- AFRICA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES AND FORENSIC BIOTECHNOLOGY
The Master of Science in Forensic Science program is a two (2) year multidisciplinary postgraduate program leading to the Master of Science degree. This MSc programme is designed in such a way that students with relevant qualification are introduced to the physical, biological and legal applications of the forensic sciences within the context of the criminal justice system. The course work offers broad exposure to forensic laboratory equipment and instrumentation, as well as legal issues, expert testimony, trace evidence, physical evidence, professional ethics, quality assurance and current topics in research and development within the forensic sciences. It also includes a directed research project, which is conducted within a forensic laboratory setting. There is a core component of the course and an elective that will allow students to choose between three areas of specialization: molecular biology, criminalistics and forensic anthropology.
To be considered for admission into the M.Sc. progamme, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:
1. Applicants must have five (5) credit passes including English language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
2. A first degree in Biochemistry, any Natural Sciences, Agriculture or Human and Veterinary Medicine or Pharmaceutical Sciences with at least a second class honours of Ahmadu Bello University or
3. An equivalent degree from another University recognized by Ahmadu Bello University.
4. At least two favorable letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s previous academic adviser.
The progarmme shall run for a minimum of FOUR (4) semesters and a maximum of SIX (6) semesters.
1. Course work: For the purpose of the M.Sc. written examination, the courses are organized in course units and are divided into core courses and electives. For the successful completion of the coursework aspect of the M.Sc. programmes a student is required to take and pass all the taught core courses (24 CU) and a minimum of six (6) CU of elective courses.
2. Research: Research for the M. Sc Degree normally takes 12-18 months to complete. The research may run concurrently with some credit courses from the second semester of the study or after the first one year of course work.
3. Seminar / Examination: Candidate must demonstrate orally complete mastery of basic theoretical biochemistry as well as successfully defend his/her research findings and dissertation before a panel of internal and external examiners.