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B-SC in Forensic Science at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Forensic Science at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Forensic Science program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on applying scientific methods to solve crimes. It integrates knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics, and digital forensics to analyze evidence. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled forensic professionals in India''''s legal and law enforcement sectors, providing students with critical analytical and practical skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong science background, particularly in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics, who possess an inquisitive mind and a keen interest in crime investigation. It is well-suited for aspiring forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, toxicologists, and cyber forensic experts seeking a rigorous scientific foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles in Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories, police departments, intelligence agencies, private forensic consultancies, and digital security firms. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, escalating to INR 7-15 LPA for experienced professionals. The program also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate studies and specialized certifications in various forensic disciplines.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Science Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly understand the foundational concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Forensic Science. Utilize textbooks, engage actively in lectures, and solve practice problems. Building a strong base in these subjects is paramount for grasping advanced forensic techniques.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Lecture Notes, Online platforms like Khan Academy or BYJU''''S for conceptual clarity, Lab manuals
Career Connection
A solid scientific foundation ensures readiness for specialized forensic analysis, making you a competent candidate for entry-level lab positions.
Develop Observational and Analytical Skills in Labs- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, especially for General Forensic Science. Practice meticulous observation, detailed note-taking, and accurate documentation of evidence. Critically analyze experimental results and understand the ''''why'''' behind each step, not just the ''''how''''.
Tools & Resources
Lab equipment, Experiment logs, Peer discussion groups
Career Connection
These skills are fundamental for crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis, enhancing your practical application capabilities for fieldwork roles.
Enhance Technical Communication and English Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving written and verbal communication through Professional English courses. Practice structuring scientific reports clearly and concisely, and participate in presentations. Effective communication is crucial for documenting findings and articulating evidence in legal settings.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Academic writing guides, Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are essential for report writing, expert testimony, and presenting findings in court, boosting employability in forensic roles.
Intermediate Stage
Intensive Practical Application in Specialized Labs- (Semester 3-4)
Engage deeply with specialized labs such as Forensic Biology, Chemistry, Ballistics, and Cyber Forensics. Strive to understand the underlying principles of instruments and techniques. Seek opportunities for hands-on experience beyond standard curriculum to gain proficiency in specific forensic tools.
Tools & Resources
Advanced lab instruments (e.g., GC-MS, DNA sequencers), Specialized software, Departmental workshops
Career Connection
Practical proficiency in diverse forensic techniques makes you highly desirable for technical roles in forensic laboratories and investigative units.
Engage in Case Study Analysis and Critical Discussion- (Semester 3-4)
Form study groups to analyze real-world forensic case studies, particularly those from India, discussing methodologies, legal precedents, and ethical considerations. Participate in debates and mock trials to sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a forensic context.
Tools & Resources
Forensic journals, Legal databases, Crime documentaries with scientific analysis
Career Connection
The ability to critically analyze and discuss cases is crucial for crime scene reconstruction, expert opinion formulation, and career progression.
Network with Professionals and Pursue Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Attend industry seminars, conferences, and guest lectures by forensic experts from government FSLs or private agencies. Actively seek internships or short-term projects during academic breaks to gain practical exposure to a professional forensic environment in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional bodies (e.g., Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine), Career fairs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and insights into specific career paths within the Indian forensic sector.
Advanced Stage
Master Research Methodology and Data Interpretation- (Semester 5-6)
Focus intensely on the Research Methodology and Statistics course. Learn to design experiments, collect robust data, and interpret results using statistical software. This skill is vital for your major project and for contributing to forensic science research.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS basics), Research paper databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar), Departmental research mentors
Career Connection
Strong research skills are crucial for roles in forensic R&D, advanced analysis, and for pursuing higher academic degrees.
Targeted Placement Preparation and Portfolio Building- (Semester 5-6)
Identify your preferred specialization (e.g., cyber forensics, toxicology) and tailor your skills and projects accordingly. Create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your lab reports, project work, and case studies. Practice interview techniques and mock viva voce sessions rigorously for various forensic roles.
Tools & Resources
Resume/CV builders, Mock interview platforms, Networking events for placements
Career Connection
A well-prepared portfolio and strong interview skills significantly boost your chances of securing placements in competitive government and private forensic sectors.
Excel in Major Project and Specialization through Electives- (Semester 5-6)
Undertake your Major Project/Dissertation with utmost dedication, choosing a topic that aligns with your career aspirations and current industry trends. Leverage elective courses to gain deep expertise in a niche area, making you a specialized and sought-after professional in the Indian forensic job market.
Tools & Resources
Academic advisors, Industry experts for project guidance, Specialized workshops
Career Connection
A successful project and specialized knowledge can lead to direct entry into niche forensic fields, offering higher growth and impact opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany/Zoology/Biotechnology/Mathematics as subjects with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 135 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LES101J | Basic Tamil | Elective Language | 3 | Introduction to Tamil Language, Grammatical Structures, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Conversation Practice |
| 21LFR101J | Basic French | Elective Language | 3 | Introduction to French Language, Basic Grammar and Vocabulary, Everyday Expressions, Simple Sentence Formation, Cultural Aspects of France |
| 21LHI101J | Basic Hindi | Elective Language | 3 | Introduction to Hindi Language, Alphabets and Pronunciation, Basic Grammar and Phrases, Simple Conversations, Reading and Writing Practice |
| 21BYB101J | BIOLOGY FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE | Core | 4 | Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology |
| 21CYB101J | CHEMISTRY FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE | Core | 4 | Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding, Organic Chemistry Basics, Chemical Energetics and Kinetics, Electrochemistry, Analytical Chemistry Techniques |
| 21PHB101J | PHYSICS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE | Core | 4 | Units and Measurements, Mechanics, Properties of Matter, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism |
| 21ENB101J | PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH | Core | 3 | Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Presentation Skills |
| 21CYB102J | CHEMISTRY FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE LAB | Lab | 2 | Volumetric Analysis, Qualitative Analysis, Quantitative Analysis, Chromatography, Spectrophotometry |
| 21PHB102J | PHYSICS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE LAB | Lab | 2 | Basic Measurements, Optics Experiments, Electricity Experiments, Mechanics Experiments, Material Properties |
| 21BYB102J | BIOLOGY FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE LAB | Lab | 2 | Microscopy, Cell Staining, DNA Isolation, Blood Grouping, Microbial Culture |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LES102J | Basic Tamil II | Elective Language | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing, Cultural Aspects, Public Speaking |
| 21LFR102J | Basic French II | Elective Language | 3 | Intermediate Grammar, Reading French Texts, Writing Short Paragraphs, Conversational Fluency, French Culture and Society |
| 21LHI102J | Basic Hindi II | Elective Language | 3 | Advanced Hindi Grammar, Reading Short Stories, Creative Writing in Hindi, Spoken Hindi Practice, Indian Cultural Nuances |
| 21CSB201J | FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER APPLICATION | Core | 4 | Computer Hardware and Software, Operating Systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Internet and Networking, Data Security Basics |
| 21FSB201J | FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Introduction to Psychology, Criminal Behavior, Psychological Profiling, Eyewitness Testimony, Forensic Assessment |
| 21FSB202J | GENERAL FORENSIC SCIENCE | Core | 4 | History of Forensic Science, Principles of Forensic Science, Types of Evidence, Crime Scene Management, Ethical Issues in Forensics |
| 21CSB202J | FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER APPLICATION LAB | Lab | 2 | MS Word Practice, MS Excel Practice, MS PowerPoint Practice, Internet Browsing, Data Management |
| 21FSB203J | GENERAL FORENSIC SCIENCE LAB | Lab | 2 | Physical Evidence Collection, Documentation, Fingerprint Lifting, Footprint Casting, Hair and Fiber Analysis |
| 21FSB204J | FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY | Core | 3 | Principles of Photography, Camera Operations, Crime Scene Photography, Macro Photography, Digital Image Enhancement |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FSB301J | FORENSIC BIOLOGY | Core | 4 | Forensic Botany, Forensic Entomology, Wildlife Forensics, DNA Profiling, Serology and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis |
| 21FSB302J | FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY | Core | 4 | Forensic Drug Analysis, Forensic Explosives, Toxicology Principles, Poisons and their Detection, Environmental Forensics |
| 21FSB303J | QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS | Core | 4 | Document Examination Principles, Handwriting Analysis, Typewriting and Printing Analysis, Forgery Detection, Currency Examination |
| 21FSB304J | FORENSIC BIOLOGY LAB | Lab | 2 | Microscopic Examination, Hair Analysis, Fiber Analysis, Blood Grouping, DNA Extraction and Quantification |
| 21FSB305J | FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY LAB | Lab | 2 | Drug Identification Tests, Explosives Residue Analysis, Poison Detection, Spectroscopic Methods, Chromatographic Separations |
| 21FSB306J | QUESTIONED DOCUMENT LAB | Lab | 2 | Handwriting Comparison, Signature Verification, Ink Analysis, Paper Examination, UV/IR Examination |
| 21FSB307J | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ETHICS | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Pollution and Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Laws, Ethical Issues in Science |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FSB401J | FORENSIC BALLISTICS | Core | 4 | Types of Firearms, Ammunition Components, Internal and External Ballistics, Terminal Ballistics, Firearm Identification |
| 21FSB402J | FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY AND ODONTOLOGY | Core | 4 | Human Skeletal System, Estimation of Age and Sex, Ancestry Determination, Trauma Analysis, Dental Identification |
| 21FSB403J | CYBER FORENSICS | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cyber Crime, Digital Evidence Collection, Computer Forensics, Mobile Forensics, Network Forensics |
| 21FSB404J | FORENSIC BALLISTICS LAB | Lab | 2 | Firearm Parts Identification, Ammunition Examination, Bullet Trajectory Analysis, GSR Analysis, Toolmark Analysis |
| 21FSB405J | FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY AND ODONTOLOGY LAB | Lab | 2 | Skeletal Remains Analysis, Cranial and Post-cranial Measurements, Dental Charting, Age Estimation, Sex Determination |
| 21FSB406J | CYBER FORENSICS LAB | Lab | 2 | Data Recovery, Disk Imaging, Email Forensics, Mobile Device Extraction, Internet History Analysis |
| 21HSB401J | INDIAN CONSTITUTION | Core | 3 | Preamble and Basic Features, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union and State Government, Judiciary |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FSB501J | FORENSIC MEDICINE AND LEGAL PROCEDURE | Core | 4 | Medical Jurisprudence, Post-mortem Examination, Injuries and Wounds, Asphyxia and Drowning, Legal Aspects of Evidence |
| 21FSB502J | FINGERPRINTS AND IMPRESSION EVIDENCE | Core | 4 | History of Fingerprints, Classification Systems, Latent Fingerprint Development, Footprint and Tire Track Analysis, Ear and Lip Prints |
| 21FSE501J | FORENSIC ACCOUNTING (Professional Elective - I) | Elective | 4 | Financial Fraud, White-Collar Crime, Forensic Auditing, Money Laundering, Cyber Financial Crime Investigation |
| 21FSB503J | FINGERPRINTS AND IMPRESSION EVIDENCE LAB | Lab | 2 | Fingerprint Development Techniques, Fingerprint Comparison, Footprint Casting, Tire Track Analysis, Impression Photography |
| 21FSB504J | FORENSIC MEDICINE AND LEGAL PROCEDURE LAB | Lab | 2 | Autopsy Protocol Study, Injury Documentation, Medical Report Interpretation, Crime Scene Reconstruction, Courtroom Testimony Practice |
| 21HSB501J | ESSENCE OF INDIAN TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE | Core | 3 | Vedic Sciences, Yoga and Ayurveda, Indian Philosophy, Traditional Art and Culture, Environmental Wisdom |
| 21FSB505J | IN-PLANT TRAINING / MINI PROJECT | Project | 4 | Project Planning, Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Problem Solving |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FSE601J | FORENSIC GEOLOGY (Professional Elective - II) | Elective | 4 | Geological Evidence, Soil Analysis, Mineralogy, Trace Evidence, Environmental Forensics |
| 21FSE602J | FORENSIC METEOROLOGY (Professional Elective - III) | Elective | 4 | Weather Phenomena, Climatology, Weather Data Analysis, Meteorological Evidence, Case Studies |
| 21FSB601J | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICS | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing |
| 21FSB602J | MAJOR PROJECT / DISSERTATION | Project | 6 | Literature Review, Experimental Design, Data Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation |
| 21FSB603J | VIVA VOCE | Viva | 2 | Subject Knowledge Assessment, Communication Skills, Problem-solving Abilities, Research Understanding, Defense of Project Work |
