This foundational tier is designed for anyone entering the world of forensic biology and DNA analysis.
Whether you are a newly hired laboratory technician, a student considering a career in forensic science, or a professional from a related field looking to understand the fundamentals, this tier gives you the essential building blocks you need.
Curriculum
What you will learn
Eight foundational modules covering the basics of forensic biology, DNA workflows, and the quality principles that underpin reliable results.
01
Sample collection
- Principles of evidence collection at the crime scene
- Types of biological evidence: blood, saliva, hair, semen, touch DNA
- Proper collection techniques to avoid contamination
- Packaging, labelling, and chain of custody from scene to laboratory
- Common collection mistakes and how to avoid them
02
Presumptive testing and biological material identification
- What presumptive tests are and why they matter
- Colour tests and luminescent tests for blood identification (Kastle-Meyer, Luminol)
- Acid phosphatase testing for seminal material
- Amylase testing for saliva
- Microscopic examination of hair and fibres
- Limitations of presumptive tests and the need for confirmatory testing
03
Fundamentals of forensic DNA analysis
- What DNA is and why it is useful in forensic investigations
- Nuclear DNA vs mitochondrial DNA — a brief introduction
- The concept of genetic individuality and its forensic relevance
- Overview of the forensic DNA analysis workflow from sample to result
04
STR typing — introduction
- What Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are
- Why STRs are used in forensic DNA profiling
- How STR typing works at a basic level
- Standard STR loci used in national and international databases (CODIS, ESS)
05
DNA extraction — introduction
- Why extraction is necessary
- Common extraction methods: organic, Chelex, differential
- Factors that affect extraction quality: sample age, substrate, inhibitors
06
DNA quantification — introduction
- Why we quantify DNA before amplification
- Overview of quantitative PCR (qPCR) as the standard method
- What good and poor quantification results look like
07
Laboratory standardisation and result reproducibility
- Why consistency matters in forensic science
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and their role
- Internal controls and quality checks
- The link between standardisation and result reliability in court
08
Introduction to validation — why it matters
- What validation means in a forensic laboratory context
- Why validated methods protect the integrity of results
- Overview of validation requirements under accreditation standards
- Importance of validation for the credibility of expert evidence
Format & delivery
How the tier is delivered
- ✓Self-paced online training material
- ✓Includes worked examples, diagrams, and case illustrations
- ✓One-time purchase
- ✓Free preview: first 5–7 pages available before purchase
Audience
Who this tier is for
- New forensic laboratory staff
- Students in forensic science, biology, or criminal justice
- Law enforcement personnel seeking foundational DNA knowledge
- Anyone beginning their journey in forensic science