Forensic Science

Course details

This exciting and in-depth course can introduce you to the critical techniques and procedures involved in a number of careers in forensic science. 

Students will learn about collecting and analyzing various types of criminal evidence as well as better understand the important role science plays in today's criminal investigations.

Forensic Science Career Forecast

Learn more about a career in forensic science. 

• Continuing education is critical for all forensic specialists, and while achieving your goal may require additional training, Stratford's program can introduce you to the fundamental techniques and procedures that law enforcement agencies have come to depend on and respect. 

A Career in Forensic Science and YOU…

• Forensic scientists help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. Very often, forensic science technicians test DNA samples as well as perform tests on hair, glass, fiber and other materials to assist with crime scene investigation. 

Learning more about a career in forensic science with Stratford could lead to employment with:

• Government agencies
• State and local government
• Crime labs
• Laboratories
• And much more!

Stratford's forensic science course can help you learn how to:

• Gather and analyze various types of evidence
• Search a fire scene
• Detect and analyze drugs and alcohol
• Take fingerprints
• Prepare forensic reports 

Forensic Science Course Outline

Forensic Science Module 1

Introduction to Forensic Science

• Types, Properties, and Testing of Physical Evidence
• Introduction to Firearms and Ballistics
• Introduction to Fingerprints, Hair, and DNA Profiling
• Building a Solid Scientific Foundation
• Basic Chemistry, Physics, Electricity, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Math for Forensic Science

Forensic Science Module 2

Criminalistics

• Investigating the Crime Scene
• Investigating and Processing Physical Evidence
• Physical Properties: Forensic Characterization of Soil
• The Microscope and Forensic Identification of Hair and Fibers
• Forensic Analysis of Glass
• Fingerprints
• Questioned Documents
• Firearms

Forensic Science Module 3

More Concepts in Criminalistics

• Forensic Determination of Metals and Gunshot Residue
• Arson
• Drugs of Abuse
• Forensic Toxicology
• Biological Fluids
• DNA Typing
• Explosives
• Detecting Weapons of Mass Destruction

Forensic Science Module 4

Science and the Detective

• Science and the Fight against Crime
• Fingerprints
• Footprints and Other Vestiges
• Fragmentary Evidence and Tell-Tale Dust
• Bullets, Bombs, and Body Armor
• Electronic Ears and Eyes
• Bloodhounds Real and Synthetic

Forensic Science Module 5

Further Topics for Science and the Detective

• Testing for Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Drugging
• Poisonings
• Forgery and Fraud
• Bones and Human Remains
• Genetic Fingerprinting