Course Introduction

FCC 6 : Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

  • Course Outline
  • Curriculum
  • FAQ
  • Case Studies
  • Reviews

Course Start Date        : 2nd June 2025

Last Date to Register : 25th May 2025

Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology involves analyzing biological and explosive evidence for legal purposes and providing information about toxins present, including drugs and their effect on the individual. The online Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology Foundation Certificate Course by Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS India) is a comprehensive program designed for individuals who want to start their journey into the fields of chemical analysis, drug and toxic substance identification, and explosive substances and device assessments.

The course is of one month duration and is taught by experienced instructors. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including chemical evidence detection techniques, laws and regulations, fire debris analysis, an overview of explosive substances, commonly abused drug analysis, pesticide analysis, the basics of food forensics, the interpretation of toxicological reports, etc. You will gain proficiency in forensic methodologies to analyze crime scene evidence, such as drug samples, blood, and bodily fluids, in order to support legal investigations.

Whether you are pursuing a career in forensic science, law enforcement, or related fields, this course will equip you with the skills required to make meaningful contributions to the field of forensic chemistry and toxicology, enabling you to assist in solving criminal cases and ensuring justice. Join us to enhance your knowledge of this crucial forensic science discipline that plays a significant role in criminal justice and public safety.


Become Proficient to Answer:

- What is the scope of forensic chemistry and toxicology and the importance of chemical evidence in investigations?

- What are the major sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and how does it relate to forensic chemistry and toxicology?

- How does the interpretation of fire patterns contribute to the investigation of fire and arson cases?

- What are the main characteristics of explosive substances, and how are they assessed and examined at explosion scenes?

- What is the chemical composition of various fractions of petroleum products, and how are adulterants in these products detected and analyzed forensically?

- What are the different types of alcohols, and how is illicit beverage analysis done from a forensic perspective?

- How is drug dependence characterized, and what is the scope and significance of the analysis of controlled substances?

- What is food forensics, and how does food product analysis relate to forensic chemistry?

- What are the fundamental principles of toxicology, and what are the classification criteria for poisons?

- What is the significance of the post-mortem examination and the collection of exhibits in cases of poisoning?

- What are the various types and formulations of pesticides, and how are they extracted and analyzed forensically?

- How are common volatile poisons, like alcohols, hydrocyanic acid, chlorinated hydrocarbons, benzene, etc., forensically analyzed?

- What are the different classifications of drugs in visceral samples, and how are they analyzed from a forensic perspective?


Learning Outcomes:

Analytical Proficiency: You will acquire strong analytical skills. These will enable you to accurately analyze and interpret chemical and toxicological evidence found at crime scenes or in laboratory settings.

Toxic Substance Identification: You will understand how to identify and classify toxic substances, like drugs, poisons, chemicals, explosives, and fire debris, and their effects in forensic investigations.

Forensic Laboratory Techniques: You will gain a basic understanding of different types of forensic laboratory equipment and methodologies that will help you conduct precise and reliable forensic analysis.

Evidence Interpretation: You will develop the ability to critically evaluate and interpret forensic reports, toxicology findings, and analytical data to provide valuable insights for legal proceedings.

Ethical and Legal Considerations: You will gain knowledge about the laws and ethics you must follow to practice as a forensic toxicologist to maintain professional conduct and prevent corruption.


Course Details:

Fee

National: 1770 INR (1500 INR + 18% GST)

International: 50 USD 

Duration

1 Month

Eligibility

12th Passed

Session Timing

From 6 to 7 PM IST  | Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Payment Details:

International Student : PayPal: forensicdocument@gmail.com

Account Details for National Student

Bank Name  - ICICI BANK
Acc. Name    - SIFS INDIA PVT. LTD.
Account No. - 663505500086
Type         - Current
IFSC Code    -   ICIC0000160
Address         - ICICI Bank, H-4, Model Town -III, New Delhi - 110009


  • Curriculum


    MODULE 1 – FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY OVERVIEW

    In this module, you will learn about the scope of forensic chemistry and toxicology and their role in analyzing chemical evidence. You will also explore real-life case studies, techniques for detecting and analyzing chemical evidence, and an understanding of forensic laboratory working procedures. This module also covers the importance of forensic chemistry and toxicology in providing crucial insights during legal proceedings.

    MODULE 2 – CORRUPTION ACT, COLOUR REACTIONS, AND EXHIBIT HANDLING

    This module covers the major sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988 to equip you with knowledge about the legalities associated with corruption prevention. You will learn about color reaction theory to identify substances, collection and preservation methods for exhibits, and maintaining evidence integrity. You will also gain insights about forensic analysis methodologies to identify and analyze several substances and materials.

    MODULE 3 – FIRE AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

    In this module, you will learn about fire and arson investigation, interpretation of fire patterns, chemistry of fire, and how fire starts and spreads. This module also covers methods to collect and preserve evidence from fire scenes and ways to maintain the reliability of potential clues. You will also gain insights about forensic analysis of fire debris to determine the cause and origin of fire during both criminal and accidental fire investigations.

    MODULE 4 – EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES AND SCENE EXAMINATION

    This module focuses on explosive substances, their properties and characteristics, the phenomena of deflagration and detonation, and the ways in which explosives react. You will also learn how to assess and examine explosion sites, conduct qualitative analysis of explosive debris, and identify explosive compounds. This module also covers the concept of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), focusing on the rising threat from homemade explosives and the role of forensic analysis to combat this danger.

    MODULE 5 – PETROLEUM FRACTIONS AND ADULTERATION ANALYSIS

    In this module, you will gain an overview of petroleum fractions, the chemical composition of these fractions, and the properties of components found in various petroleum products. The module also covers commonly found adulterants in petroleum products and the risks associated with them. You will also learn techniques to detect and analyze adulterated samples of petroleum products for quality and safety purposes.

    MODULE 6 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

    This module covers the concept of alcoholic beverages and their categorization based on types and production methods. You will learn about the types of alcohols found in these beverages, chemical structure variations, initial analysis of illicit beverages, and steps forensic experts follow to identify counterfeit or illicit alcoholic products. It will equip you with the knowledge to maintain the authenticity of alcoholic beverages on the market.

    MODULE 7 – CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND DRUG ANALYSIS

    In this module, you will learn about drug dependence and addiction, physiological and psychological aspects of substance abuse, and the significance of analyzing controlled substances. This module also covers how controlled substances are categorized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and their use within a legal framework. You will also gain insights about detection and analysis methods for identifying commonly abused drugs to assist law and healthcare professionals in dealing with drug-related issues and preventing substance abuse.

    MODULE 8 – FOOD FORENSICS AND NANO CHEMISTRY

    This module introduces you to the field of food forensics and the role of forensic science in maintaining the safety and quality of food products. You will learn about various phases of food analysis, detection of contaminants, and authenticity testing procedures. This module also covers the emerging fields of nanoforensics and nanochemistry and their role in the development of advanced detection methods and in analyzing trace evidence.

    MODULE 9 – FUNDAMENTALS OF FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

    In this module, you will get an overview of the fundamental principles of forensic toxicology and commonly used terms in toxicological investigations. This module also covers the study of the interaction between toxic substances and the human body and the methods used to detect and analyze these interactions. Also, you will gain insights about poisons’ categories based on their properties and effects, equipping you with knowledge to assess and identify various types of toxins encountered in forensic cases.

    MODULE 10 – INVESTIGATION AND EXHIBIT HANDLING

    This module focuses on the collection of exhibits in poisoning cases, the significance of post-mortem toxicological examinations, and methods to extract and isolate toxic substances from various matrices to accurately recover and analyze poison-related evidence. You will learn how to collect evidence, establish the cause behind poisoning, and resolve criminal cases involving toxic exposures.

    MODULE 11 – PESTICIDES AND ANALYSIS METHODS

    In this module, you will gain insights about different types and formulations of pesticides and their uses in agriculture and pest control. You will learn techniques to extract and isolate pesticides from different mediums. The module also covers the analysis of pesticides, including methods to identify and quantify these chemicals. You will have the knowledge to assess contamination and the potential harm associated with pesticide use.

    MODULE 12 – VOLATILE AND HEAVY METAL POISON ANALYSIS

    This module explores gases and volatile poisons such as alcohols, hydrocyanic acid, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and benzene in a forensic context. You will learn how to detect and analyze these volatile poisons. This module also covers metallic poisoning and heavy metal poisons. You will gain skills to deal with cases of poisoning, ensuring accurate analysis and interpretation of evidence.

    MODULE 13 – DRUG ANALYSIS AND PLANT POISONS

    In this module, you will get an overview of commonly found acidic, basic, and neutral drugs in visceral samples and their forensic relevance. This module also covers a qualitative analysis of commonly used abusive drugs in various biological and non-biological mediums. Also, you will gain insights about the classification of plant poisons, their forensic analysis techniques, and the challenges involved in identifying and analyzing toxic compounds from plants.

  • What steps should I follow to enroll for this foundation certificate course?

    To enroll, click on the “Register for Course” option available on the right side of the screen, followed by the provided instructions and payment procedure.

  • Who is eligible to enroll in this foundation certificate course?

    12th (of any stream) pass or any graduate student can enroll in the foundation certificate course.

  • How will I receive confirmation once I have completed the payment procedure?

    Admission Confirmation email will be sent to your registered email ID once the payment is verified.

  • Are there any prerequisites for this foundation certificate course?

    In case of any prerequisites provided by the resource person, we will provide the students with prior information on their WhatsApp group.

  • Are there any live lectures provided in this foundation certificate course?

    Yes, live lectures will be conducted through Zoom.

  • How will I receive the session joining link?

    Enrolled students will receive the session joining link via WhatsApp group.

  • What will be the duration of the lecture?

    The duration of each lecture will be 1 hour and 15 minutes of discussion.

  • Will I get the recorded lectures?

    Yes, recorded lectures will be provided through your portal.

  • Can the study materials be accessed at any time?

    All the course material will be available on the portal. Hence, you can access it 24/7 and study at your own pace.

  • What are the benefits of completing this foundation certificate course?

    Completing the Online Foundation Certificate Course will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions. It can also serve as a strong foundation for further education or career advancement in forensic science.

  • Is there a certificate awarded upon completion of the foundation certificate course?

    Yes, upon successful completion of the foundation certificate course, you will receive an eCertificate, which can be a valuable addition to your resume and may enhance your career prospects in the field.

  • Where to contact in case of any queries?

    Write to us at education@sifs.in, call: +91-1147074263, or WhatsApp: +91-7303913002.  

  • Is a refund available after payment and registration?

    Kindly go through the syllabus and curriculum of the course carefully. No refund is possible once the payment is made.

Robert Curley Case Study

Forensic toxicology played a crucial role in solving the murder of Robert Curley and assisting in the conviction of his wife, Joann Curley.

Robert Curley, in 1991, began to fall ill. He was rushed to the Wilkes-Barre general hospital in August. He suffered an attack and experienced severe sweating, weakness, numbness, burning sensations in the skin and feet, and repeated vomiting. After several diagnoses, he was diagnosed with Guillian-Barre syndrome. This syndrome accounts for severe nervous system inflammation, which was responsible for all the other symptoms he was suffering from.

He was discharged, but soon after he got another attack and was admitted to the larger Hershey Medical Center. This time, along with other symptoms, doctors noticed one more, and that was intense hair loss.

Tests for heavy metal exposure were conducted, and urine test results showed high levels of the heavy metal thallium. It is a rare occurring metal and highly toxic and carcinogenic in nature. The high level of this metal was the root cause of his symptoms. However, he suffered another cardiac arrest before treatment and went into a coma.

Roberts’s wife, Joann, made the decision to turn off the life support, and he died shortly after.

During investigations, earlier investigators considered August 1991 as the period when he got exposed to the heavy metal during his job at the university. However, study over a period of nine months showed several spikes and drops in the level of metal in his body that suggested a regular absorption much before he started working at the university. The study also showed an excessive spike a few days before he died. This was a case of intentional poisoning. Readings from his toe, fingernails, and hair from other body parts proved it.

The timeline study showed a decrease in the level of thallium when he was at work or hospital but away from home. But the level increased a few days before he died. At that time, his wife brought some food from home and was alone with him.

The suspect now was his wife. And in 1997, she confessed her crime of murdering her husband with rat poison. The primary motive behind it was to get his life insurance payment. She was sentenced to 10–20 years of imprisonment from 1996–2016.


Note: This is only a glimpse of one of a few case studies that we might cover. All case studies are subject to change as per current trends and developments, except a few famous ones from the past.

Kamna Gupta

5

It was a wonderful course. I gathered a lot of information and knowledge. The mentors were really nice and solved all my queries.

Patrick Kakuba

5

The Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology online course covered all aspects of the subject. The expert guidance we received was commendable.

Shagun

5

In-depth chemistry and toxicology insights and course delivery by skilled mentors make this course a must-do for all.

Umama Fatima Alvi

5

I feel glad to be a part of this course. The way instructors demonstrated the content with real-world examples was too good.

Vanessa Brito Pereira

5

The Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology program is a chemistry lover's dream. I feel ready to take my newly acquired knowledge further.

 

Instructors

Dr. Lalit Chandravanshi

Dr. Lalit Chandravanshi

Associate Professor
Dr. Neeti Kapoor

Dr. Neeti Kapoor

Assistant Professor (Senior Grade)
Dr. Ritesh Shukla

Dr. Ritesh Shukla

Associate Professor
Dr. Tejasvi Pandey

Dr. Tejasvi Pandey

Head of Department
Dr. Vindresh Mishra

Dr. Vindresh Mishra

Scientist ‘B’ (Toxicology) / HoD (Toxicology)
Dr. Vinny Sharma

Dr. Vinny Sharma

Assistant Professor

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Ask Your Query

Enquiries from Forensic Learners


In this course, you will learn several key chemical analysis methods used to investigate fire patterns, explosion site examination, finding adulterants in petroleum products, illicit beverage analysis, exhibit handling, and drug analysis, among several others. These techniques play a crucial role in examining substances like drugs, poisons, and other chemical evidence collected from crime scenes, thereby helping forensic experts to identify and link substances to criminal activities.

Yes, the course also covers forensic chemistry applications beyond crime-solving. You will explore areas like food safety evaluations, where techniques are used to detect harmful substances in consumer goods or environmental hazards, ensuring public health and safety. Examples may include testing for toxic chemicals in food.

Yes, you will receive a recognized e-certificate upon completing the course. This certificate validates your knowledge in forensic chemistry and toxicology, thereby significantly enhancing your career opportunities in this field. It demonstrates your knowledge in analysis techniques and forensic practices, making you a competitive candidate for roles in forensic labs, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies. To receive the certificate you need to pass an online MCQ-based exam with at least 40% score. For hard copy of the certificate, you can contact the course coordinator.

Yes, the course will explore how forensic chemists collaborate closely with police and other law enforcement agencies to solve cases. You will learn about the role of forensic chemists in criminal investigations, from collecting and analyzing chemical evidence to providing expert testimony in court. This collaboration is crucial for solving cases involving substances like drugs, poisons, or explosives.

Yes, the course includes specific case studies that highlight how forensic chemistry and toxicology have been applied in real investigations. These case studies illustrate the practical application of techniques like analyzing toxic substances, identifying unknown chemicals, and interpreting results in the context of solving crimes. This practical exposure to real-life cases will help you understand complex concepts more effectively.

Yes, recorded sessions will be provided in case you miss a live class or want to review the content again. These recordings, along with study materials, will be made accessible on the online study portal, which you can access using your login credentials. However, the content is available in view-only mode. You will have lifetime access to the portal and can revisit the lessons at your convenience.

Yes, the course includes a module that covers the legal and ethical aspects of presenting chemical and toxicological evidence in court, focusing on procedures, reliability of evidence, and expert witness testimony.

This is an online course, and there will be no virtual labs. Real life cases are discussed and theoretical knowledge is given by the experts giving a glimpse of real-world scenarios of forensic chemistry and toxicology investigations.

Practical demonstration through virtual labs is not given, but the course covers forensic chemistry’s role in crime scene investigations, including the discussion of poison detection and chemical analysis methods used in determining causes of death and contamination. There will be several case studies that will be covered by the experts, giving you a deep understanding of the practical functioning of the field.

The course covers the latest advancements in toxicology and forensic drug testing, equipping you with knowledge about modern techniques used by the experts globally for detecting toxins, drugs, and chemical substances. You will learn how these advanced methods are applied in forensic investigations to accurately identify and analyze substances, providing crucial evidence in criminal cases.

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