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. The competen-ces required are becoming ever more specialised. Theneed to maintain an overview and guide the overallprocess is growing proportionally.

Forensic Science students at the University of Amsterdamgain a broad understanding of forensic science togetherwith in-depth knowledge of a specific scientific discipline.

MASTER'S IN 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) AND THE DUTCH POLICE FORCE

Degree: MSc Forensic Science

Starts in: SeptemberDuration: 2 years, full-time

Tuition fees per year:€1,951 (EEA)€12,000 (non-EEA)

Tuition fees listed here are for2015-2016. For updates, see:uva.nl/tuition

FACTS & FIGURES

WWW.UVA.NL/MFS

MASTER2016-2017Forensic Science

Forensic science deals with the analysis of traces leftbehind at a crime scene. A forensic scientistreconstructs past events by asking the right forensicquestions and by investigating a wide variety of traceslike DNA, digital evidence, 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 thefundamentals of forensic science and learn tounderstand the role of evidence in the forensic process.

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

centre coordinates and stimulates forensic researchwithin the UvA and cooperates 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 organise the verysuccessful lecture series 'Frontiers of Forensic Science'where new developments in Forensic Science arediscussed. This provides a platform for academicscientists and students to come together with allpartners of the chain of evidence (police, forensicexperts and the court of justice).

From 2006 to 2008, I studied Forensic Science at the UvA. Before that, I studied Biology,

which 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 to a job in forensics! Stay in touch with classmates, alumni and professors after

your graduation, because they know about new job vacancies.

Linda AlewijnseAlumna

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 and

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. The Master's has a extensive

international network and 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 keeneye for detailForensic scientists are curious and driven. They should have a keeneye for detail without losing sight of the big picture. Furthermore,they should be eager to cross disciplinary boundaries, whilecontinually deepening their knowledge of their specialisation area.

CurriculumA 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 meet the demands of this academic field, interdisplinarycommunication and cooperation is important. Students are trained tocommunicate with non-experts about complex scientific issues.

For the complete overview of the curriculum see the schedule on theprevious page.

Our graduates are educated in:• the 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 troubleshooter 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, Artificial Intelligence, 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 deadlines• 1 February for non-EU/EEA students• 1 May for EU/EEA (including Dutch) students

www.uva.nl/mfsFor more information on theMaster’s in ForensicScience, please visit the website.

fs-iis-science@uva.nlFor programme-specificquestions, contact AssistantProgramme Director YorikeHartman by email.

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

MORE INFORMATION

UvA, November 2014Design: Nancy KootPhotography: Flickr CreativeCommons, Fred van Diem, IIS, ThomSchröder, Bob van den Berg

© 2015 University of AmsterdamNo rights scan be derived from thecontents of this brochure.

CREDITS