04,October 2024
The M.Sc. in Forensic Science is a two-year postgraduate degree. In order to achieve the primary objective of criminal investigations, this program primarily focuses on the examination of fake crime scenes through the collection and analysis of evidence.
The M.Sc. in Forensic Science course consists of 10 modules. The concept and topics including physical evidence, criminal investigations, crime scenes, courts and criminal profiling are covered in the first unit. Its syllabus also includes 72 core papers, of which 28 are assigned in the 1st semester. There are 20 core papers in the 2nd semester, and the next two semesters will have 16 and 8 core papers, respectively. The curriculum for the M.Sc. in Forensic Science includes 18 optional courses, of which 12 are discipline-specific electives and 6 are open electives. The students will try a total of eleven credits. However, the syllabus for M.Sc. Forensic Science may differ from college to college, hence, it is important for students to check the official website of the college/institute for complete information.
M.Sc. Forensic Science Course Highlights
| Course Name | M.Sc. in Forensic Science |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Merit Based |
| Top Entrance Exam | GATE, IPU CET, BHU PET, CPGET |
| Eligibility | A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, medicine, pharmacy, or a related field is required along with a minimum aggregate score of 50% for general candidates and 45% for SC/ST and PWD applicants. |
| Top Colleges |
• Lovely Professional University, Chandigarh • Lloyd Institute of Forensic Science, Greater Noida • Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar • Amity University, Gurgaon • SGT University, Gurgaon |
M.Sc. Forensic Science Subjects
M.Sc. in Forensic Science courses spans for a duration of two years. For each year, the subjects are described below.
First Year Subjects
- Forensics, Crime & Investigative Techniques
- Instrumental Methods-Physical
- Fingerprints and Impressions
- Forensic Chemistry and Explosives
Second Year Subjects
- Forensic Physics
- Forensic Ballistics
- Forensic Biology
- Forensic Photography
Lloyd Institute of Forensic Science M.Sc. Course Outline
Semester 1:
1- Brief to Forensic science, Criminology, Psychology, Law and Statistics
2- Instrumental Techniques
3- Forensic Physics and Crime Scene Management
4- Fingerprints and Questioned Documents
5- Forensic Biology and Biochemistry
Semester 2:
1- Quality Management, Explosives, Narcotic Drugs, and Forensic Chemistry
2- Forensic Biology & Forensic Medicine
3- Forensic Serology & DNA Profiling
4- Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology
5- Forensic Ballistics and Computer Forensics
Semester 3:
Specialization-Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
1- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Drug Analysis
2- Concepts of Toxicology
3- Modern and Applied Analytical Forensic Chemistry
Specialization-Forensic Biotechnology
1- Molecular Biology & Genetics
2- Biotechnology in Pharmaceutical Sciences
3- Environmental Biotechnology
Specialization-Forensic Physics
1- Advances in Physical Techniques
2- Concepts of Conventional & Modern Ballistics
3- Audio Recognition & Video Analysis
Specialization-Finger Prints & Q.D
1- Modern Trends in Fingerprint Sciences
2- Questioned Documents & Forensic Accounting
3- Forensic Photography & Biometric Traits
Specialization-Cyber Forensics
1- Cyber Law and IRM
2- Digital Forensics
3- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
Elective: Forensic Engineering/ Explosive Analysis/ Fire Investigation/ Forensic Voice, Multimedia Comparison and Evidence Evaluation/ Nano-biotechnology/ Modern Cryptography and Steganography
Semester 4:
- Internship/ Dissertation
M.Sc. Forensic Science Syllabus in MDU
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Elementary Forensic Science | Crime Scene Investigation |
| Basics Introduction to Fingerprint Examination | Forensic Criminology and Law |
| Police and Crime Investigative Agencies | Basics of Forensic Ballistics |
| Fundamentals of Questioned Document Examination | Forensic Lab Course-III (Based on CSI) |
| Forensic Lab Course-I (Based on Fingerprint Examination) | Forensic Lab Course-IV (Based on Forensic Ballistics) |
| General Forensic Tools and Techniques | Discipline Specific Elective (D) |
| Forensic Lab Course-II (Based on Questioned Document Examination) | Open Elective/Interdisciplinary (O) |
| Foundation Course (F) | |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Advanced Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology | Analytical Forensic Toxicology |
| Advanced Forensic Chemistry | Forensic Drugs Analysis |
| Forensic Lab Course –V (Based on Forensic Chemistry) | Project work/Dissertation/Field Work/Group Seminar |
| Forensic Lab Course –VI (Based on Forensic Toxicology) | Specialization-2 • Advanced Forensic Biology • Forensic Physical Anthropology and Medicine • Project work/Dissertation/Field work/ Group Seminar |
| Specialization-2: • Advanced Forensic Biology • Forensic Physical Anthropology and Medicine • Project Work/Dissertation/Field Work/Group Seminar • Forensic Genetics and Advanced • Practical & Theoretical Aspects of Biological Evidence • DNA Forensics • Forensic Lab Course –VII • Forensic Lab Course –VIII |
Specialization-3 • Advanced Computer and Cyber Forensics • Advanced Fingerprints and Questioned Document Examination • Project work/Field work/ Dissertation/Group Seminar |
| Specialization-3: • Advanced Computer and Cyber Forensics • Advanced Fingerprints and Questioned Document Examination • Project Work/Field Work/Dissertation/Group Seminar • Advanced Forensic Ballistics • Advanced Forensic Physics and Photography • Forensic Lab Course –IX • Forensic Lab Course –X |
|
| Discipline Specific Elective (D) (Opt any two) | |
| Open Elective (O) |
MSc Forensic Science Syllabus in Osmania University
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry | Forensic Physics & Ballistics |
| Criminal Justice System & Forensic Science | Forensic Biology & Biological Techniques |
| Computer Basics & Cyber Crime | Forensic Medicine |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis – I | Instrumental Methods of Analysis – II |
| Practical | Practical |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Forensic Toxicology | Fingerprints and Impressions |
| Forensic Chemistry | Forensic Serology & DNA Fingerprinting |
| Biochemical and Biochemistry Applications | IPR, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Research Methodology |
| Forensic Phonetics, Voice Analysis, Psycholinguistics, and Speaker Recognition | Questioned Documents |
| Standards, Laboratory Management & Safety, and Quality Management | Immunology and Molecular Biology |
| Forensic and Statistics Applications | Advanced Instrumental Methods in Forensic Chemistry |
| Practical | Practical |
M.Sc. Forensic Science Syllabus in Mumbai University
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Crime Scene Science | Fingerprint and Questioned Document |
| Forensic Medicine | Data Processing in Forensic Science |
| Digital and Cyber Forensics-I | Digital and Cyber Forensics-II |
| Cyber Crime and Protection of Personal Data in Cyberspace | E-Governance, E-commerce, and Online Dispute Resolution |
| Practical | Practical |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Specialization Paper - 1 | Specialization Paper - 5 |
| Specialization Paper - 2 | Specialization Paper - 6 |
| Specialization Paper - 3 | Specialization Paper - 7 |
| Specialization Paper - 4 | Specialization Paper - 8 |
| Lab Course-5 | Lab Course-7 |
| Lab Course-6 | Project |
Conclusion
The M.Sc. in Forensic Science is a comprehensive two-year postgraduate program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate crimes. From sophisticated forensic processes to crime scene investigation, this course covers a broad range of forensic disciplines. Ten modules plus a number of required and elective papers make up its program.
Students can choose from specialty options in disciplines including Forensic Chemistry, Cyber Forensics, and Biotechnology to tailor their curriculum to suit their interests and career goals. Even though university syllabuses may vary significantly, the curriculum always emphasizes practical experience, culminating in internships or dissertations in the final semester. Whether via theoretical study or hands-on laboratory work, graduates of this program are well-prepared to contribute to the field of forensic science and play a critical role in the pursuit of justice.