Course details

This Diploma introduces participants to the theory surrounding criminal investigative procedures. There is a particular focus on forensic science and criminal profiling. The programme is designed for those who wish to gain foundation knowledge in and an appreciation of crime scene investigation.

Programme Aims and Objectives

Upon completion of this programme students should have acquired the skills to:

  • Recognise the importance of evidence in crime scenes including the protection, collection and recording of evidence
  • Comprehend the methods and techniques explained in tracing crimes and criminals
  • Gain some insight into the mind of the serial killer
  • Understand the approach of CSI experts and what information can be deduced from different types of evidence.

Course structure

The course is delivered in a series of informal lectures and debate on the topics is encouraged. Current high profile cases that may be before the courts are discussed. The course runs over a ten week duration, one evening per week.

Assessment

To be awarded the Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation, students will be required to complete a case study assignment (100%).

Programme Content

General Crime Scene Considerations

This area of the course introduces the student to the basic investigative procedures carried out at any Crime Scene.

Areas covered include:

  • Forensic expertise
  • History of Forensics
  • Forensics on TV, the reality?
  • Types of Crime Scenes and their characteristics
  • Basic equipment of a Crime Scene Investigator
  • Scene Recognition
  • Searching
  • Scene Documentation
  • Evidence Collection Specialised Personnel at the Crime Scene
  • First Officer
  • The Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Scientists
  • Forensic photography
  • Pathologist
  • Toxicologist
  • Document Examiner
  • Fingerprinter

Fingerprints

  • History of fingerprints
  • Anthropometry
  • Fingerprint patterns and classifications
  • Techniques for taking and reading prints
  • Automated fingerprint identification methods
  • Voice identification
  • Forensic phonetics
  • Spectrography
  • Documents and forgeries

Blood

  • Blood pattern analysis (BPA)
  • Types of spatters
  • Blood staining fro gunshots
  • Reconstructing a crime scene
  • Blood typing

DNA and Sexual Assault

  • What is DNA
  • What DNA is made from and its structure
  • The Human genome
  • DNA profiling
  • Should Ireland have a DNA database
  • Paternity testing
  • Low copy DNA, the future?
  • Sexual assault
  • Rape kit

Trace and Impression Evidence

  • Shoeprints
  • Tyre tracks
  • Tool marks
  • Locards principle
  • Analytical instruments
  • Hair
  • Fibres
  • Glass
  • Paint
  • Soil

Murder Investigation

  • Causes and mechanism of death
  • Four manners of death
  • Murder or manslaughter
  • Forensic pathology
  • Forensic Autopsy

Identifying a body

  • Skeletal remains
  • Estimating time of death
  • Types of wound and injuries

Firearms and Arson

  • Handguns, rifles and shotguns
  • Types of bullets
  • Calibre and gauge
  • Rifling and striations
  • Gunshot residue (GSR)
  • Why commit arson
  • How to start a fire
  • Accelerants
  • Asphyxia
  • Explosives

Criminal Psychology

  • Clinical versus forensic psychology
  • Testing a suspect
  • Recognising a liar
  • Eyewitnesses and false confessions
  • Defining insanity
  • Serial offenders
  • Offender profiling
  • Trophies, modus operandi and signature
  • Victimology

Drugs and Toxicology

  • Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, 1984
  • The Irish court system
  • Classification of drugs
  • Toxicology and poisons
  • Forensic toxicologist
  • Alcohol

Overview and Infamous Cases

  • OJ Simpson versus forensic science
Updated on 08 November, 2015

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