Online Forensic Science Course and Class Overviews

Online forensic science courses can cover fundamental concepts and methods used in the field, or they can delve into more specific topics like blood spatter, fingerprint, DNA or ballistic analysis. These courses may be non-credit or part of a bachelor's-, certificate- or master's-level degree program in forensic science.

Overview of Forensic Science Courses Available Online

Online forensic science courses are generally geared toward professionals working in the field who already hold a bachelor's degree or more in forensic science. These courses can provide continuing education credit or be part of a forensic science certificate or master's degree program. Sponsorship or supervision by a superior in the lab at the student's workplace is usually required.
Specific online degree programs can lead to certifications or master's-level degrees in forensic science, toxicology, drug chemistry, DNA and serology, death investigation or environmental forensics. Though rare, online bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice with a focus in forensic science are also available. Certifications by recognized bodies are voluntary but sought after by employers. Criminalists, forensic scientists and crime scene technicians, investigators and analysts are all professionals who depend on forensic science.

Course Requirements

To participate in these courses, regular access to an up-to-date computer with an efficient processor and high-speed Internet connection is needed. A hard-wired connection may be mandatory for courses featuring live classroom participation. A sound card with headphones or speakers, CD/DVD drive and 1024x768 resolution monitor are also generally required. A printer may be necessary for some courses. Commonly utilized software includes Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Word and an anti-virus program.

List of Online Forensic Science Courses

Introductory Forensic Science Course

This course introduces forensic science methods used in analyzing evidence to gain information about crime. The history and fundamental concepts of the field are discussed, along with an overview of crime scene basics and types of evidence. Specific forensic chemistry and biology techniques are covered, along with lab quality assurance practices.

Fingerprint Forensics Course

The individuality and permanence of friction ridge skin, including palm, foot and fingerprints, is the focus of this course. Students learn about the structure of friction ridges, print classification systems, methods of fingerprinting and forensic automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS). Determining print patterns and levels of detail and the use of the analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification (ACE-V) method in identifying impressions are also covered.

Forensic Death Investigation Course

This course discusses the legal and medical aspects of conducting a death investigation. Included is the study of human bones, postmortem intervals and methods for establishing identity. Students learn about the difference between sudden and natural deaths in adults. Causes of death discussed include fire, drowning, asphyxiation, head and neck injuries, overdose and specific wounds of medico-legal importance. Interviewing witnesses, informing next of kin and identifying the dead are also covered.

Forensic Toxicology Course

Principles and mechanisms of toxicology, including the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of toxic substances, are the core of this course. Students learn about the pharmacological, physiological and toxic effects of commonly abused substances on human bodily systems, organs and tissues. Specific forensic methods used in determining the presence of toxic substances, their concentrations and probable effects on a person are also discussed.