Course Introduction

FSP 204 : Forensic Engineering

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

Forensic Engineering basically deals with the investigation of products, materials, structures and components that either fail or function inappropriately causing huge loss to person(s) and property. The outcome of the disaster caused is dealt by the law. This field also handles the reviewing techniques and methods involved in the accidental cases of vehicles and machinery. Under this topic, students will be taught as how to handle vehicular or mechanical accidents, and the methodology involved to locate the cause(s) leading to such destructive faults.


This subject is applied most commonly in civil laws, but it may be of great use in criminal laws as well. The task of a Forensic Engineer is to collect the evidences and the other related facts, determine the cause that may have led to the destruction and lastly, yet one of the most important is to assist the court in proper findings related to the accident for a justified trial.


Other than, vehicles and machines, any case involving the accidental collapse of bridge, railway track, huge buildings or any such infrastructure are to be considered under this science. Just like any other Forensic-related branch, a sequential order of investigating and collecting data linked to the products, components, materials and structures is of great help in aiding and resolving cases pertaining to Forensic Engineering.


A student undertaking this subject should bear immense technical and investigative skills, as a blend of these two qualities only can lead to a positive outcome.

  • Level I : Forensic Engineering

    MODULE 1 – FORENSIC ENGINEERING

    The application of the science and art of engineering in matters which are related to the justice system, comprehensive of substitute dispute resolution is called forensic engineering. The module description includes the introduction to forensic engineering, role and duties of engineer, qualification to be an expert, ethical and professional responsibilities assigned to them. 

    MODULE 2 – STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

    Structural Analysis deals with the investigation of failures or damages in the structures of the buildings, dams, etc. which have significantly lead to huge loss of lives and property. This module will cover the factors responsible for the structural distress, types of loads, laws and principles applied by the expert, strength and mechanism of material applied and its analysis.

    MODULE 3 – VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS

    Vehicular accidents are the common type of cases in India and other countries. The issues in contesting motorized accidents involve speeds, airbag disposition, seatbelt usage, failure vehicle components, visibility etc. Module will introduce you to introduction, falls, skid marks and impacts and crush energy dissipation.

    MODULE 4 – THE CLASSICAL SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO ACCIDENT’S RECONSTRUCTION

    Application of the classical scientific method to accidents reconstruction define in a structured manner such as definition of terms, origin and development of the scientific method, scientific methods applied to accident, reconstruction, shortcomings and the legal system.

    MODULE 5 – PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

    Photographic documentation plays a vital role in the investigation of accidental cases. Photographic documentation of accident- damaged vehicles will describe you to accident documentation, choice of camera, items to photograph, accident scene and analysis and verification of photograph.

    MODULE 6 – VEHICLE LAMP DAMAGE

    Vehicle lamp damage is a crucial step of the investigation procedure. This module will explain you to the on/off light issue of the lamp, filament material used, its oxidation, brittleness and ductility. Melted glass and other applications will also be dealt.

    MODULE 7 – VIBRATION AND BLAST DAMAGE

    Vibrations from nearby blasting damage are usually transmitted by ground or by air. It will introduce you to the ground vibrations, pre-blast surveys, blast monitoring, post-blast surveys and heavy equipment vibrations.

    MODULE 8 – EXPLOSIONS

    Introduction to explosions and basic parameters includes the fundamentals of explosions, basic parameters, determination of point of ignition and energy consideration.

  • Level II : Forensic Engineering

    MODULE 1 – FORENSIC ENGINEERING

    The application of the science and art of engineering in matters which are related to the justice system, comprehensive of substitute dispute resolution is called forensic engineering. The module description includes the introduction to forensic engineering, role and duties of engineer, qualification to be an expert, ethical and professional responsibilities assigned to them.

    MODULE 2 – STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

    Structural Analysis deals with the investigation of failures or damages in the structures of the buildings, dams, etc. which have significantly lead to huge loss of lives and property. This module will cover the factors responsible for the structural distress, types of loads, laws and principles applied by the expert, strength and mechanism of material applied and its analysis.

    MODULE 3 – VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS

    Vehicular accidents are the common type of cases in India and other countries. The issues in contesting motorized accidents involve speeds, airbag disposition, seatbelt usage, failure vehicle components, visibility etc. Module will introduce you to introduction, falls, skid marks and impacts and crush energy dissipation.

    MODULE 4 – THE CLASSICAL SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO ACCIDENT’S RECONSTRUCTION

    Application of the classical scientific method to accidents reconstruction define in a structured manner such as definition of terms, origin and development of the scientific method, scientific methods applied to accident, reconstruction, shortcomings and the legal system.

    MODULE 5 – PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

    Photographic documentation plays a vital role in the investigation of accidental cases. Photographic documentation of accident- damaged vehicles will describe you to accident documentation, choice of camera, items to photograph, accident scene and analysis and verification of photograph.

    MODULE 6 – VEHICLE LAMP DAMAGE

    Vehicle lamp damage is a crucial step of the investigation procedure. This module will explain you to the on/off light issue of the lamp, filament material used, its oxidation, brittleness and ductility. Melted glass and other applications will also be dealt.

    MODULE 7 – VIBRATION AND BLAST DAMAGE

    Vibrations from nearby blasting damage are usually transmitted by ground or by air. It will introduce you to the ground vibrations, pre-blast surveys, blast monitoring, post-blast surveys and heavy equipment vibrations.

    MODULE 8 – EXPLOSIONS

    Introduction to explosions and basic parameters includes the fundamentals of explosions, basic parameters, determination of point of ignition and energy consideration.

    MODULE 9 – FIRE AND ITS BEHAVIOR

    Chemical reaction present a very substantial threat due to their potential to generate fires. This module explains the fire and ignition energy sources, types of fire, initial reconnoiter the low point, fall down, centroid method, fire spread, sequential analysis, ignition energy source and combination of methods.

    MODULE 10 – MACHINERY GUARDING

    Machine guarding accidents cause various accidents and mortalities every year, in spite of the availability of modern safety machinery. It will introduce you to the principle and basics of machinery guarding like- direct barrier, protective clothing, safety devices, guarding by location, employers responsibilities and manufacturer responsibilities.

    MODULE 11 – EARTH MOVEMENT

    Blasting and earth movement introduces with the fundamental factors of soil behavior, techniques of surface investigations, direct measurement of consistency and relative density, interpretation of water content of soils, landslide, mudflow, erosion and sedimentation, modes of erosion, processes of sedimentation, identification of rocks, subsidence, earthquakes, blasting damage and wave pressure.

    MODULE 12 – THE ENGINEER AND EXPERT WITNESS

    Reporting the results of investigative engineering and the expert witness comprises the adversarial nature of our legal system, incomplete information, Sample schedule of events in a litigated dispute, the trial, Strategies used to discredit engineers, notes about Lawyers and engineers.

  • Level III : Forensic Engineering

    MODULE 1 – FORENSIC ENGINEERING

    The application of the science and art of engineering in matters which are related to the justice system, comprehensive of substitute dispute resolution is called forensic engineering. The module description includes the introduction to forensic engineering, role and duties of engineer, qualification to be an expert, ethical and professional responsibilities assigned to them.

    MODULE 2 – STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

    Structural Analysis deals with the investigation of failures or damages in the structures of the buildings, dams, etc. which have significantly lead to huge loss of lives and property. This module will cover the factors responsible for the structural distress, types of loads, laws and principles applied by the expert, strength and mechanism of material applied and its analysis.

    MODULE 3 – VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS

    Vehicular accidents are the common type of cases in India and other countries. The issues in contesting motorized accidents involve speeds, airbag disposition, seatbelt usage, failure vehicle components, visibility etc. Module will introduce you to introduction, falls, skid marks and impacts and crush energy dissipation.

    MODULE 4 – VEHICLE ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION

    Vehicular accidents reconstruction is the scientific procedure of examining, investigating, and illustration, conclusions about the accidental events during a vehicle crash. Module structure covers the vehicle accidents reconstruction using basic energy analysis techniques, limitation of some evaluation techniques, advantages of the energy method, the fundamental principle of the energy method, kinetic energy, friction energy dissipation, changes in elevation, energy dissipation by crushing, energy dissipation by rollovers or flips and future accidents reconstruction problems.

    MODULE 5 – THE CLASSICAL SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO ACCIDENT’S RECONSTRUCTION

    Application of the classical scientific method to accidents reconstruction define in a structured manner such as definition of terms, origin and development of the scientific method, scientific methods applied to accident, reconstruction, shortcomings and the legal system.

    MODULE 6 – PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

    Photographic documentation plays a vital role in the investigation of accidental cases. Photographic documentation of accident- damaged vehicles will describe you to accident documentation, choice of camera, items to photograph, accident scene and analysis and verification of photograph.

    MODULE 7 – VEHICLE LAMP DAMAGE

    Vehicle lamp damage is a crucial step of the investigation procedure. This module will explain you to the on/off light issue of the lamp, filament material used, its oxidation, brittleness and ductility. Melted glass and other applications will also be dealt.

    MODULE 8 – STORM LIGHTNING DAMAGE

    Storm lightning damaging is also the part of the investigation process. The facts of lightning damage will describe you to the lightning damage, verifying lightning, two-board shell game, reducing and lightning risks.

    MODULE 9 – VIBRATION AND BLAST DAMAGE

    Vibrations from nearby blasting damage are usually transmitted by ground or by air. It will introduce you to the ground vibrations, pre-blast surveys, blast monitoring, post-blast surveys and heavy equipment vibrations.

    MODULE 10 – EXPLOSIONS

    Introduction to explosions and basic parameters includes the fundamentals of explosions, basic parameters, determination of point of ignition and energy consideration.

    MODULE 11 – COMBUSTION

    "The act of burning," is called combustion. For example, combustion of fallen leaves and trees that are not quenched immediately, can consequence in a forest fire. Module will introduce you to introduction, the combustion process, acid production, carbon monoxide, duel fuel furnaces and over pressurization.

    MODULE 12 – FIRE AND ITS BEHAVIOR

    Chemical reaction present a very substantial threat due to their potential to generate fires. This module explains the fire and ignition energy sources, types of fire, initial reconnoiter the low point, fall down, centroid method, fire spread, sequential analysis, ignition energy source and combination of methods.

    MODULE 13 – ARSON

    It is the analysis of fire connected incidents. Module would be introducing you to the basic problem facing the arsonist, usual physical characteristics of an arson fire, secondary characteristics, arsonist profile, and chemical analysis.

    MODULE 14 – ELECTRICAL SHORTING

    Electrical shorting is a part of forensic engineering, and is anxious with investigating electrical failures in a legal context. Module including the symptoms of shorting, primary vs. secondary shorting, short circuits, beading, and fusing.

    MODULE 15 – HAIL DAMAGE

    The harshness of hail damage to residential and other roofs depends on some limitations including the age, material, roof slope, the roofing assembly etc. The module would be introducing you to the hail and hailstorm frequency, hail form, size range, hailstorm frequency and hail causes damage.

    MODULE 16 – DROUGHT

    In context of forensic engineering, geotechnical engineers examine the soil, rock and their physical and chemical properties and advise to design engineers of the effects of these properties on buildings and structures. In this course module, you will acquaint with Introduction to drought, effects of drought, soil properties, the atterberg limits and differential settlements.

    MODULE 17 – SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS

    It is defined as basic concept of slip and fall accidents, statistical background, coefficient of friction, measuring COF, standards for floors and floors and shoe coatings.

    MODULE 18 – WATER PIPE FREEZE UPS

    Water pipes freeze ups when routed through unheated spaces, for instance in a peripheral wall etc. It contains the common scenario of water pipe freeze ups, ice versus water, pipe stresses, fracturing in steps, pipe ends and freeze up priority.

    MODULE 19 – MACHINERY GUARDING

    Machine guarding accidents cause various accidents and mortalities every year, in spite of the availability of modern safety machinery. It will introduce you to the principle and basics of machinery guarding like- direct barrier, protective clothing, safety devices, guarding by location, employers responsibilities and manufacturer responsibilities.

    MODULE 20 – EARTH MOVEMENT

    Blasting and earth movement introduces with the fundamental factors of soil behavior, techniques of surface investigations, direct measurement of consistency and relative density, interpretation of water content of soils, landslide, mudflow, erosion and sedimentation, modes of erosion, processes of sedimentation, identification of rocks, subsidence, earthquakes, blasting damage and wave pressure.

    MODULE 21 – THE ENGINEER AND EXPERT WITNESS

    Reporting the results of investigative engineering and the expert witness comprises the Adversarial nature of our legal system, Incomplete information, Sample schedule of events in a litigated dispute, The trial, Strategies used to discredit engineers, notes about Lawyers and engineers.

  • What is Forensic Engineering?

    Forensic Engineering is defined as the application of engineering skills and techniques for the legal purpose, in order to resolve cases related to the destruction caused by huge infrastructures to the person and property.

  • How can I become a Forensic Engineer?

    The course enrolled learners will be given a basic as well as expertise view of applying the existing engineering knowledge into the field of forensic and see what is invisible to the layman eyes. The course will groom the learner through thorough help of the instructor and along with some training that would mold them into an Expert. 

  • What are the responsibilities of a Forensic Engineer?

    As a Forensic Engineer, he/she has to know how to handle vehicular or mechanical accidents, and the methodology involved to locate the cause(s) leading to such destructive faults. This essentially involves application of engineering knowledge into forensic thinking. 

  • What are the scope and the opportunistic aspects of the course?

    The learners of the profile are open to opportunities from various sub disciples of forensic. One can work as a Forensic Engineer in their respective fields by his/her technical skills and expertise.

  • Where can I contact in case of any queries?

    You can write to us at education@sifs.in or call us at +91-1147074263 or WhatsApp us +91-7303913002 or +91-7303913003.

Two Vehicle Collision

As a sedan was making a left turn into a driveway from a two-lane road, it was broad sided by an oncoming van, injuring the car's driver. Technology Associates performed a complete accident reconstruction and found that the initial speed of the van was at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit. Therefore, it was successfully demonstrated to the jury that although the Honda had turned in front of the van, the van's excessive speed was the primary cause of the accident.

Vehicle Speed Over-estimation by Police

A young man was driving his vehicle on a town road when he lost control and crashed into a tree on the opposite side of the road, killing his passenger. The investigation when carried out, found errors in the police sketches and calculations. The police had included an extra 100 ft. of skid marks, which could not have been produced by this vehicle because it was equipped with an ABS. Thus, the investigators were able to show he was only traveling 35 mph rather than 65 mph and lost control due to a medical condition.

Aayushi Shukla

4

It was a satisfactory online course. Being newbie in this field, it was a very informative course for me. I'm really glad that I enrolled into this course. Thank you so much SIFS.

Poonam Rambhau Game

4

The course was really informative and I enjoyed it a lot.

Vaishnavi Borse

5

The online course was very well mannered. The efforts shown by SIFs team was great. Hats off to SIFS. The team have managed both the platform i.e. online and offline very well. I have gained lots of knowledge from this course. 

Harshika Gautam

5

SIFS has taken a great initiative of teaching online and is putting so much efforts in creating such informative and interesting courses for the students.

Vibhuti Gupta

5

Thankyou SIFS INDIA.. I learned a lot from online course that you provided us... It's a great platform for us to learn.. Thank you so much..I am fortunate that I have opted for this.

 

Instructors

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Managing Director
Kelvin Agimogim

Kelvin Agimogim

Medical Laboratory Scientist
Neha Jain

Neha Jain

Senior Scientific Officer

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