technifyed

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore via Coursera

Introduction to Forensic Science

4.92,851 ratings at Coursera

Overview

This course explains the scientific principles and techniques behind forensic science, moving beyond popular media portrayals. It uses case studies from around the world to illustrate real-world applications.

This course is for anyone interested in the scientific methods used in criminal and non-criminal investigations, including students considering careers in science, law enforcement, or related fields. No prior forensic science background is required, but a basic understanding of science is helpful.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Understand the scientific foundations of forensic investigations.

- Identify and analyze various types of physical evidence.

- Explain the role of chemistry and biology in forensic analysis.

- Interpret forensic findings using real-world case examples.

Learners will gain familiarity with analytical techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy, commonly used in forensic laboratories.

*For Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students, please be noted that this course will no longer be eligible for credit transfer.

Syllabus 8

  1. Introduction to Forensic Science 3.5 hours

    This module examines the broad range of Forensic Science and situates the discipline within its legal framework. Foundational ideas such as Association and Reconstruction are reviewed, the crucial Locard Exchange Principle is explained in detail, and the potential limits of Forensic Science are con…

  2. Chemical Analysis in Forensic Science 2 hours

    This module covers the principles of chemical analysis in forensic science. You will learn the link between atomic structure and spectroscopic methods for elemental composition, understanding why these techniques are reliable. You will then apply these principles to molecular compounds, learning es…

  3. Time of Death and Blood Evidence 2.5 hours

    In this module, you will investigate two critical areas of forensic analysis. First, you will examine the post-mortem changes the body and its remains undergo over time scales ranging from minutes to centuries, which are essential for determining the time of death. The focus will then shift to the…

  4. DNA in Forensics 3.5 hours

    In this module, you will explore the pivotal role of DNA, an essential and ubiquitous tool in modern forensic science. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental nature of DNA and how its analysis is employed in a variety of contexts. Through a series of key topics, you will inv…

  5. Fingerprinting; Polymers & Fibres; Firearms 2.5 hours

    In this comprehensive module, you will investigate the forensic analysis of three distinct categories of physical evidence. You will begin with fingerprinting, exploring its history, composition, methods of visualization, and classification systems, while also addressing the potential for forgery.…

  6. Narcotics 3.5 hours

    In this module, you will conduct a comprehensive examination of narcotics, beginning with their classification into natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic types. You will investigate the use and effects of a range of prominent illegal drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, opium, heroin, morphine, LSD…

  7. Toxicology 3 hours

    In this module, you will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the field of toxicology, examining different types of poisons and their effects on the human body. You will analyze their modes of action and routes of administration, and you will learn to apply the concept of LD50 as a critical m…

  8. Forensic Science Case Studies 1.5 hours

    In this capstone module, you will synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course by analyzing a curated collection of real-world case studies. These cases serve a dual purpose: they will not only reinforce the key forensic concepts and techniques you have learned, but also intro…

Skills you'll practise

ChemistryCritical ThinkingAnalysisBiology

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

  • Structured courses with graded quizzes, assignments and deadlines you can reset.
  • A shareable certificate from the university or company when you pay.
  • Financial aid is often approved for students in India (apply 15 days before you need it).
  • Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 2,851 learners.
  • Self-paced: start any time.
  • A clear syllabus (8 parts) you can see before you start.
  • Hands-on: you build or practise, not just watch.

Disadvantages

  • Paid after a 7-day free trial (Coursera Plus or per course).
  • Some courses can be audited for free, but graded work and certificates need payment.

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

This course is paid. Here is how to take it for free

  • Free trials: You can start a 7-day free trial for many individual courses, Specializations, or a Coursera Plus subscription to test full course features. Cancel before the seventh day if you do not want to be charged.
  • Financial aid: If you cannot afford the fee for a certificate, you can apply for financial aid through the link on the course home page by filling out an application about your background and goals.

Taught by

  • Roderick BatesAssociate Professor, Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry | School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Similar courses

Compare these

Massachusetts Institute of Technology · YouTube

MIT 6.01SC Introduction to EECS I

Instructor: Dennis Freeman, Kendra Pugh This course provides an integrated introduction to electrical engineering and computer science, including modern software engineering, linear systems analysis, electronic circuits, and decision-making. The lecture videos provide an overview of each topic, whi…

Free video27 videos, 17 hours

Stanford University · YouTube

CS329A Self-Improving AI Agents

This playlist contains video recordings of Stanford's graduate-level CS329A course. It covers the latest techniques and applications of AI agents that can continuously improve themselves through interaction with themselves and the environment. The lecture recordings start with self-improvement tech…

Free video9 videos, 11 hours

Harvard University · YouTube

Large Language Models and The End of Programming - CS50 Tech Talk with Dr. Matt Welsh

The field of Computer Science is headed for a major upheaval with the rise of large AI models, such as ChatGPT, that are capable of performing general-purpose reasoning and problem solving. We are headed for a future in which it will no longer be necessary to write computer programs. Rather, I beli…

Free video1 hour

Harvard University · edX

Justice

4.8354 ratings

This introduction to moral and political philosophy is one of the most popular courses taught at Harvard College.

Free to audit

Massachusetts Institute of Technology · YouTube

MIT 14.01SC Principles of Microeconomics

Instructor: Jon Gruber, 14.01 students View the complete course: http://ocw.mit.edu/14-01SCF10 This course includes a full set of lecture videos and a selection of problem solving videos. In the lecture videos, Professor Jonathan Gruber covers the principles of microeconomics conceptually, mathemat…

Free video38 videos, 23 hours

Yale University · YouTube

Fundamentals of Physics with Ramamurti Shankar

This course provides a thorough introduction to the principles and methods of physics for students who have good preparation in physics and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and quantitative reasoning. This course covers Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, gravitation, thermod…

Free video24 videos, 29 hours

Enter your email and the official page opens. Phone is optional.