SEMESTER COURSES

4 credits
60 hours

Forensic Science

Poulomi Bhadra

The course is intended to familiarize students with the close and necessary relationship between forensic sciences and criminal litigation. With the constant evolution of forensic fciences, the handling of evidence in court proceedings has also changed in the recent years. The course is designed to teach the students about various branches of forensic sciences such as DNA testing, fingerprinting, ballistics, crime scene investigation, forensic pathology etc. and to give them an understanding of the subject in a manner which will further assist them in fully grasping the importance and implication of the forensic evidence and enable them to challenge such evidence. Students who take this course can expect to emerge with a sound theoretical knowledge of scientific examination and functional knowledge of expert testimony and its scrutiny. This would enable them to examine the effect of scientific evidence on judgment and help in achieving fair and just results. Students will also find that they can draw upon the knowledge obtained in this elective in any of the other aspects of law – criminal, civil, art and cultural heritage, sports etc.

4 credits
60 hours

Advanced Forensic Science

Poulomi Bhadra

The course is offered as an advanced level to the basics of forensic science where students are introduced to specific disciplines within forensic science and their role in criminal trials. With the constant evolution of forensic fciences, the handling of particular evidence types in court proceedings has also changed in the recent years. The course is designed to teach the students about specific branches of forensic sciences such as DNA testing, ballistics, trace evidence, blood pattern analysis, drugs and alcohol testing, forensic pathology and medical examinations etc. and to give them a better understanding of the specific subject areas. The process of analysis, the interpretation of results and making of expert’s opinions are clearly outlined in a manner which will further assist them in fully grasping the weightage of the particular evidence types when faced in trials. Students who take this course can expect to emerge with an advanced theoretical knowledge of scientific examination and functional knowledge them to examine the effect of scientific evidence on judgment and help in achieving fair and just results.

3credits
45 hours

Forensic Fingerprinting

Ulhas Gondhali

This course helps in understanding the basic fingerprint pattern types and their interpretation. It also identifies and explains the significance of complex fingerprint patterns. The curriculum design equips the students with the basic knowledge in different impressions and its application in the field of forensic science. It also reflects upon the evidentiary value of fingerprints in the court of law with various challenges.

4 credits
60 hours

Scene to Screen: Crime Investigation in the Media

Poulomi Bhadra

In the last decade, there has been an increasing representation of complex crimes, criminals and criminal trials in popular media, inspired from both fictional and real stories. These have been inspired by real life practices and decision making processes, and in turn, have informed and influenced public perception of crimes, forensic investigation and social causes of injustice. This course will draw upon sources from cinema, documentaries, drama series, podcasts, vlogs and other media formats to illustrate the nuances of investigative process and its critique as presented in some case studies as well as discuss the framing of justice and morality by the media brought upon by the sensationalization of criminal incidents to feed public voyeuristic or prurient interests. Through the discussion of some of the historical crimes in India and outside, we will discussion the evolution of heuristic investigative science and criminal law, the role of media and socio-cultural politics in decision-making of the courts, the influence of forensic evidence and its gatekeeping in criminal trials, the dangers of public trial by media and the scientific and non-scientific factors that contribute to miscarriage of justice and wrongful convictions. This course will uniquely try to engage students via virtual media and digital pedagogy to impart some basic modules in forensic science and criminology and highlight the various ways in which material evidence intersects with psycho-social factors and actors of the criminal justice in delivery of justice.

3 credits
45 hours

Forensic Decoded – Demystifying Forensic Evidence and Reports

Ulhas Gondhali

Scientific evidence has a strong influence on a criminal trial. Forensic science helps to link and analyze potential evidence in a criminal investigation. Forensic experts are often summoned to court to dispose of the evidence and reports generated from an analysis. Such scientific reports and evidence are often challenging to interpret because of technical information. This course will introduce students to such evidence, its analysis and reports. Students will comprehend the typical type of scientific evidence, evidential value, occurrences on the crime scene, evidence processing, and report interpretation.

3 credits
45 hours

Insight into Cybercrimes & Digital Evidence

Ulhas Gondhali

Cybercrime is now commonplace and presents new challenges in the prevention and detection of crime. This course provides an authoritative synthesis of the disparate literature on the various types of cybercrime, the global investigation and detection of cybercrime and the role of digital information, and the wider role of technology as a facilitator for social relationships between deviants and criminals.

3 credits
45 hours

Illicit Drug Use and Implications

Ulhas Gondhali

This course explores various aspects of drugs, their source, abuse, chemical composition, and physical, personal, and social effects. We begin with an overview of drug use, its history and social implications. The psychological and physiological effects of drugs on the human body will be discussed further. A broad range of drugs will be discussed with their legality, therapeutic use and abuse.