Forensics online course curriculum

Designed by practicing professionals, our forensics online course curriculum provides students with an understanding of how to identify, collect, and analyze forensic evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, trace elements, and more. With a strong foundational knowledge of the justice system and scientific techniques used in the field, you’ll graduate with the expertise to solve crimes with forensics.

Orientation: Learning at Ashworth

In this course, you’ll examine the goals and values of Ashworth College, time management, creating a realistic weekly and monthly study schedule, the nature and purpose of assessments, how to study effectively to prepare for and take an online examination, and developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century. You’ll also review the fundamental concepts and processes concerning federal and state laws and court systems, as well as careers in the legal and criminal justice fields.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner.
Explain fundamental concepts and processes concerning federal and state laws and court systems.

Lesson Group 1: Foundations of Forensic Science

This course serves as an introduction to the basics of forensic science, crime scene investigation and reconstruction, and forensic biometrics. You’ll review the history of the field, as well as important procedures that must be taken when processing a crime scene; investigating deaths; and documenting and gathering physical evidence, such as bloodstains and fingerprints.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Summarize the history and development of forensic science.
List common types of physical evidence, including fingerprints and bloodstains.
Recognize techniques employed during crime scene investigations and reconstructions.
Define forensic biometrics.

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Program Description

The Forensic Science Career Diploma is designed to provide students with the knowledge of the basic skills required of those working in forensic science. Students will learn how to investigate and reconstruct different types of crime scenes and analyze and evaluate various evidence, including impressions, documents, and fire patterns.

Program Objectives

After completing the Forensic Science program, students will be able to:

Explain the career opportunities available to forensic investigators and describe the characteristics of professionals in the field.
Describe what the term criminalistics encompasses and the significance of individual and class characteristics in the context of criminal investigations.
Explain the purpose of securing, documenting, and processing the crime scene and outline the considerations involved in the collection of physical evidence, including legal and safety precautions.
Describe typical procedures followed in the crime lab and in areas such as microscopy, fingerprint development, drug screening, serology, firearms investigations, trace evidence analysis, DNA profiling, and crime scene reconstruction.
Describe common tools, processes, and evolving technologies in areas such as microscopy, fingerprint development, drug screening, serology, firearms investigations, trace evidence analysis, DNA profiling, and crime scene reconstruction.
Explain how forensic scientists use the scientific method during evidence examination and analysis, and describe the factors that influence the selection and use of various analytical techniques.

The science of the job hunt

Ashworth College's API Program Name Career Diploma program helps you develop the confidence you need to reach for your career goals because we integrate job search prep into your studies. With the online tools at the Ashworth College Central Network, you’ll get step-by-step guidance as you create polished, professional resumes and letters. After you graduate, you’ll keep your Ashworth College Central Network account so you can revisit the tools any time you need to make a good impression on a potential employer. Learn more about it at the Career Services page.