In this module, you will delve into the fundamental principles of chemical analysis as they apply to forensic science. You will begin by establishing the crucial link between atomic structure and the spectroscopic methods used to determine the elemental composition of a sample, providing you with a clear understanding of why these analytical techniques are both highly reliable and sensitive. Building on this foundation, you will then explore how these principles are extended to the analysis of molecular compounds and be introduced to essential methods such as Chromatography, Infra-red Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry. Mastery of these techniques is foundational, as they are essential for your work in subsequent modules, including Narcotics and Toxicology.

In this module, you will investigate two critical areas of forensic analysis. First, you will examine the post-mortem changes the body and its remains undergo over time scales ranging from minutes to centuries, which are essential for determining the time of death. The focus will then shift to the analysis of blood evidence. You will learn the established methods for identifying and individualizing blood—excluding DNA techniques, which are covered in a separate module—and discover the crucial information that can be deduced from blood spatter patterns to help reconstruct the events of a crime.

In this module, you will explore the pivotal role of DNA, an essential and ubiquitous tool in modern forensic science. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental nature of DNA and how its analysis is employed in a variety of contexts. Through a series of key topics, you will investigate the landmark first criminal case solved with DNA, its application in resolving cold cases, its use in paternity and maternity testing, and the distinct characteristics of mitochondrial DNA, among other critical subjects.

In this comprehensive module, you will investigate the forensic analysis of three distinct categories of physical evidence. You will begin with fingerprinting, exploring its history, composition, methods of visualization, and classification systems, while also addressing the potential for forgery. The focus will then shift to polymers and fibres, where you will apply your knowledge from the spectroscopy and chromatography sections to learn how natural and synthetic fibres—including the particularly important evidence of hair—can be distinguished and individualized. Finally, you will examine firearms, covering their history and mechanics before concentrating on crucial forensic topics such as the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) and ballistic striations.

In this module, you will conduct a comprehensive examination of narcotics, beginning with their classification into natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic types. You will investigate the use and effects of a range of prominent illegal drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, opium, heroin, morphine, LSD, amphetamines, and ketamine. The curriculum delves into the methods for their detection and identification, explaining how analyzing impurities can be a key technique for identifying the synthetic route used in a drug's creation. To provide a complete and current perspective, you will also explore the challenges posed by analogs and designer drugs and review the strategic measures used to control the illegal drug market.

In this module, you will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the field of toxicology, examining different types of poisons and their effects on the human body. You will analyze their modes of action and routes of administration, and you will learn to apply the concept of LD50 as a critical measure of toxicity. Your study will be grounded in foundational principles, such as Paracelsus's concept of the poison, and will cover specific substances like arsenic, alcohol, and nerve agents in detail. To solidify your understanding, you will apply these concepts by analyzing various case studies that illustrate the complex circumstances of accidental, deliberate, and occupational poisoning.

In this capstone module, you will synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course by analyzing a curated collection of real-world case studies. These cases serve a dual purpose: they will not only reinforce the key forensic concepts and techniques you have learned, but also introduce new and important topics. You will deconstruct the investigative processes and pivotal evidence in a diverse range of landmark cases, including the historical identification of King Richard III, the complex investigations of JonBenét Ramsey and the Unabomber, and the classic forensic work in the Dr. Crippen case, among others, to highlight the critical aspects of forensic science in practice.