Forensic Investigation Course

Lesson 1 • Legal Framework for Forensic Evidence

Defines admissibility standards and expert witness obligations. Links scientific findings to courtroom requirements.

Lesson 2 • History and Scope of Criminalistics

Traces the evolution from early detection methods to modern forensic science. Contextualises the discipline's breadth within criminal justice.

Lesson 3 • Scientific Method in Forensic Contexts

Applies hypothesis-driven inquiry to evidence analysis. Grounds all subsequent laboratory and field techniques in rigorous methodology.

Lesson 1 • Scene Documentation Techniques

Teaches photography, sketching, and video documentation methods. Ensures accurate spatial and contextual records of the scene.

Lesson 2 • Chain of Custody Procedures

Establishes transfer documentation, storage requirements, and audit trails. Ensures evidence remains legally defensible from scene to courtroom.

Lesson 3 • Scene Recognition and Initial Response

Covers first-responder priorities, scene boundaries, and contamination prevention. Sets the foundation for all subsequent evidence collection.

Lesson 4 • Evidence Collection and Packaging

Details collection tools, packaging materials, and labelling standards for each evidence type. Prevents cross-contamination and preserves analytical integrity.

Lesson 1 • Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems

Explains database architecture, search algorithms, and candidate list evaluation. Integrates automated tools with manual expert review.

Lesson 2 • Fingerprint Lifting and Preservation

Teaches tape lifting, casting, and digital capture of developed prints. Ensures prints are preserved for laboratory comparison.

Lesson 3 • Fingerprint Comparison and Verification

Applies ACE-V methodology to compare latent prints against known exemplars. Introduces quality assurance through blind verification.

Lesson 4 • Fingerprint Biology and Classification

Explains ridge skin anatomy, pattern types, and the Henry classification system. Provides the biological basis for all identification work.

Lesson 1 • DNA Databases and Statistical Reporting

Explains national DNA database structure, search protocols, and statistical significance reporting. Prepares students to communicate findings in court.

Lesson 2 • DNA Fundamentals for Investigators

Explains DNA structure, inheritance, and the basis of individual variation. Provides the scientific literacy needed to evaluate laboratory reports.

Lesson 3 • STR Profiling and Interpretation

Covers PCR amplification, capillary electrophoresis, and allele designation. Teaches interpretation of single-source and mixed profiles.

Lesson 4 • Biological Evidence Identification

Covers presumptive and confirmatory tests for blood, semen, saliva, and other biological fluids. Links identification results to collection decisions.

Lesson 1 • Gunshot Residue Analysis

Covers GSR particle morphology, SEM-EDX detection, and persistence studies. Interprets positive and negative findings in shooting investigations.

Lesson 2 • Hair and Fibre Analysis

Covers microscopic examination of human and animal hair and synthetic fibres. Teaches comparison criteria and the limits of microscopic identification.

Lesson 3 • Locard's Exchange Principle Applied

Operationalises the transfer and persistence of trace materials in casework. Frames all trace evidence analysis within contact and activity reconstruction.

Lesson 4 • Glass and Paint Examination

Applies refractive index measurement and elemental analysis to glass and paint samples. Connects physical and chemical properties to source determination.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Forensic Toxicology

Defines pharmacokinetics, dose-response relationships, and postmortem redistribution. Establishes the scientific basis for interpreting drug and poison concentrations.

Lesson 2 • Poison and Toxin Investigation

Identifies heavy metals, cyanide, carbon monoxide, and natural toxins in casework. Links toxicological findings to cause and manner of death.

Lesson 3 • Biological Matrix Analysis

Covers blood, urine, hair, and vitreous humour as toxicological specimens. Addresses collection, preservation, and matrix-specific interpretation issues.

Lesson 4 • Toxicology Report Interpretation

Teaches critical reading of toxicology reports, reference range application, and expert testimony preparation. Bridges laboratory data and investigative conclusions.

Lesson 1 • Mobile Device Forensics

Addresses acquisition methods for smartphones, extraction of call logs, messages, and app data. Covers cloud-linked evidence and encryption challenges.

Lesson 2 • File System and Artifact Analysis

Examines file system structures, deleted file recovery, and metadata extraction. Reconstructs user activity from operating system artifacts.

Lesson 3 • Network and Cloud Evidence

Covers network traffic capture, log analysis, and cloud service evidence requests. Links digital artifacts to suspect identity and criminal activity.

Lesson 4 • Forensic Acquisition of Storage Media

Covers write-blocking, bit-stream imaging, and hash verification for hard drives and SSDs. Ensures forensically sound copies for analysis.

Lesson 1 • Communicating Statistical Evidence

Teaches plain-language translation of probability, likelihood ratios, and match statistics. Prevents misinterpretation by legal professionals and jurors.

Lesson 2 • Preparing for Expert Testimony

Covers qualification voir dire, direct examination structure, and cross-examination strategies. Builds confidence and credibility on the witness stand.

Lesson 3 • Ethics and Professional Standards

Addresses bias avoidance, contextual information management, and professional code compliance. Reinforces integrity as the foundation of forensic practice.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Forensic Report Writing

Defines report structure, objective language standards, and documentation requirements. Connects accurate reporting to evidence admissibility and case outcomes.