Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.
We have developed well-established partnerships with organizations such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences, the Office of the Chief Coroner for the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, and numerous other police services and agencies worldwide.
Honours Bachelor of Science
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- Forensics Scientist
- Scientist
- Forensics Engineer
- Detective
- Chemist
Admission Requirements
Regional Requirements
Admissions RequirementsLife in Forensic Chemistry
Buzz Around Campus
“Dusting for fingerprints” is a term we may know well from crime shows, but if Bethany Krebs has her way, forensic teams would instead be “sandblasting for fingerprints.” The fourth-year Forensic Science student at U of T Mississauga has conducted experiments showing abrasive blasting of a specialized powder over a surface is more effective at revealing fingerprints than the conventional dusting method.
UTM forensic scientists are studying the accuracy of a forensic DNA kit in predicting an individual's hair and eye colour. What makes this study novel is that the researchers are testing the commercially-prepared kit on a population of individuals of mixed ancestry.
For decades police have had a roadside device to test potential drunk drivers, but until recently there have been no such devices for suspected drugged drivers. With the legalization of cannabis, the federal government, in the interest of public safety, approved such a device.
Sample Courses
Introduction to the basic theory and practice underlying important techniques in analytical chemistry, chosen from three major areas of instrumental analysis: spectroscopy, electrochemistry and separation science.
Forensic Science examines physical evidence in relation to the law. There are a number of scientific techniques used to characterize physical evidence, but perhaps the most utilized technique is microscopy.
This course focuses on the analysis of physical evidence based on the principles of analytical chemistry. Students will gain knowledge in the theory and operation of forensically relevant chemical and instrumental techniques.
Other Programs to Consider
Forensic Science
Forensic Science the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.
Forensic Biology
Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” Forensic Biology is the study of forensics and molecular biology. UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.
Biological Chemistry
Biological Chemistry deals with the chemical processes of and relating to living organisms. The program, with its solid core of chemistry, plus the required biology and biochemistry courses, provides an interesting and challenging interdisciplinary study experience. Biological Chemistry examines nature at the molecular level by using a combination of synthetic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry as well as the tools of molecular biology.