Decisions and guidelines

The programme syllabus was adopted by the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy on 2018-04-24. The general goals for second-cycle higher education in the Higher Education Act (Chapter 1 Section 9) apply.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The degree must be in biology, biomedicine, molecular biology, chemistry or a similar field. Also required is:

• organic/inorganic chemistry or analytical chemistry totalling 15 credits; and
• courses in genetics or cell/molecular biology totalling 15 credits.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Aims

After completing the programme a student can receive the degree of Master of Science (120 credits). The main field of study is forensic science. 

The Master's programme should give skills and competences for qualified professional career within governmental organisations, private enterprises, or further studies towards a PhD. After completing their degree the student should be able to take part in research, development and investigatigative work within the forensic and medical fields.

Learning outcomes

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) students must meet the objectives in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).

Programme-specific learning outcomes

In addition to the general objectives stated in the Higher Education Ordinance, the student shall, after completed programme

• be able to summarise the state of knowledge in forensic science and adjacent areas regarding methods, findings, and possible applications, critically and correctly in English.
• have acquired understanding of how their own knowledge and skills can contribute to solving various tasks in society
• have in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of analytical methods and research methodologies in the forensic and related field. This includes knowledge in human genetics, criminalistics, law and psychology, forensic genetics, forensic medicine, forensic chemistry and analytical chemistry.
• be able to independently choose appropriate methods of analysis and perform various biological and chemical tests.
• be able to independently take responsibility for and lead examinations on a scientific basis and to evaluate and report findings from these studies.
• have the neccessary knowledge about the legislation that regulates the field.
• be able to cooperate effectively with team members as well as other societal bodies.

Layout of the programme

The programme comprises 120 credits (higher education credits) on the advanced level. The courses assume basic knowledge of genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, classical chemistry and analytical chemistry from the Bachelor level. The student is expected to work in an independent manner and take responsibility for their own learning.

Semester 1

Medical Genetics, 7.5 credits

Forensic Science and Criminalistics, 7.5 credits

Forensic Genetics and Medicine, 15 credits

Semester 2

Law, Psychology and Forensic Expertise, 15 credits

Forensic Chemistry, 15 credits

Semester 3

Analytical Methods for Forensic Science, 15 credits

Elective period, 15 credits

Semester 4

Degree Project 30 credits, alternatively 45 credits (including elective period)

Instruction

Throughout the programme, studies are schedule-based with instruction including lectures, laboratory work, practical assignments, group instruction, interactive web-based material and demonstrations. The student will be trained continuously in creativity and problem solving.

Attendance is compulsory for the following components:

1. Lectures containing demonstrations or whose contents complement compulsory course reading
2. Group instruction
3. Seminars
4. Laboratory work and practical assignments
5. Study visits

Degree

Master of Medical Science with Forensic Science as the main field of study.

Other directives

Examination

Passing grades on all compulsory components and passing grades on examinations are required to pass the course.

Laboratory components not satisfactorily completed may only be completed the next time the course is given and only if there is a place available.

Grading is based on the 3-point grading scale: Fail-Pass-Pass with Distinction or the 2-point grading scale Fail-Pass.

Entry requirements for admission to the next year of studies

For admission to Year 2, compulsory components from Year 1 must be completed, together with passing grades worth 37.5 credits from the programme, or corresponding. This corresponds to in-depth knowledge of human genetics, forensic genetics, forensic medicine, analytical chemistry and how testimonies and technical evidence are collected, analysed and evaluated in criminal cases.

Following an approved leave from studies, all courses from the preceding semesters must have been passed. The programme has a fixed structure, which means that courses must be taken in the established order.

Exemption from entry requirements may be granted for special reasons. It is the responsibility of each student who does not meet the entry requirements to apply for exemption in good time.

Approved leave from studies

Approved leave from studies is not granted during semester 1. Leave from studies during semesters 2-4 is handled by the study counsellor. and can be approved for a maximum of one year. Applications regarding leave from studies longer than one year or extension of a current approved leave from studies are handled by the Programme Committee.

General rules for approved leave from studies, resumption of studies, and application for a later part of the programme

Application for approved leave of studies, resumption of studies, and admission to a later part of the programme must be submitted to the office no later than 15 April ahead of the autumn semester and 15 October ahead of the spring semester. This also applies to students wishing to begin a course during the latter part of a semester. If the application is submitted later, the applicant will be given lower priority for resumption of studies. If the application is submitted late or if it is shown that the student has devoted most of the leave from studies period to activity justifying another priority group, the decision may be reviewed. A certificate to verify this priority must be attached to the application. If studies are not resumed at the proper time, this will be regarded as a termination of studies.

Resumpton of studies

When the application period expires on 15 April or 15 October, respectively, all students who are qualified will be ranked first in their respective priority group.

Priority groups

1. Military service, illness, parental leave (corresponding to parental insurance)
2. Research
   1. Dissertation at a medical faculty
   2. Admission to PhD studies at the Medical Faculty at Uppsala University
   3. Full-time research during the leave from studies

3. Unpassed examinations
4. Other (work, travel, other studies, etc.)
5. Students whose application for leave from studies or application to resume studies was submitted late.