Forensic Science degree at Punjabi University Patiala
Saturday, February 28th, 2009I.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.