On-Demand:

This course is being conducted in our On-Demand format, giving the attendee the ability to view and complete the content when it is convenient for their schedule.

Registration: $400 per person

Course Length: 10 Hours of Content

Course Description

Forensic Science 360 is an immersive learning experience introducing students to the core disciplines of modern forensics: toxicology, chemistry, and biology. Through interactive lessons and real-world case examples, students gain a behind-the-scenes look at how forensic scientists analyze samples, interpret results, and communicate their findings.

The course begins with the essentials: laboratory safety, chemical handling, personal protective equipment, and ethical standards, to prepare students for authentic scientific work. Students then explore the journey of evidence from the scene to the lab, learning about proper collection, packaging, documentation, and chain-of-custody practices that ensure integrity in every investigation.

In Forensic Toxicology, students study how drugs and poisons are detected and identified in the body. They’ll explore major drug classes, from opioids and stimulants to hallucinogens and new psychoactive substances, and learn how analytical instruments such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) are used to confirm results. Topics like pharmacology, sample extraction, calibration, and result interpretation help connect chemistry and biology to human physiology.

Forensic Chemistry focuses on the identification of controlled substances and unknown materials. Students learn how chemists test powders, pills, and plant matter using color tests, microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and GC-MS. Real laboratory workflows guide them through presumptive testing, confirmatory analysis, and quality control, showing how results move from the bench to a formal report.

In Forensic Biology, the focus shifts to biological evidence and DNA. Students explore how stains are located, how body fluids are identified through presumptive and confirmatory tests, and how DNA is extracted, quantified, amplified, and interpreted using modern techniques like capillary electrophoresis. This module connects molecular biology to investigative applications through discussion of STR profiles, probability calculations, and result interpretation.

By the end of the course, students will understand the analytical methods, instrumentation, and decision-making that define forensic laboratory work. They’ll leave with a strong foundation across the three disciplines and ready for the two-week in person training.

Detailed Learning Objectives

• Understand the Core Scientific Disciplines of Forensic Science - Learners will develop foundational knowledge of three major forensic disciplines: toxicology, chemistry, and biology and gain insight into how each field contributes uniquely to the examination, identification, and interpretation of evidence within a forensic investigation.
• Apply Analytical Principles to Evidence Evaluation - Participants will explore key laboratory methods and instrumentation used to analyze biological samples, controlled substances, and trace materials. They will learn how scientific data are generated, validated, and interpreted to support investigative and judicial processes.
• Identify Academic and Career Pathways within Forensic Science - Upon completion, learners will be able to recognize the interconnected roles of laboratory scientists, technicians, and analysts across forensic disciplines, equipping them with the foundational understanding needed to pursue further education, training, or entry-level opportunities in the forensic science field.

*All presentations must be attended to receive credit. The course content has been reviewed by the ABC, and determined to be acceptable for submission to the ABC for continuing education credit.

Click the Enroll button below to register for the Forensic Science 360 Course!