs.ac.za at the Univ. of the Free State, which offers this as an Hons course.
where can I study pathology in south africa?