Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court
- 4.9
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Approx. 17 hours to complete
Course Summary
Explore the challenges and controversies of forensic science, including how to analyze and interpret evidence, in this online course from the University of Lausanne.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the history and development of forensic science
- Study the analysis and interpretation of evidence
- Gain insight into the challenges and controversies of forensic science
Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have
- India: INR 3,51,000 - INR 13,88,000
- Spain: €23,000 - €43,000
- India: INR 3,51,000 - INR 13,88,000
- Spain: €23,000 - €43,000
- India: INR 3,00,000 - INR 12,00,000
- Spain: €21,000 - €45,000
- India: INR 3,51,000 - INR 13,88,000
- Spain: €23,000 - €43,000
- India: INR 3,00,000 - INR 12,00,000
- Spain: €21,000 - €45,000
- India: INR 2,00,000 - INR 7,00,000
- Spain: €18,000 - €30,000
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the history and development of forensic science
- Gain knowledge of the analysis and interpretation of evidence
- Learn about the challenges and controversies of forensic science
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of science and the legal system
- Comfortable with reading scientific papers
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Forensic Science and Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Forensic Science
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Pathologist
Related Books
Description
The aim of this course is to promote critical thinking with regard to forensic science. Today, in general, most people are dazzled by the technical possibilities offered by forensic science. They somewhat live in the illusion that forensic evidence is fool proof and brings factual findings with 100% certainty. This course – given by specialists in the field – goes beyond the conventional image that is promoted through TV series such as CSI. It alerts (without alarming) the public on the limits of the techniques in order to promote a sound administration of forensic science in the criminal justice system. It allows participants to understand the importance of probabilistic reasoning in forensic science, because uncertainty is a constitutive part of forensic science. The course is constructed as a series of causes célèbres that could or have led to miscarriages of justice. Some of these cases have been part of case reviews carried out at the School of Criminal Justice of the University of Lausanne.
Outline
- Week 1 - What is the "DNA" of a good forensic report ?
- Course Introduction: Meet your Lausanne Team
- Presentation and visit of The School of Criminal Justice
- Course learning objectives
- Week 1 Introduction: What is the “DNA” of a Good Forensic Report?
- Forensic Science and Evaluative Reporting
- Uncertainty in the Criminal Trial
- Principles of forensic reporting (Part A): 1st Principle
- Principles of forensic reporting (Part B): 2nd and 3rd Principles
- ENFSI Guideline for Evaluative Reporting
- Conclusion of week 1: What is the “DNA” of a Good Forensic Report?
- Interview with Prof. Colin Aitken
- Interview with Dr. Sc. Sheila Willis
- Instructors
- Development Team
- Guests interviewed
- Syllabus and Grading policies
- Discussion forum guidelines
- Getting started: Break the ice !
- Additional literature Week 1
- Week 1
- Week 2 - Elementary: source is not activity !
- Week 2 Introduction - Elementary: Source is not Activity! !
- Part A - DNA recovered on a suspect (1): Hierarchy of Propositions
- Part A - DNA recovered on a suspect (2): the Weller Case
- Part B - Gunshot residues recovered on a suspect: The George case
- Part C - DNA recovered on a victim (1): the Butler and Nealon cases
- Part C - DNA recovered on a victim (2): Checklist for auditing statements
- Week 2 Conclusion - Elementary: Source is not Activity !
- Interview with Dr. Sc. CBE Ian Evett and Prof. Graham Jackson
- Additional literature Week 2
- Week 2
- Week 3 - DNA is not the magic bullet
- Week 3 Introduction: DNA is not the Magic Bullet
- DNA in the lab (1): From Detection to Quantification
- DNA in the lab (2): From Amplification to DNA Profile
- Part A - The Knox and Sollecito case (1) Summary of the circumstances
- Part A - The Knox and Sollecito case (2) Low Template DNA
- Part A - The Knox and Sollecito case (3) Discussion and Conclusion
- Part B - Transfer and pollution (1) the Jama case
- Part B - Transfer and pollution: The Probability of Error/Pollution
- Part C - Transfer and pollution: the Anderson and Scott cases
- Week 3 Conclusion: DNA is not the Magic Bullet
- Interview with Prof. Peter Gill
- Interview with Prof. Pierre Margot
- Additional literature Week 3
- Week 3
- Week 4 - Trials by Numbers or Numbers on Trial
- Week 4 Introduction: Trials by Numbers or Numbers on Trial ?
- Part A - Statistics in Court (1): the Clark and Collins Cases
- Part A - Statistics in Court (2): the Clark and Collins Cases
- Part B - The Transposed Conditional (1): Prosecutor's Fallacy
- Part B - The transposed conditional (2): The Adams and the Dreyfus Cases
- Week 4 Conclusion: Trials by Numbers or Numbers on Trial ?
- Interview with Prof. David Kaye
- Interview with Prof. William Thompson
- Additional literature Week 4
- Week 4
- Week 5: The wonderland of certainty
- Week 5 Introduction: the Wonderland of Certainty
- Detection of fingermarks in the laboratory
- Part A - Identification with Earmarks (1): The Dallagher Case
- Part A - Identification with Earmarks (2): The Dallagher Case
- Part B - Identification with Fingermarks (1): The McKie Case
- Part B - Identification with Fingermarks (2): The McKie Case
- Part C - Identification with Fingermarks: The Mayfield Case
- Analysis and comparison of the fingermark in Mayfield Case
- Week 5 Conclusion: The Wonderland of Certainty
- Interview with Mr Iain McKie
- Interview with Dr Brandon Mayfield and Prof. Sharia Mayfield
- Course Conclusions
- Additional literature Week 5
- Week 5
Summary of User Reviews
Challenging Forensic Science is a highly rated course on Coursera that covers a range of topics related to forensic science. Users have praised the course for its in-depth content and engaging teaching style.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
The course is praised for its in-depth content and engaging teaching style.Pros from User Reviews
- Excellent and engaging teaching style
- In-depth content that covers a range of topics
- Well-structured course that is easy to follow
- Highly informative and interesting course material
- Great opportunity to learn from experts in the field
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users have found the course to be too challenging
- The course requires a significant time commitment
- Limited interaction with other students and the instructor
- Some technical issues with the online platform
- Not suitable for those looking for a basic overview of forensic science
Alex Biedermann
4.9 Raiting
Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court
- 4.9
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
The aim of this course is to promote critical thinking with regard to forensic science. Today, in general, most people are dazzled by the technical possibilities offered by forensic science....
