RIDING on the growing interest in forensic science, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has partnered the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to introduce a more extensive programme in forensic science and criminal investigations.
The new course - the first ever - will be offered as a minor from next Jan, in addition to the Bachelor's degree.
TV shows piques interest in forensic science
THE popularity of forensic science as a career has hit an all-time high - thanks to television serials which feature this intriguing science in their plots.
Rather shyly, Ms Yu Lijie admits that these TV programmes inspired her to become a forensic scientist two years ago.
Speaking at the signing the Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, Professor Andrew Wee, dean of the NUS science faculty, said that the new course will allow students who are studying biology, physics, psychology and engineering, to apply their scientific knowledge to criminal investigations.
He anticipates that the programme, which will only take in 30 students yearly, will also attract students who are doing life sciences, chemistry, applied chemistry, and food science and technology
'Law students with some science background or a double degree in life sciences may find the programme attractive as it would provide additional knowledge in criminology,' he added.
Presently, NUS offers a 40-hour module on forensic science.
Despite classes being held on Friday evening, 400 students signed up for it and it was this enthusiasm that prompted NUS to develop the module into a programme that comprises six modules, Prof Wee said.
The modules will cover subjects like DNA profiling , narcotics manufacture and toxicology. Students wall also gain practical knowledge by processing a simulated crime scene, collection and preservation of evidence.
Other contributors to the new field of study were the Attorney-General's Chambers, Ministry of Defence, Criminal Investigation Departmanet and the Home Team Academy of the police force.
In his speech to about 30 lecturers and students, Dr John Lim, chief executive officer of HSA, highlighted that 'forensic science provides information that frequently is not available by other means'.
He described it as the scientific process by which physical evidence - 'the silent witnesses of a crime, finds a voice.'
While noting that television programmes like CSI, Court TV and Forensic Files are extremely popular and have raised the profile of forensic science, Dr Lim warned that contrary to what is portrayed in these shows, forensic labs can take months of laborious work to examine and interpret the physical evidence from a crime scene.
