Forensic Science
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 | 2 Months | 3 Months |
|---|---|---|
|
Rs. |
Rs. |
Rs. |
Rs.10,000., offer50% |
Rs.20,000., Offer 50% |
Rs.30,000., Offer 50% |
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
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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)
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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%) |