Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 17 hours
- Course by University of Lausanne
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Offered by
About
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. ****************** Special thanks to our translators, in particular the University of Lausanne and the School of Criminal Justice sincerely thank Massimiliano Stabile (forensic biologist), Francesco Zampa (forensic chemist) and Giampietro Lago (forensic biologist) for the Italian translation of the course.Modules
About us
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2
Videos
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3
Readings
2
Videos
- Course Introduction: Meet your Lausanne Team
- Presentation and visit of The School of Criminal Justice
3
Readings
- Instructors
- Development Team
- Guests interviewed
Course guidelines
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1
Videos
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3
Readings
1
Videos
- Course learning objectives
3
Readings
- Syllabus and Grading policies
- Discussion forum guidelines
- Getting started: Break the ice !
Week 1
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7
Videos
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1
Readings
7
Videos
- 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?
1
Readings
- Additional literature Week 1
Interviews
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Interview with Prof. Colin Aitken
- Interview with Dr. Sc. Sheila Willis
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 1
Week 2
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7
Videos
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1
Readings
7
Videos
- 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 !
1
Readings
- Additional literature Week 2
Interviews
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Interview with Dr. Sc. CBE Ian Evett and Prof. Graham Jackson
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 2
Week 3
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10
Videos
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1
Readings
10
Videos
- 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
1
Readings
- Additional literature Week 3
Interviews
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Interview with Prof. Peter Gill
- Interview with Prof. Pierre Margot
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 3
Week 4
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6
Videos
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1
Readings
6
Videos
- 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 ?
1
Readings
- Additional literature Week 4
Interviews
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Interview with Prof. David Kaye
- Interview with Prof. William Thompson
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 4
Week 5
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9
Videos
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1
Readings
9
Videos
- 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
1
Readings
- Additional literature Week 5
Interviews
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Interview with Mr Iain McKie
- Interview with Dr Brandon Mayfield and Prof. Sharia Mayfield
Quiz
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Week 5
Course conclusions
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Course Conclusions
Auto Summary
Explore the intricate world of forensic science with "Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court," a course designed to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of forensic evidence. Unlike the dramatized portrayals seen in TV shows like CSI, this course, led by renowned specialists from the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Lausanne, reveals the inherent uncertainties and limitations of forensic techniques. Participants will delve into notable cases that highlight the potential for miscarriages of justice, emphasizing the importance of probabilistic reasoning in forensic science. This course is ideal for those interested in the criminal justice system, whether as professionals or enthusiasts, and aims to promote a sound and realistic approach to the administration of forensic evidence. With a duration of 1020 minutes, learners can choose from Starter and Professional subscription options to suit their needs. This foundational course is perfect for anyone looking to gain a comprehensive insight into the critical role of forensic science in the courtroom.
Alex Biedermann
Franco Taroni
Christophe Champod
Tacha Hicks