Forensic Degrees Online

I.The Department :
The changing social order and the serious trends in the nature of violence and crime have made every nation to think of designing humane system of administration of justice. In view of ever growing concern and awareness of the general public towards human rights and their protection we have to say good bye to the third degree methods of investigation. This ensures not only the positive role to be played by law enforcement agencies but also involves timely availability of expert evidence from Forensic Scientists so that justice may not be delayed. And thus, for a country like India, a huge human resource of Forensic Scientists is urgently required and the University is the most appropriate place to train the human resources with sound theoretical as well as practical background.

Moreover, the application of Forensic Science is the most appropriate solution to the problem of crime investigation and detection work.

The evidence resulting from Forensic analysis is more effective than the other type of the evidences and hence, may help in greater rate of conviction which unfortunately is every low at present.

While in the Indian context, the state of teaching was not that impressive vis a vis its global counter part, as our University was the only second University to start a full-fledged Post Graduate course in Forensic Science after Dr.H.S.Gaur University, Sagar (M.P.). Whereas in the U.S. alone there are more than 100 Universities imparting courses in Forensic Science is one from or the other at Graduate and Post Graduate level, in India we do not have many. Only a few universities are imparting courses in Criminology and Forensic Science. In this context our university is the first university to start with a Post Graduate course in Forensic Science.

Our Academic Curriculum is designed in such a way that it fits into diversified geographical conditions and our local requirements. That’s the reason why our students get adjusted with equal ease in our Forensic institutes/labs. as well as of foreign countries.

Our Faculty is well trained and recognized throughout the world as almost everyone has widely traveled to attend various international conferences, seminars and symposia, and published their research work in reputed referred journals. Some of our faculty members have also worked as visiting professor and visiting scientists in advanced laboratories of the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Our students are working in various fields of the subject in countries like USA, U.K, Nigeria and Mauritius etc.

POSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND UNIVERSITY VIS-A-VIS GLOBAL STATUS

Our university is the first in the northern region and second in our country to have started department of Forensic Science and offering Master’s and Doctoral programmes in Forensic Science.

Our Faculty is well trained and recognized throughout the world as almost every one is widely traveled to attend various international Conferences, Seminars and Symposia and published their research work in reputed referred journals. Some of our faculty members have also worked as visiting professor and visiting scientists in advance laboratories of the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Our students are working in various fields of Forensic Science in different Countries namely USA; UK; Nigeria and Mauritius.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENTS

The major opening for students of our department is no doubt all the Govt. Forensic Science laboratories and institutes where they can be employed as scientists. We can boast proudly that our students are working at high positions as Deputy Directors; Assistant Directors and Senior Scientific Officers in various central and state Forensic Science Laboratories. But with the opening of the economy and globalization process, the scope of the subjects has enhanced many folds. Now the students can be employed in diverse fields as in banking sectors and financial institutions including insurance companies.

Many of our students are successfully running their own consultancy services in various fields of Forensic Science and they appear in the courts of law as expert witness.

And of course, they can pursue their studies further by joining research and teaching in the universities.

Changes made in the courses or programmes

The curricula is continually revised & updated almost every year, depending upon the latest development in the field and keeping in mind need of the hour. Faculty has contributed a lot to these changes by designing new teaching modules, regular seminars/presentation & Lab experiments. One new specialization on Questioned Documents & Finger Prints Examination was added to curriculums.

Enhancement of the learning resources

Department is maintaining a small departmental library and a student computer lab. Faculty of the department has been provided with PCs with internet Connectivity (OFC Link).

Participation of teachers in academic activities and other than teachings and research

Teachers of the department have very frequently delivering lectures at various reputed institutions, namely Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, Panjab University, Chandigarh, National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, Delhi; Govt. Medical College, Patiala & Amity University, Noida (UP).

Collaboration with other departments and institutions at the national and international levels

Department is actively collaborating with central Forensic Science laboratory Chandigarh, Wild life institute of India, Dehradun, GEQD Shimla & State Forensic Science lab., Jaipur, Rajasthan. Seven students have been awarded Ph.D. degrees, one student has submitted Ph.D. thesis and eight students are continuing with their research work. A good number of research publications have been published as a result of collaborative programmes.

Methods of continuous student assessment

Continuous student assessment is being extensively done on the basis of weekly seminars, assignments, monthly internal assessment tests and lecture attendance.

CYBER FORENSIC LAB

The Department is in the process of establishing a CYBER FORENSIC LAB to combat cyber and computer crime.

Placement record of the past students and the contribution of the department to the student’s placement

Students of the department have been gainfully placed at central and state Forensic Science laboratories as scientific officers and scientific associates. A large numbers of students have started their own practice as private forensic consultants in the area of Questioned Documents; Finger Print Examination and other areas of Forensic Science. Most of them are doing very well.

Course Descriptions

Forensic Investigation

FSCT 7001 – Forensic Applications of Criminal Law 1: Legal Procedures: The adversarial trial process follows a well defined series of procedural steps from the opening address to the jury to sentencing. This course provides a detailed examination of the legal procedures which govern the tendering of evidence by both the prosecution and the defense with an emphasis on forensic issues. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 7002 – Criminal Law 2: Legal Evidence: Forensic evidence is subject to all the general rules related to the admissibility of evidence in the criminal trial process and is also subject to certain unique rules of scrutiny. This course examines the fundamental laws of evidence within the adversarial process and provides a context for the expert in their role as witness. Prerequisite: Admission to the program and FSCT 7001 (or equivalent).

FSCT 7004 - Business Law for Commercial Crime Investigation: The course introduces the investigator to the legal underpinnings of business transactions. The civil law of contracts, sales of goods, secured transactions and business organizations are explored, along with the legal context within which ordinary commerce occurs and which determines the existence of a possibly criminal commercial transaction. Prerequisite: Admission to the program and FSCT 7002.

FSCT 7110 - Case Management for Major Crime Investigation: This course is designed to provide the forensic investigator the concepts of case management and the application of case management methods in organizing investigative teams, planning investigative actions and analyzing evidence and intelligence. Prerequisite: Admission to the program.

FSCT 7120 – Project Management for Investigations: There are two management concepts that when applied to any endeavor – including conducting complex criminal or civil investigations – historically tend to produce very successful outcomes. These concepts, using the strength of teams and project management, each have followers on an individual basis. The focus of this course will be to expose the student to both concepts to enable them to develop and experience an organized approach of any type of investigation. Prerequisite: Admission to the program.

FSCT 7130 - Business Continuity Planning Management for Information Technology: This course is divided into five parts: (1) Concepts and processes of business continuity planning; (2) Risk assessment; (3) Business impact analysis; (4) Developing recovery scenarios and plans; and (5) Maintaining and testing plans. Students will be provided with an understanding of business continuity planning, its concepts, and its application in today’s organizations. It will equip students with the basic knowledge and skills to conduct and implement the various processes of business continuity planning, thereby positioning them to assist an organization to weather disasters and business interruptions. Prerequisites: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 7210 - Introduction to Commercial Crimes in Canada: This course provides an introduction to commercial crimes in Canada. Three main issues are considered: theory (the criminal code section and the fundamental legal principles underlying the offence); practical criteria (identifying the priority elements of proof that are required from a practical point of view) and satisfying the criteria (reviewing the usual types of evidence required to prove the offence). Primary commercial crimes considered include: fraud, theft, counterfeit currency, credit and debit card offences, internet based frauds, conspiracy and money laundering. Others, briefly introduced topics include: stock market manipulation and other securities related offences, criminal breach of trust, custom and excise offences, secret commissions, planned bankruptcy and possession of goods obtained by crime. Reference is made to various industry issues such as banking regulations as they impact on the offences being studied. In addition, 21st century issues such as the global economy, telemarketing, the cable industry and gaming are also discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 7220 - Introduction to Computer Crime Studies: This course will provide the student with an introduction to the use of computers in policing. The material will be broken down into five sections: 1. Computing fundamentals and computer history; 2. Networks, networking technologies, the Internet; 3. Security technologies, tools and techniques; 4. Computer crime, investigative techniques, forensic examination; and 5. Administrative computing in the police environment. The course will provide an overview of these areas and provide enough information to allow investigators to make intelligent decisions when confronted with computer systems, computer-based crime, proposals for new computing projects, or to assist their agencies in working with the community. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 7230 - Forensic Interviewing 1: The outcome of most investigations usually depends on the information supplied by victims, witnesses and suspects to an investigator. The amount and veracity of this information is of utmost importance. In this course, investigators learn methods and techniques available for interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects to obtain proper, informative and legal statements that will both aid in the investigation and be acceptable to the court. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 7002

FSCT 8010 – Forensic Behavioural Science: This course introduces the students the various theories and the assessment of risk for criminal and deviant behaviours. This course also covers the factors which are correlated to prediction of violent and criminal behaviour, such as genetic, physiological, psychiatric, personality, developmental history and substances abuse. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 8310 - Questioned Document Examination: This course details the requirements needed to perform a handwriting/hand printing examination and to assist investigators with the collection of handwriting evidence. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 8401 - Loss Prevention and Risk Management: This course provides students with an understanding of the importance of loss prevention as a tool to improve risk selection and loss experience. The course is designed to provide participants with knowledge of how to identify the factors that create losses, and use the information to establish a program to mitigate the frequency and severity of losses. The role of loss prevention and risk management in the corporate strategy is discussed. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8450

FSCT 8410 - Financial Crime Investigative Techniques: This course is intended for students who are interested in investigating allegations of fraud in criminal, quasi-criminal or civil arenas. Investigative techniques covered are applicable in all three arenas. Students will conduct an investigation, from beginning to end, on a case of their choosing and document their findings in a court brief. The court brief serves as the final exam. This course includes the following topics: assessing complaints, Investigation Plans, drafting financial crime allegations, witness statements, document evidence, Search Warrants / Anton Piller Orders, undercover operations, money laundering, electronic surveillance techniques and court briefs. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program head.

FSCT 8421 – Investigation of Securities Crimes: This course introduces various Criminal Code and Securities Act infractions particular to the Canadian securities markets, and to the techniques used by the financial crimes investigator to identify, investigate, and prosecute these offences. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program head.

FSCT 8430 - Tactical Analysis 1: Students in this course will focus on the various duties performed by tactical analysts in law enforcement. The students will study the 5 stages of the analysis cycle (planning, collection, collation, analysis, dissemination) and complete a variety of assignments and tasks associated to each of those stages. To complete the tasks, students will use word processing and charting software programs. The majority of the course will focus on the students’ ability to collate and analyze the information provided to them. They will then develop their analytical skills in order to effectively target and profile deviant and criminal individuals and groups. The students will use their analytical skills to develop logically sound arguments for a variety of law enforcement actions. Prerquisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8435

FSCT 8435 – Introduction to Intelligence; Theory & Practice: This course introduces students to contemporary techniques and applications of intelligence used within the enforcement, regulatory and compliance community. The subject will provide the basis for advanced study in intelligence analysis and strategic intelligence. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 8440 – Forensic Accounting 1: This course provides some basic forensic accounting tools and techniques necessary to develop and report in financial information regarding criminal investigations. General topics such as expert independence, information sources, rules of documentary evidence, and financial interviewing are covered, as well as forensic accounting approaches to investigating a number of specific criminal offences. Prerequisite: At least one post-secondary course in accounting.

FSCT 8450 – Investigation of Insurance Fraud 1: Students will learn that fraud schemes such as identity theft are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. Forensic science & technology play an increasing role in detecting, investigating and preventing fraudulent activities that potentially affect every person and every organization. While only a part of a bigger problem, this course will emphasize insurance fraud, as billion dollar industry in Canada. Traditional and scientific protocols to enhance investigative, behavioral and evidentiary matters will be introduced. Strategies will be developed to counter the effects of fraud based on the trends of our courts and society. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

FSCT 8460 – Forensic Accounting 2: Building upon investigative techniques learned in Forensic Accounting I, this course provides students with a knowledge of some specific types of commercial fraud and abuse, including asset misappropriation, falsified statements, corruption, and conflict of interest. Characteristics of each type of abuse, as well as indicators, detection, and prevention, will be covered. Specialized topics, such as anti-competitive offences, risks involved in foreign operations, due diligence requirements, and anti-money-laundering and antiterrorism legislation are also canvassed. Topics of particular interest to investigators will be the use of computers in the detection of fraud, the conduct of internal (corporate) investigations, and the remedies available to organizations that have been victimized by commercial crime. The orientation of the course will be toward those who have responsibility for the prevention, detection, and investigation of commercial crime in a corporate/private-sector context. It will be of particular interest to students who are employed, or who may be considering a career, in the private sector, in an area such as security, internal audit, quality control, or risk management. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8440

FSCT 8470 - Investigation of Insurance Fraud 2: This course provides students with an in-depth look at how investigations are used to combat fraud in the insurance industry. Students will learn how the policy of insurance responds to those insured and those whom the policy covers. We cover first and third party investigations as well as those involving internal or fidelity issues. A comprehensive look at selection and use of experts in the role of investigations and litigation. Workshops will be conducted to exercise interview, statement analysis and negotiation skills. A review of the Charter of Rights and litigation cases including the “Quida” case will be reviewed. Fire investigation overview. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8450

FSCT 8480 - Tactical Analysis 2: Students in this course will increase their skills in the analysis of deviant and criminal groups. Most of the class time is devoted to the study of a variety of social science theories (psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science) about deviant and criminal behaviour, and the corresponding supporting research. By understanding a multiple theories, the students’ mental flexibility will increase. Using this information, students will be taught how to develop persuasive inductive and deductive arguments for their clients – arguments that challenge assumptions and poorly supported decisions. To communicate these arguments to their clients, the students will learn various styles of charts and graphs. In short, students will learn how to utilize social science information to create well supported and logically sound analytical products that are easy to understand. Students will learn how to develop a solid foundation from which they can confidently make predictions and recommendations about deviant and criminal behaviour. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8430

FSCT 8485 - Operational Intelligence: This course is a continuation of FSCT 8435 and deals with advanced topics in operational intelligence and a variety of contemporary intelligence methods, intelligence products, and applied analytical techniques for use in the workplace. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8435

FSCT 8490 – Forensic Data Analysis: Forensic Data Analysis involves the examination of organizational data to identify patterns that match known fraud profiles. The patterns sought may be logical (e.g. vendors having the same mailing address as employees) and/or numerical and statistical (e.g. duplications of specific digits, digit patterns and combinations, specific numbers, and round numbers) patterns in corporate data. In addition, forensic data analysis involves the use of neural-net and other data mining technologies to gain knowledge regarding databases and to develop models for fraud detection, prediction, and prevention where known fraud patterns are lacking or obscure. Upon completing this course, students will be able to develop a fraud scenario, translate this scenario into a fraud profile, and apply appropriate detective tests to a corporate database. Students will be given the opportunity to employ proprietary computer-assisted audit software and data-mining software to practice databases for the purpose of applying their learned skills. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8460

FSCT 8491 – Fraudulent Financial Statements: Beginning with coverage of the environment in which financial statement fraud occurs, students will proceed to learn how to use financial statements and other disclosures for the purpose of assessing the quality of financial reporting and identifying potential signals of manipulation. Students will then proceed to cover more complex issues, including business combinations, executive compensation and employee benefits, and the use and misuse of derivatives and special-purpose entities. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8421 and 60% in FSCT 8490

FSCT 8495 – Asset Recovery: The recovery of misappropriated assets, or obtaining equivalent restitution, “closes the circle” of the fraud investigation process. Students who complete this course will be able to list and describe the options available for this purpose, including criminal prosecution, insurance recovery, and civil litigation; to discuss the circumstances in which each option would – and would not – be appropriate, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option; and to identify the range of professional expertise required to effect assets recovery in local, national, and transnational fact situations. Prerequisites: 60% in FSCT 8460

FSCT 8520 – Internet for Investigation: The Internet consists of about ten billion pages of information yet many investigators and analysts make only superficial use of this amazing resource. This course was designed for those who need to search more aggressively and use information more carefully than the general public. The intention of this course is to turn those who already have some computer and Internet experience into power users of the Internet and to reveal how the Internet can augment their traditional investigative methodology. It covers not only technical issues, but includes how to formulate good search strategies and mine the Invisible Web. Students develop and refine their search skills in the first half of the course. The second half introduces tools and techniques to make searchers more efficient, effective, and secure. The course concludes with a module on cybercrime. Prerequisite: Admission to a Forensics credential program or permission of the Program Head.

Crime Scene Investigation (Forensic Investigation)
School of Arts and Sciences

Why choose a career in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation?
Although forensic investigation (crime scene investigation) is a young science and profession, it is a dynamic one, its growth spurred by new technologies, increased use by law enforcement, jury expectations, and new legal requirements. Forensics-focused education is a direct response to the increased role science plays in the courtroom today and is one of the fastest-growing courses of study in colleges and universities. The study of crime scene and forensic investigation includes two key components: 1) recognizing, collecting, identifying and examining the physical evidence of a crime scene, and 2) using the principles of the natural sciences to explain and interpret such evidence in legal proceedings.

What can I study?
You’ll learn scientific methodology, divergent problem solving strategies, critical thinking, and ethics in a hands-on, problem-based setting framed by forensics. You’ll develop basic investigative skills that prepare you for entrance into a career as an investigator and/or crime scene technician.
Recognize, properly document, collect, preserve, identify and examine forensic evidence in the processing of a crime scene.
Acquire specialized skills in the crime investigation relating to drugs, homicide, sex offenses, child and elder abuse, cyber crimes, pathology, and arson.

Key features

Learn from professional forensic scientists and crime scene investigators.

On-campus crime scene house complete with CCTV monitoring.

Accredited by the Forensic Science Society (subject to confirmation).

What it’s about

The fascinating new course focuses on the scientific and analytical investigations undertaken by police forces and other agencies, both at the crime scene and in the laboratory, in their endeavours to solve criminal cases. The ‘scientific support’ functions of the UKs police forces are currently broadening their range of activities for the collection, documentation, and analysis of intelligence from both physical and witness evidence, providing many opportunities for your future.

This course is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in the Police Force, or other investigative agency, or if you have a strong interest in forensic and crime scene science.

What you do

The fascinating new course focuses on the scientific and analytical investigations undertaken by police forces and other agencies, both at the crime scene and in the laboratory, in their endeavours to solve criminal cases. The ‘scientific support’ functions of the UKs police forces are currently broadening their range of activities for the collection, documentation, and analysis of intelligence from both physical and witness evidence, providing many opportunities for your future.

This course is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in the Police Force, or other investigative agency, or if you have a strong interest in forensic and crime scene science.

Where next

Your scientific training provides opportunities in scenes of crime investigation, media and public service organisations. The investigative aspects and policing knowledge can be applied to the UK Police Service and many other law enforcement areas including; HM Customs and Excise, Post Office investigations, insurance investigators and many others.

Have you also considered?
Forensic Science and Criminology
Forensic Science
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Fact FileQualification:
BSc(Hons)
Faculty/School:
Faculty of Sciences
Location:
Stoke Campus
Course Start: September
Course Length: Normally three years full-time; up to eight years part-time.
Entry Requirements: All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. However, a typical three A-level or BTEC National Diploma offer will be 260 UCAS tariff points.
Application: Via UCAS
UCAS Code:
F412
Fees and Bursaries: See undergraduate fees and bursaries