Professional accreditation for Forensic Science & Analysis degree (GA786)

GMIT’s Department of Natural Sciences has been awarded professional accreditation from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) for its honours degree in Forensic and Analytical Science (GA786). The full-time Level 8 course, which commenced in the Galway campus in October 2014, is one of only three forensic courses in the Institutes of Technology sector to have this full professional accreditation.

Dr Lisa Ryan, Head of the GMIT Department of Natural Sciences, explains the importance of this accreditation for prospective students, current students and graduates of the programme. “There are many benefits to education accreditation. For the students and parents, it shows the course has been independently assessed and meets the professional body standards thus giving additional confidence. To the industry and employer it shows the education provider is serious about independent scrutiny and meeting the standards, and showing continual improvement to develop graduate employees. In addition it shows the Institute is open to independent review and has been successful providing assurance to students and employers.”

Students of this GMIT course will discover how a crime scene is investigated and how to collect and analyse crime scene evidence. They will learn about ethical computer hacking, DNA analysis and much more. There is a large practical and project component to the programme and students will learn skills such as project management, time management, decision making and laboratory practical skills.

On completion, graduates will have a qualification that will provide opportunities for employment in a range of areas and will facilitate career advancement to managerial positions.

This four-year course involves work placement in third Year. In fourth year, students undertake an individual Forensic research project. The course has three main areas of study:

o Forensic and Analytical  Chemistry

o Molecular Biology (DNA)

o Computer Forensics

In addition, this course has guest lecturers from Forensic Science Ireland and the Gardaí Technical Bureau as well as experts in the areas of fire investigation, forensic anthropology, expert witness training and other areas.

For further information on GMIT’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science and Analysis, see:

http://www.gmit.ie/forensic-science/bachelor-science-honours-forensic-s…