MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
This course module will acquaint you with the Fundamentals, History, Basic Principles, and Significances of Forensic Science, Institutional structures, Government and Private Laboratories, Role, and Uses of this Science in Criminal Justice System. It includes the chain of custody i.e. the collection, preservation, inspection, evaluation, and report writing of evidence. This field includes various subfields. The first section introduces you to the diversity of Forensic Science in its legal context.
MODULE 2 – CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION AND MANAGEMENT
In this module crime scene investigation and management, the first part will introduce you to the definition and types of crime, followed by role of Crime Scene Investigator, importance of Locard’s Exchange Principle, and types of crime scene such as Indoor Crime Scene and Outdoor Crime Scene. Another section of this module will be mentioning the types of evidence; Fragile or Transient Evidence and Solid or Tangible Evidence and the Physical Evidence Searching Methods like Spiral Search, Grid Search, Strip Search, Zone Search, etc. followed by Crime Scene Reconstruction.
MODULE 3 – PHYSICAL EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION
This module will introduce you to modern methods of the investigation of the Crime Scene and the searching methods of the physical evidence with definition, types, and their significances. The topic will include Collection, Preservation, Packaging, and Forwarding of different types of evidence to the Laboratories further examination. This course is designed to instruct you on multiple real case studies.
MODULE 4 – FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
This module would introduce you to the definition, history, development, and basic patterns of fingerprints and their subclasses. In addition, you will be acquainted with the nature of fingerprints at the scene of crime which may be latent, visible, or plastic in nature. Fingerprints are classified in several classifications such as Henry System/ Ten Digit Classification which will be elaborated in this module along with the procedural methods of the development and lifting of the fingerprints.
MODULE 5 – QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
In this module, you will be taught about the documents, their nature, problems, and examination. The fundamentals of handwriting verification, examination, and signature verification are introduced to the students along with the practical sessions on the common types of cases that we encounter on a general basis. This module will enable the students to differentiate very precisely between genuine writing and signature, to a forged one.
MODULE 6 – COMPUTER AND CYBER CRIME
The use of computers in almost all the areas of society has provided the criminals an opportunity to use computers as the easiest and accessible way to commit serious crimes, such as pornography, phishing scams, identity theft and so. Therefore, this course will provide the students with a platform to have a close look at the types of common cybercrimes and the techniques to cope with them by strengthening one’s social security.
MODULE 7 – FORENSIC BIOLOGY
Forensic Biology, as the name itself clarifies is related to Biology. Forensic Biology, in general deals with the proper examination of biological fluids, encountered at a specific crime scene. The biological fluid generally spotted are - blood, urine, semen, saliva, and vaginal fluids. After the packaging and processing of the evidence to the laboratory are done, then start their scientific analysis to ensure the authenticity of the evidence and their possible source.
MODULE 8 – CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
The module familiarizes you to understand the Fundamentals of Criminal Behavior, which is defined under topics as Modus Operandi, Criminal Profiling, Portrait Parley, Polygraph, Narco-analysis, Brain Fingerprinting, Voice Stress Analysis, and Speaker Profiling.
MODULE 9 – FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
This module explains all about Forensic Toxicology. In this module, the student will be taught about the toxins/ poisons, its definition, classifications, common types of poisons which are frequently found. Every poison has a striking feature of targeting a specific organ. Thus, this course will also include the poisons, their general characteristics, the toxic principle involved, their action of mechanism, the associated signs and symptoms, the post-mortem appearances, and their medico-legal aspects. This course would enable the students to have a close look at the poisons and their concerns.
MODULE 10 – FORENSIC PHYSICS
In this module, the characteristics of glass, paint, soil, and fiber are defined by which the relation between criminal and crime scene can be established. This module also contains a detailed description of tool mark and its chemical methodology for the restoration of the obliterated marks. These type of evidence represents crimes like robbery, burglary, vehicular accidents, etc.
MODULE 11 – FORENSIC BALLISTICS
This module will make you understand the science behind the firearms. Firearms have become a very conventional mode for the criminals in committing the crime. Thus, this module will introduce the students to the science of ballistics, its types, and definition of a firearm as per law, types of firearm, bullets, and related information.
MODULE 12 – FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography plays a very significant part in Forensics. Every crime scene is unique and fragile in nature, therefore it needs to be preserved for further legal proceedings. In this module, you will be guided on how photography is of great importance in Forensics. You will practically be shown how to photograph a crime scene, how to cover each and every minute detail, how to picture the evidence without altering their position, and the techniques involved in photographing a scene of crime.
MODULE 13 – FORENSIC SEROLOGY
Forensic Serology includes the properties and reactions of serums, especially blood serum. Often in a crime scene, blood and other body fluids are present and can be tested to identify a suspect or victim if either is unknown. The secrets of the body are written in the blood; a single drop of blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Bloodstain patterns at a crime scene can help sometimes yield important clues such as the type and velocity of the weapon, the number of blows, the handedness of assailant, position and movements of the victim, order of inflicted wounds, types of injuries, estimation of when the crime was committed, and whether the death was immediate or delayed. This module also comprises the examination of other body fluids like semen, saliva, urine, vomit, tears, faecal matter, vaginal fluid, and sweat.
MODULE 14 – DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE
This module deals with the introduction of the drug and alcohol abuse with their developmental history. It also covers the classification and identification of various types of drugs. The use of alcohol as abuse is also a vital role in the criminal investigation and the alcohol intoxication triggers the number of crime done by an individual. The collection and preservation of alcohol are done by various instrumental technique and hence further analysis can be applied. This module also includes topics like breath analyzer and blood alcohol concentration.
MODULE 15 – FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
Forensic Psychology is a combination of Forensic and Psychology. This course would familiarize the students with criminal behavior, by allowing them to analyze the myriad aspects related to a criminal including family background, childhood, and such other similar factors. These factors would enable the students to work on Criminal Profiling, which would lead to a better way of understanding the crime and the mind-set of the criminal who committed it.
MODULE 16 – FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Forensic Anthropology is a branch of a vast science called, Anthropology. Anthropology is all about the study of the human race. In Forensic Anthropology, students will be taught as to what kind of cases are involved in it. The determination of sex, race, and age from the skeletal remains is the most atypical point of this science. The differentiation between ante-mortem and post-mortem injuries is also an important topic included in the module.
MODULE 17 – FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY
Time since death is a topic of great concern when it comes to Criminal Investigation Techniques. Forensic Entomology is a subject which deals with various factors as what maggots or insects arrived at a crime scene, at what stage of their life-cycle can they be found. A close examination and observation of the maggot’s life cycle help in assessing the time since death, which would precisely help the investigators in estimating the time when the particular crime took place. This is due to this science why insects are considered a factor of great help to the investigating team.
MODULE 18 – FORENSIC MEDICINE
Forensic Medicine is all about the application of medical science for the purpose of law. The important topics covered in this module would be death, the various related factors, post-mortem/ autopsy, its significance and utility in a criminal investigation, wounds, and their medico-legal aspects. A visit to autopsy would also be conducted as a part of practical curriculum
MODULE 19 – WILDLIFE FORENSIC
Wildlife Forensic, as the name itself defines is all about the application of the science and techniques of forensics for the conservation of fauna. This course would help the students in initiating steps towards wildlife conservation by preventing domestic poaching and illegal animal trading.
MODULE 20 – FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY
This module tells about the application of dental science for the purpose of law. The application of Forensic Odontology or Forensic Dentistry generally deals with the cases as, violent physical and sexual assaults. The role of bite-mark analysis is of utmost importance, in the cases pertaining to the Forensic Dentistry. Just as fingerprints, dental impressions are also unique to every individual. Thus, this science leads to be a primary requisite during the criminal investigation of cases related to rape or sexual assaults.
MODULE 21 – ARSON & EXPLOSIVE
This module familiarized the student with the detailed knowledge of intentional fire i.e. arson and explosive. The entire module deals with the identification and causes of occurrence of these incidents and the presence of their evidence. The explosives cover the investigation of the bombing scenes of both pre and post scene investigation. This module also covers the improvised explosive devices and their forensic examination.
