Forensic Science

Introduction to Forensic Science

Overview of forensic science and its role in law enforcement and legal investigations.
Career opportunities: forensic medical examiner, forensic engineer, forensic accountant, crime scene investigator, and crime laboratory analyst.
Interdisciplinary nature: integration of biology, chemistry, physics, criminology, and biotechnology.

Crime Scene Investigation

Principles of crime scene management and documentation.
Techniques for evidence collection and preservation.
Role of photography and sketching in crime scene analysis.

Evidence Analysis Techniques

Types of evidence: physical, biological, and trace evidence.
Laboratory techniques for analyzing evidence (e.g., microscopy, spectrometry, chromatography).
Introduction to forensic toxicology: testing for drugs and poisons.

Biotechnology and Forensic Science

Genetic testing and DNA profiling: STR analysis, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-chromosome markers.
Forensic applications of biotechnology in criminal cases.
Role of biotechnology in solving cold cases and identifying remains.

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Basics of criminology: understanding criminal behavior and profiling.
Overview of the legal system and criminal justice process.
Ethical considerations in forensic investigations.

Specialized Areas in Forensic Science

Forensic anthropology: analysis of skeletal remains.
Forensic odontology: identification through dental records.
Digital forensics: analyzing electronic evidence and cybersecurity breaches.

Advanced Forensic Techniques

Trace evidence analysis: hair, fibers, glass, and paint.
Forensic entomology: using insects to estimate time of death.
Ballistics and firearms analysis.

Practical Laboratory Training

Hands-on training in forensic lab techniques.
Case studies: solving mock crime scenes.
Use of forensic software and databases for analysis and profiling.

Integration of Forensic Science and Law

Importance of maintaining the chain of custody.
Preparing forensic reports for legal proceedings.
Role of forensic experts in court: giving testimony and presenting findings.

Research and Development in Forensic Science

Emerging technologies in forensic science.
Applications of AI and machine learning in forensic investigations.
Real-world case studies and their impact on the field of forensic science.

Training/Internship/Dissertation/Upskilling Module Fee Structure: 2025

1 Month Course: DNA Fingerprinting and forensics (Basics + Hands on)

WEEKS

Description

Week 1 7(Days)

Lecture

Hands on activities

Foundation of

DNA Forensics and Introduction to DNA Fingerprinting & DNA Extraction Techniques

History and milestones in forensic DNA

The history behind the discovery of DNA. And its forensic relevance

Molecular understanding of the DNA from Chromosomes to genes, and into the organization of genome and its functional value

Overview of forensic applications (criminal cases, paternity, disaster victim ID)

Basics Cell lysis, salt and alcohol precipitation, where and why?

Methods of DNA isolation both manual and kit based

Introduction to the lab safety + Lab ethics / Biohazards

Reagents and buffer preparation

Sample preparation from mock crime scene such as Blood, saliva, hair, tissue, plants.

Complete DNA isolation from manual method and kit based from –

• Blood

• Saliva

(Demo) + (Hands on)

Week 2

(15 DAYS)

DNA

Amplification and STR Typing

History of PCR with basics and relevance

PCR process (denaturation, annealing, extension)

Multiple STR markers: CODIS loci and their forensic relevance

Quality control and contamination in forensic labs

Primer designing using software such as Primer Blast

PCR set up and running the PCR (Demo)

PCR amplification of STR loci

Analysis of PCR results with interpretation

Week 3

(22 Days)

Quantification of the Amplified DNA & DNA Profiling and Analysis

Principles of gel electrophoresis

fundamental basics of Gel Electrophoresis and Understand and apply the principles of agarose gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments.

Random match probability (RMP)

Likelihood ratio (LR) and paternity index

Allele calling and constructing DNA profiles

Perform agarose gel electrophoresis to separate and visualize DNA fragments based on size, simulating a key step (Hands on)

Preparation of agarose gel, casting and running the samples

Calculative study of population Genetics (in short)

STR data interpretation (using raw sample data or CEsimulated data)

Comparing mock DNA profiles to identify suspect/victim

Week 4

(30 Days)

Forensic Applications & Ethical Aspects and Final assessment and presentation

DNA databases (CODIS)

Ethical and legal issues: privacy, consent, false matches

Real-world case studies based on

DNA as a crucial evidence Emerging technology (Nirbhaya case, Colin Pitchfork)

STR Profile Matching Exercise (Paper/Software-based)

Use printouts or software to analyse STR allele peaks and match suspects to crime scene profiles

Presentation with the submission of student report

2 Month Course: Forensic Biology in the Investigation of Sexual Crimes (Basics + Hands on)

WEEKS

Description

Week 1

Lecture

Hands on activities

Introduction to Sexual Assault and Forensic Science with Multidisciplinary Perspective

Types of sexual offences (IPC Section 375, 376 in India; equivalents in other systems)

Role of forensic science in sexual assault investigations

Overview of medico-legal protocols (rape kits, consent, examination of survivors)

Introduction to the lab safety + Lab ethics / Biohazards

Orientation to Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits

Mock survivor interview and documentation (trauma-informed approach)

Week 2

DNA Basics in Forensic Science & Molecular Signatures of Crime: DNA Structure, Types, and Its Role in Sexual Assault Cases

Basics of human DNA: STRs, loci, alleles, mitochondrial vs. nuclear DNA

Relevance of DNA in sexual assault: sperm, epithelial cells, skin under nails

Contamination risks and quality assurance

DNA isolation from mock biological samples from manual method

Week 3

Evidence Collection and Preservation

Genital and non-genital sample collection protocols

Storage conditions, labelling, chain of custody documentation

Handling delayed reporting and degraded samples

Simulated evidence collection with mannequins or standardized patients

Chain of custody form training

PCR reagent preparation

Week 4

DNA Profiling & DNA Profiling Techniques

PCR amplification Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), and STR analysis

Interpreting electropherograms

Y-STR and male-specific DNA testing in mixed samples

Perform the PCR, Perform agarose gel electrophoresis to separate and visualize DNA fragments based on size, simulating a key step (Demo)

Use printouts or software to analyse STR allele peaks and match suspects to crime scene profiles

Week 5

Legal and Ethical Framework

Admissibility of DNA evidence in court (Daubert, Frye standards, Section 45 of Indian Evidence Act)

Victim confidentiality and consent

Ethical challenges (e.g., DNA databases, familial searching)

Case Scenario Discussion: Ethical Dilemmas

To critically evaluate a forensic DNA report for ethical lapses or procedural errors.

Review sample forensic reports (some flawed intentionally)

Week 6

DNA Report Writing and Interpretation

Elements of a forensic DNA report

Statistical analysis and likelihood ratios

Match/mismatch interpretation, probability of identity

Writing and peer-review of sample forensic DNA reports

Interpretation quiz using mock electropherograms

Week 7

Case Studies in Sexual Assault and DNA

Review of landmark global and Indian cases:

The 2012 Nirbhaya case (India)

Colin Pitchfork case (UK)

The exoneration via DNA (The Innocence Project, USA)

student presentations on selected case studies

Lessons learned and forensic failings

Presentation from the student on the selective assault case

Week 8

Emerging Technologies & FinalAssessment

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Rapid DNA technology

Touch DNA and low-copy number analysis

Written test (50%)

Practical (20%)

DNA report submission (10%)

Group case presentation (20%)