University of Florida College of Pharmacy forges an international alliance in forensic science education

Terrorism has become a new reality in the United States, creating a sudden awareness of the lack of training and resources in forensic science. In answer to this educational need, the University of Florida has turned to Scotland, where forensic science dates back to the days when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle — who created the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes — attended the University of Edinburgh Medical School.

Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and terrorist activities that followed, there has been an increased global demand for trained forensic professionals. To address the need, the UF College of Pharmacy is establishing a far-reaching distance education program in forensic science through a new alliance with the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, one of Europe’s leading centers for forensic medicine.

“This is an exciting development as the forensic medicine section at Edinburgh approaches its 200th anniversary,” said University of Edinburgh department of pathology Chairman David Harrison, M.D. “The interest in teaching and experience here, headed by Regius Professor Anthony Busuttil, will complement the UF skills excellently.”

Worldwide, more than 70 countries dedicating resources to forensic investigation and across the United States, crime laboratories employ thousands of health-care specialists and scientists. The typical lab worker may have medical-related training or a degree in chemical or biological sciences with no formal training in forensic science, said UF College of Pharmacy Professor Ian Tebbett, Ph.D., in a statement proposing the collaboration between the two universities. Tebbett, who directs UF’s online forensic science programs, points out the need for working forensic professionals to maintain their expert credibility in order to meet the high legal standards set by each country.

UF College of Pharmacy Dean and Associate Provost of Distance Education William Riffee, Ph.D., and University of Edinburgh Principal Timothy O’Shea, Ph.D., met in Scotland to work out an agreement between the two institutions.

Initially, individual courses are available from each of their respective distance-learning degree programs to students in either country, broadening both curriculums. The University of Edinburgh currently offers a certificate in forensic medicine and science, and UF has three master’s degree options. Two programs, Forensic DNA and Serology, and Forensic Drug Chemistry, are taught through UF’s College of Pharmacy. The third program, Forensic Toxicology, is offered through UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“The University of Florida’s programs in forensic science — together with Edinburgh’s forensic medicine courses — will result in a unique educational combination that can be delivered to law enforcement officers, lawyers, medical practitioners and scientists worldwide,” Riffee said.

Despite the increased need for education in forensic science and medicine from reputable academic institutions, few universities provide this coursework. Lack of faculty with expertise and the limitations of time and resources for working professionals to attend one of the few institutions that offer appropriate programs are limiting factors. The UF international extension of its distance-learning programs is an effort to meet this demand, Tebbett said.

In 2000, UF initiated its Web-based certificate program in forensic toxicology. Starting with only 20 enrollees, today it has grown to include the master’s programs and enrolls more than 300 students.

Tebbett’s goal is to develop a curriculum for a joint master’s program in which students can take courses from Edinburgh or UF and graduate from either institution. This fall semester 2003, 75 UF students have enrolled in two University of Edinburgh courses — Forensic Medicine and Pathology, and Scientific Evidence and Statistics. The University of Edinburgh is expected to offer the UF courses to its students beginning in the 2004 academic year.

To further international alliances in this distance-learning program, Riffee and Tebbett traveled to Australia to meet with officials from the University of Canberra, the National Centre for Forensic Studies in Canberra and the Australian Federal Police in Sydney. There is a tremendous need for forensic scientists to join with law enforcement groups in Australia, Riffee said.