Forensic Investigations
This short course in Forensic Investigations introduces students to the principles of modern scientific methods of investigations and forensic evidence. Students will generally learn about the science behind forensic investigations, the techniques, reasoning and logical inferences applied by forensic experts in court while presenting forensic evidence. Students will particularly learn about the following areas of forensic investigations: Forensic DNA profiling and Analysis; Fingerprinting; Ballistics and Firearms Examination; and Digital Forensics. They will also learn about challenges involved in the use of these forensic methods during investigations and their use in judicial processes and recent developments in the forensic discipline.
Course overview
This short course Certificate in Forensic Investigations introduces you to the principles of modern scientific methods of investigations and forensic evidence. You will learn about the science behind modern forensic investigations, the techniques, reasoning and logical inferences applied by forensic experts in court while presenting forensic evidence. You will particularly learn about the following areas of forensic investigations: Forensic DNA profiling and Analysis; Fingerprinting; Ballistics and Firearms Examination; and Digital Forensics. You will also learn about challenges involved in the use of these forensic methods during investigations and their use in judicial processes and recent developments in the forensic discipline.
Course Aims
This course aims at;
- Introducing learners to the knowledge, principles and techniques of forensic investigation methods.
- Equipping learners with knowledge and skills used in modern forensic investigations and the application of forensic evidence in criminal justice
- Bridging the knowledge and communication gap between forensic scientists, investigators and legal professionals.
- Creating awareness for the need for increased application of forensic methods in criminal justice matters.
- Stimulating debates on the influence and the changing relationship between law and technology.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth appreciation and understanding of the role that forensic science plays in modern criminal investigations.
- Demonstrate sound understanding of forensic investigation methods and forensic evidence such as DNA, Fingerprints and Ballistics and Firearms among others and the role they play in criminal courts.
- Appreciate principles,  rules  and   doctrines  applied  in   forensic criminal investigations and forensic evidence.
- Have sound working knowledge of the techniques and tools used in various forensic methods.
- Appreciate various challenges in modern forensic investigations and how they affect forensic evidence.
Language of Instruction
English
Duration: Self-paced (8 Weeks)
Whereas this course is self-paced, it is estimated that learners should complete the course within 8 weeks by completing all the readings and attempting a multiple choice exit exercise of 100 questions.
Award: Upon successfully completing the assignment and multiple choice questions, students who achieve an overall grade of 75% will be eligible for a Certificate of Completion.
Study Materials
Core Text Books:
- Saferstein, R. Criminalistics An introduction to Forensic Science.
- Anthony. J. Bertino (2009): Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations.
Canandaigua Academy High School Canandaigua, New York
- Butler, J.M. (2010). Fundamental of Forensic DNA Typing
- Introduction to Criminalistics: Jones & Bartlett
Gehl, Rod & Plecas, Darryl. (2016). Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and Thinking. New Westminster, BC: Justice Institute of British Columbia
