Forensic Examiner Course

Lesson 1 • Legal Framework for Examiners

Covers admissibility standards, expert witness obligations, and evidentiary rules. Links scientific findings to courtroom requirements.

Lesson 2 • History and Scope of Forensics

Traces forensic science from early medico-legal practice to modern multidisciplinary examination. Provides context for the examiner's professional role.

Lesson 3 • Laboratory Safety and Compliance

Establishes hazard awareness, personal protective protocols, and regulatory compliance in forensic lab settings.

Lesson 1 • Scene Reconstruction Basics

Introduces event sequencing from physical indicators such as blood patterns, projectile paths, and contact traces.

Lesson 2 • Sketching and Mapping

Produces accurate two-dimensional and three-dimensional scene diagrams using manual and digital methods.

Lesson 3 • Evidence Recognition and Marking

Trains systematic scanning patterns to locate physical, biological, and trace evidence before collection.

Lesson 4 • Scene Recognition and Security

Identifies scene boundaries, establishes perimeters, and controls access to preserve evidence integrity from first response.

Lesson 1 • Evidence Packaging and Storage

Specifies container selection, labeling standards, and environmental storage conditions for each evidence category.

Lesson 2 • Chain of Custody Principles

Defines continuous accountability from collection through court presentation. Errors here can render evidence inadmissible.

Lesson 3 • Digital and Electronic Evidence

Introduces field protocols for seizing digital devices while preserving data integrity and avoiding spoliation.

Lesson 4 • Trace and Impression Evidence

Addresses collection of fibers, glass, soil, and impression evidence including footwear and tool marks.

Lesson 1 • Biological Fluid Identification

Applies presumptive and confirmatory tests to identify blood, semen, saliva, and other body fluids.

Lesson 2 • STR Profiling and Interpretation

Teaches short tandem repeat amplification, capillary electrophoresis, and allele calling for profile generation.

Lesson 3 • Statistical Significance of DNA Evidence

Applies population genetics and likelihood ratios to quantify the weight of a DNA match for court.

Lesson 4 • DNA Extraction and Quantification

Covers organic, Chelex, and differential extraction methods followed by quantitative PCR to assess sample quality.

Lesson 1 • ACE-V Comparison Methodology

Applies the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification process to reach defensible identification conclusions.

Lesson 2 • Latent Print Development Techniques

Covers physical, chemical, and optical methods for visualizing latent prints on porous and non-porous surfaces.

Lesson 3 • Friction Ridge Science Fundamentals

Explains the anatomy, persistence, and uniqueness of friction ridge skin as the scientific basis for fingerprint identification.

Lesson 4 • Fingerprint Court Testimony

Prepares examiners to present identification conclusions, methodology, and limitations clearly under cross-examination.

Lesson 1 • Wound Interpretation and Trauma Analysis

Distinguishes blunt, sharp, gunshot, and asphyxial injuries to determine mechanism and manner of death.

Lesson 2 • Postmortem Interval Estimation

Applies algor, livor, and rigor mortis data alongside entomological and decomposition indicators to estimate time of death.

Lesson 3 • Manner of Death Determination

Integrates scene, autopsy, and investigative data to classify deaths as natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined.

Lesson 4 • Medicolegal Death Investigation System

Describes the roles of medical examiners, coroners, and forensic investigators within the death investigation system.

Lesson 1 • Pharmacokinetics and Interpretation

Applies absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion principles to interpret drug concentrations in forensic context.

Lesson 2 • Toxicology Report Writing

Structures clear, defensible toxicology reports that translate analytical data into actionable investigative conclusions.

Lesson 3 • Toxicological Sample Collection

Specifies optimal biological matrices, collection timing, and preservation for postmortem and antemortem toxicology.

Lesson 4 • Analytical Instrumentation in Toxicology

Covers immunoassay screening and chromatographic confirmation methods used in forensic toxicology laboratories.

Lesson 1 • Digital Evidence Fundamentals

Introduces file systems, data storage structures, and metadata concepts essential for understanding digital evidence.

Lesson 2 • Forensic Acquisition Methods

Covers bit-stream imaging, logical acquisition, and cloud data collection while maintaining write-protection and verification.

Lesson 3 • Mobile Device Forensics

Addresses extraction and analysis of call records, messages, location data, and app artifacts from smartphones.

Lesson 4 • Digital Forensic Report Writing

Produces technically accurate, legally defensible reports that present digital findings to non-technical audiences.