SEC- : Basic Forensic science: crime scene investigation and evidence collection
CREDIT DISTRIBUTION, ELIGIBILITY, AND PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE
Course Credits Credit distribution of the course Eligibility Pre-requisite
title & Lecture Tutorial Practical/ criteria of the course
Code Practice (if any)
Basic 2 2 Class XII -
Forensic
science
Learning Objectives
Forensic science is an essential part of the criminal and civil justice system. Forensic
scientists collect and analyze evidences from crime scene and elsewhere. The
objective of this analysis is to provide data that can assist in criminal or civil
investigation, so that prosecution of suspects of the crime is done or an innocent
person is cleared off the crime beyond any reasonable doubt. The specific objectives
of this course are as follows:
To provide an understanding of the sanctity of crime scene
To understand collection and preservation of forensic evidence.
Learning outcomes
The Learning Outcomes of this course are as follows:
Comprehend the developments in the field of forensic sciences; learn to
observe a crime scene for identification of relevant evidences and samples
for forensic analysis.
Understand the importance of collection, packaging and preservation of
samples to ensure reliability of data generated.
Skill development and job opportunities
After completion of this course students would obtain the training in
collection, documentation, and analysis of physical evidences. They will be
encouraged to do short internships in police station, forensic laboratories
and research institutes.
The students will also able to take a job in a forensic laboratories or police
station even after completing a one-year course as they are able to
collection, preservation and documentation of evidence, drawing a crime
scene and doing preliminary analysis at crime scene.
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SYLLABUS OF SEC-
Unit 1: Basic Forensic 1 week
Introduction, need, scope and Significance of forensic science, History, laws and basic
principles of forensic science. Branches of forensic science. Organizational set up of
forensic science laboratories.
Practical Exercise
Understanding a crime using case studies.
Unit 2: Crime scene investigation 6 weeks
Definition, Identification, Mapping, and preservation of a crime scene, Classification in
a crime scene.Precautions to ensure credibility of a crime scene. Investigative
strategies and eye witness report.
Practical exercises:
Drawing a crime scene.
Drawing and mapping a crime scene of an unusual case (fire, blast, water)
Case studies in different indoor and outdoor primary and secondary crime
scenes
Documenting and reconstructing a crime scene.
Virtual exercise / field trip to a crime scene
Unit 3: Forensic evidences 8 weeks
Definition of a forensic evidence. Classification based on legal and forensic value
Understanding chain of custody. Collection, Preservation, Packaging, and Labeling of
chemical, physical evidence and biological evidence (blood, semen and other
biological fluids, hair, fibers and fabrics, pollen) for forensic investigation.
Practical exercises:
Collection and preservation of a fresh and dried body fluid sample
Collection of tissues post mortem.
Collection of a trace evidence like hair, fiber and pollenfrom crime scene and
during autopsy
Collection and preservation of a soil sample from crime scene and during
autopsy
Collection of a hand or foot print, tyre-print, fingerprint
Collection and preservation of evidence for chemical/ballistic analysis.
Essential/ recommended readings
James, S.H., Nordby, J.J. & Bell, S. (2014). Forensic Science: An Introduction to
Scientific and Investigative Techniques, Fourth Edition: Taylor & Francis. ISBN
9781439853832
Jones, P., & Williams, R.E. (2009). Crime Scene Processing and Laboratory
Workbook First Edition: CRC Press. ISBN 9780429249976
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Saferstein, R. (2018). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Twelfth
edition: Pearson Education. ISBN 10:0134477596, ISBN 13: 9780134477596
Lee, H., Palmbach, T. & Miller, M. (2001). Henry Lee's crime scene handbook,
First Edition: Academic Press ISBN 9780080507989
Parikh, C.K. (2016). Parikh's textbook of medical jurisprudence, forensic
medicine and toxicology: for classrooms and courtrooms, Seventh Edition: CBS
Publishers and Distributors. ISBN 9788123926469
Note: Learners are advised to use the latest edition of readings.
Examination scheme and mode:
Total Marks: 50
Internal Assessment: 25 marks
Practical Exam (Internal): 25 marks
The Internal Assessment for the course may include Class participation,
Assignments, Class tests, Projects, Field Work, Presentations, amongst others as
decided by the faculty.
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