Semester-wise Syllabus for MSc in Forensic Science

Semester 1: Foundations of Forensic Science

1. Introduction to Forensic Science

   • History, branches, and role in criminal justice.

2. Forensic Biology & Serology

   • Bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA profiling, body fluid identification.

3. Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology

   • Drug analysis, poison detection, GLC/MS techniques.

4. Criminal Law & Ethics

   • IPC, CrPC, expert witness testimony, forensic ethics.

5. Forensic Physics

   • Ballistics, tool marks, glass/fiber analysis.

6. Practical Lab Work

   • Blood typing, fingerprint development, chemical spot tests.

Semester 2: Advanced Forensic Techniques

1. DNA Forensics & Biotechnology

   • PCR, STR analysis, mitochondrial DNA sequencing.

2. Forensic Pathology & Anthropology

   • Autopsy procedures, PMI estimation, skeletal identification.

3. Cyber Forensics & Digital Evidence

   • Data recovery, mobile forensics, blockchain analysis.

4. Questioned Documents & Handwriting Analysis

   • Ink analysis, forgery detection, ESDA techniques.

5. Forensic Psychology

   • Criminal profiling, deception detection (polygraph).

6. Crime Scene Management

   • Mock crime scenes, evidence collection, chain of custody.

Semester 3: Specializations (Choose One Track)

1. Forensic Biology & DNA Analysis

• Wildlife forensics, NGS technology, paternity testing.

2. Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology

• Arson investigation, environmental forensics.

3. Digital & Cyber Forensics

• Dark web forensics, cryptocurrency tracking.

4. Forensic Psychology & Criminology

• Behavioral analysis, victimology.

Electives (Examples)

• Forensic Entomology (insect evidence)

• Forensic Odontology (dental records)

• Forensic Accounting (financial crimes)

Semester 4: Internship & Research

1. Dissertation/Thesis

   • Original research (e.g., "DNA Degradation in Tropical Climates").

2. Internship (6–8 Weeks)

   • Placements at:

     • Forensic Labs (CDFS, state FSLs)

     • Law Enforcement (CBI, Interpol)

     • Hospitals (Forensic pathology units).

3. Mock Court Training

   • Expert witness testimony simulations.

4. Viva & Seminar

   • Defense of thesis before faculty/industry experts.