When The DNA Project was established in 2005, there was no specific training course for forensic DNA analysts being offered at any tertiary institution in South Africa. This became one of the key objectives of the DNA Project: namely to develop a group of competent, professional forensic scientists to perform forensic science examinations to assist the courts of law secure convictions through the use of DNA evidence. To meet this objective, the DNA Project worked together with the Criminal Justice System Review Task Team and leading academics from around the country to develop a postgraduate qualification at Honours level, aimed at training people with specific skills in forensic DNA analysis.
The first University to take on board this Honours course in 2010 was the University of the Free State, which is now in its third year of offering this course to students. Today, the UFS is taking our initial intiative one step further by now being able to offer an undergraduate BSc degree in forensic science – the first of its kind in South Africa. According to the department of genetics, the degree will target, among others, people working on crime scenes and criminal cases in forensic laboratories and the South African Police Services.
Entrance requirements for the undergraduate degree will be calculated on an admissions point score basis of at least 34, which will be based on an the results obtained in the applicant’s national school-leaving examinations – as well as a combined minimum point of 17 for maths, life sciences and physical science. Applications for this new degree close on 30 September 2013 and a minimum of 80 students will be selected for admission to the course next year. On completion of the undergraduate programme, postgraduate-level students can continue with forensic science, forensic chemistry, forensic genetics or forensic entomology.
Professor Johan Spies, chair of the department of genetics in the faculty of natural and agricultural sciences, said the university had already received more than 60 applications without any advertising which shows how many students are interested in this career path. Over-subscription to the new degree was a distinct possibility, and in the very long term, the UFS has plans to expand. However, at the moment the university is limited by laboratory and facility space. Spies said there was no doubt that television programmes like “CSI” had stimulated interest in the subject. “And not only in forensics, but others too. When those TV series are being aired, the genetics department always receives a spate of enquiries.”
The UFS
The new degree
Being the first higher education institution in South Africa to offer the degree was a coup, and Spies said that other universities had shied away from offering something similar mainly because the degree was so complex.
“If you want to do all aspects of it properly, you need to include medical, physics, genetics, IT, even accounting…there are many facets to the subject. We started with the postgrad course, and it went quite well, so began looking at it on an undergraduate level.
“I visited a number of different universities in the United Kingdom to see how they did it, and then used that as a model on which to base our own course.”
New staff have already been appointed, including a lecturer who studied at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, and another who is completing a doctorate in chemistry.
Forensic Hons Student at the UFS
At the moment, the department of genetics has nine lecturers, but Spies said it would also be involving staff from other departments to help with specific areas of certain modules.
This blog entry is an excerpt adapted from an article written by Peta Lee from The University World Press . To read the full article click here.
When you do not reach the minimum requirements on your grade 12 but, have a Nationl Certificate in Forensic Science. Are you allowed to apply?
Hi
I am currently completing a National Certificate in Forensic Science. I would like to further my studies by completing by degree. What exactly do i need to apply?
what are your major subjects when studying the course of forensic science in all the semesters
Hi, my name is Thandeka,
I am interested in working for the SAPS forensic department, I have a BSc degree from Wits University with Genetics and Microbiology as my majors. Would it be possible for me to do a BSc in Forensic Science from 2nd year level?
Helo im Robin.im currently studying Bsc in medical science at University of Limpopo,specialised in Haematology.Is it possible for me to study forensic science as a continuation of this degree?
hey.im doing my second in Bsc genetics at the university of pretoria. i want to transfer and study bcs in forensic science at UFS. is it possible?
Thank you Smangele for your comment. We would advise contacting UFS directly in this instance regarding whether or not this may be possible. Enquiries regarding the UFS course can be made at the Department of Genetics: Email: Genetics@ufs.ac.za & Tel: 051 401 2595.
~ DNA Project Team
basically south africa is running short of forensic workers so why do not you guys atleast decrease points to atleast 25 points because many people wants to study forensic but they are running short of required points for course!!!!!like myself i have 29 points and i want to study forensic
.
How do you calculate your AP score to checkif you qualify?
Hi Thabang
All learners who completed their school career in and after 2008 and acquired a National Senior Certificate should calculate admission points (AP) as follows:
NSC Level of Achievement
7 (90% – 100%) = 8 [AP points]
7 (80% – 89%) = 7
6 (70% – 79%) = 6
5 (60% – 69%) = 5
4 (50% – 59%) = 4
3 (40% – 49%) = 3
2 (30% – 39%) = 2
1 (0% – 29%) = n/a
Example:
In five academic subjects you need an achievement level of at least 5 (60%) – 5 x 5 = 25
In one further academic subject you need an achievement level of at least 4 (50%) – 1 x 4 = 4
In the subject Life Orientation you need an achievement level of 5 (60%) or higher to score 1 point – 1 x 1 = 1
Overall AP score = 30
~ DNA Project Team
How many students per year usually applies for this?
We’re not sure how many apply but we know that the UFS accepts 80 students per year for the BSc in Forensic Sciences course.
~ DNA Project Team
i would like to get mote information about undergraduate pr-entry requirement for bachelors of forensic science for international students
Hi Muwonga
The admission requirements for the BSc in Forensic Sciences at UFS are:
– Grade 12 with an AP-score of at least 34
– Cumulative AP-score of at least 17 for Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
– Subject to selection (only 80 students per year)
Additional information regarding the course such, e.g. course brochure, subjects, etc., can also be found on our website at http://dnaproject.co.za/forensic-career/forensic-undergraduate.
~ DNA Project Team