Forensic Science

WWW.UVA.NL/MFS

Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies

The field of forensic science is very complex andbecoming more so every day. The number of disciplinesthat come together, both at the crime scene and duringthe subsequent investigation, is widening and thecompetences required are becoming ever morespecialised. The need to maintain an overview and guidethe overall process is growing proportionally. ForensicScience students at the University of Amsterdam gain abroad understanding of forensic science together with ain-depth knowledge of a specific scientific discipline.

THE MASTER FORENSIC SCIENCE IS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY MASTER •  WELCOMES YOU INTO AVIBRANT STUDENT COMMUNITY • IS PART OF THE INSTITUTE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARYSTUDIES • STIMULATES STUDENTS TO DEAL WITH COMPLEX PROBLEMS THAT CROSS THE BOUNDARIESOF ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES • COLLABORATES WITH AN EXTENSIVE FORENSIC NETWORK SUCH AS THENETHERLANDS FORENSIC INSITUTE (NFI) , THE POLICIE ORGANISATION

Degree: MSc Forensic Science

Starts: SeptemberDuration: 2 years, full-time

Tuition fees per year:€1,906 (EEA)€12,000 (non-EEA)

FACTS & FIGURES

MASTER2015/2016

Forensic science deals with the analysis of traces leftbehind at a crime scene. A forensic scientistreconstructs past events by asking the right forensicquestions and investigating a wide variety of traces likeDNA, digital traces, fingerprints, explosives, etc.Applying the latest scientific methods to help solvecrimes demands well-educated scientists who arespecialists in their own discipline whilehaving knowlegde of the forensic context.

The Master's programme brings together students froma wide variety of scientific backgrounds. Their area ofspecialisation is based on their Bachelor'sdegree studies. Thanks to this specialised knowledge,Forensic Science graduates have the ability to makesurprising connections and initiate cross-disciplinaryinnovations. Together students study the fundamentalsof forensic science and learn to understand the role ofevidence in the forensic process.

ResearchThe Master's in Forensic Science is closely linked withthe Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC). This

centre coördinates and stimulates forensic researchwithin the UvA and coöperates with the NetherlandsForensic Insitute (NFI). The scientists and experts

involved in the Master'sprogramme have an extensivenetwork of contacts, creatingopportunities for students tocarry out their researchproject in forensic laboratoriesand organisations all over the

world. The topics of these projects cover almost allfields of forensic science and have led to manypublications in international scientific journals.

The master's and the CLHC together organize the verysuccessful lecture series "Frontiers of Forensic Science"where new developments in Forensic Science arediscussed. It provides a platform where academicscientists and students are brought together with allpartners of the chain of evidence (police, forensicexperts and the court of justice).

From 2006 to 2008 I studied Forensic Science. Before that, I studied Biology. Biology was

fun to study, but during those years I became interested in doing something more

relevant to society. This Master’s programme was the perfect combination of theory and

research. I liked the diversity of topics and the fact that lectures were given by forensic

examiners. For my research project I analysed signature complexity, by setting up a

formula to calculate the complexity of a signature with different parameters of that

signature.

Now I work at the handwriting department of the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). I

want to finish my training there and become a certified forensic handwriting examiner.

To prepare well for a career, I recommend that students do their internship in their field

of interest and make sure to leave a good impression. Networking is the key ingredient

for a forensic job! Stay in touch with classmates, alumni and professors after your

graduation, because they know about new job vacancies.

Linda AlewijnseAlumni

Forensic Science - seeing the big picture

INNOVATIONSOCCUR WHENBOUNDARIESARE CROSSED

'Because of my interest in multiple

disciplines, I finished two Bachelor's

degrees, one in Artificial Intelligence, one

in Biomedical Science. This interest

combined with the problem-solving

aspects of the Master’s in Forensic Science,

made me decide to apply.

 A little peek

into a lecture

week: on

Monday a

lecture

about different characterisation features

of human remains. In the afternoon a

lecture about DNA evidence and forensic

statistics, which I found less spectacular

but which is important. The next day I had

to work on a presentation with my group

about DNA extraction methods. I like

group work, because working with people

from a variety of backgrounds and

nationalities is interesting and

challenging. The day after we had an

exciting practical in the dissection ward of

the university hospital. On Thursday, back

to the university to present our

subject. Lastly, ending the week at a

different location with a nice bone

practical about the characterisation

features, which were introduced in the

lecture earlier that week.

Next year I am planning to do my research

project abroad. I think this is a great

opportunity to experience a different

culture, and experience how research is

done outside of the Netherlands.'

Forensic Science - a sharpeye for detailsCurriculumForensic scientists are curious and driven. They should have a sharp eyefor detail without losing sight of the big picture. Furthermore they shouldbe eager to cross disciplinary boundaries, while continually deepening theirknowledge of their specialisation area.

A great deal of attention is paid to the development of critical thinking andthe application of science in a forensic context. Students are trained tounderstand the relevance of different traces, the methods used to analysethose traces and the value of the evidence they can provide. Students learnhow to apply criminalistic reasoning to solve ‘the puzzle’ of a crimescene. To fulfill the demands of this academic field, interdisplinarycommunication and cooperation is important. Students are trained tocommunicate with non-experts about complex scientific issues.

Our graduates are educated in• forensic process• the judicial context• statistical foundations for the interpretation of evidence• principles of hypothesis formulation and validation• quality requirements• overview of the most common traces and forensic expert areas• the application of forensic knowledge to basic forensic cases• performing academic research

THOM SCHRÖDERMSC STUDENT

A WEEK OFEXCITINGLECTURES

Career prospectsBecause of the unique combination of knowledge and skills training, agraduate of this programme makes for an excellent trouble-shooter andproblem solver. Alumni of the Master’s in Forensic Science go on to studyat the PhD level or find work in research laboratories, forensic institutes,police organisations or courtrooms.

Application & AdmissionEntry requirementsStudents are eligible to apply if they hold a Bachelor's degree (orequivalent) in one of the following disciplines (or related disciplines); Lifesciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, ArtificialIntelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science.

Applicants must have a strong academic record and satisfy the Englishlanguage requirements set by the Faculty of Science. Additionalrequirements include a convincing motivation letter, interest ininterdisciplinary education and research, and strong analytical andcommunication skills.

Application deadline• 1 February for non-EU/EEA students• 1 May for EU/EEA (including Dutch) students

www.uva.nl/mfsFor more information on theForensic ScienceMaster’s, please visit the website.

For programme-specificquestions, contact YorikeHartman (assistant programmedirector): fs-iis-science@uva.nl

Institute for InterdisciplinairyStudies (IIS)Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam T: +31 (0)20 525 5190www.iis.uva.nl

MORE INFORMATION

UvA, October 2014Design: Nancy KootPhotography: Flickr CreativeCommons, Fred van Diem, IIS, ThomSchröder, Bob van den Berg© 2014 University of AmsterdamNo rights scan be derived from thecontents of this brochure.

* Tuition fees listed are for 2014-2015.For updates, see: uva.nl/tuition

CREDITS