← Forensic Science Academy
Service
Tier 2 — Intermediate
Building practical competence in forensic DNA analysis.
This tier is for forensic science professionals who already have foundational knowledge and are ready to deepen their practical skills.
It focuses on the core technical competencies required to run a reliable, defensible forensic DNA workflow — from experimental design through to documentation.
Curriculum
What you will learn
Seven practical modules covering the standards, experimental design, statistics, and validation documentation expected of an intermediate-level forensic DNA professional.
01
SWGDAM and ENFSI guidelines — understanding the standards
- Overview of SWGDAM (Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods)
- Overview of ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) guidelines
- How these guidelines shape laboratory practice
- Differences and complementary aspects of the two frameworks
- Applying guidelines to your specific laboratory context
02
Experimental design principles
- Designing experiments that are fit for purpose
- Defining the scope of a validation study
- Selecting appropriate samples: positive controls, negative controls, relevant substrates
- Statistical considerations in experimental design
- Documenting your design before you start
03
Acceptance criteria
- What acceptance criteria are and why they must be defined in advance
- Setting criteria for sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy
- How acceptance criteria connect to method performance and accreditation expectations
- Consequences of failing to meet defined criteria
04
Statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Basic statistical concepts for forensic scientists: mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation
- Interpreting PCR amplification curves and quantification data
- Evaluating repeatability and reproducibility results
- Identifying and handling outliers
- Presenting statistical data in reports
05
Sensitivity and reproducibility testing
- Designing sensitivity studies: dilution series, minimum detectable quantity
- Reproducibility testing: within-run, between-run, between-analyst, between-instrument
- Interpreting results and drawing conclusions
- Common pitfalls in sensitivity and reproducibility studies
06
Quality assurance and documentation
- The role of QA in a forensic laboratory
- Document control: SOPs, work instructions, forms, and records
- Non-conformance reporting and corrective actions
- Internal audits as a QA tool
- How QA connects to the accreditation process
07
Validation planning and validation report writing
- Building a validation plan: scope, rationale, methods, timeline
- What a complete validation package looks like
- Writing a validation report that meets accreditation standards
- Common errors in validation reports and how to avoid them
- SWGDAM and ENFSI alignment in validation documentation
Format & delivery
How the tier is delivered
- ✓Self-paced online training material
- ✓Includes templates, worked examples, and annotated validation report extracts
- ✓One-time purchase
- ✓Free preview: first 5–7 pages available before purchase
Audience
Who this tier is for
- Forensic DNA analysts with 1–3 years of laboratory experience
- Laboratory supervisors overseeing validation projects
- Quality managers supporting DNA laboratory accreditation
- Professionals preparing for their first ISO 17025 audit