Death Investigation and Evidence Analysis

This unit deepens students’ understanding of medicolegal death investigation and the laboratory analysis of biological and trace evidence. Learners practice estimating time and manner of death, conducting autopsies and scene examinations, and applying DNA, toxicology, and trace‑evidence techniques to link people, materials, and causes.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze postmortem findings, scene indicators, and skeletal evidence to estimate time, cause, and manner of death using established forensic pathology principles
• Apply DNA and serological methods to identify individuals and determine biological relationships through DNA fingerprinting and paternity testing workflows
• Demonstrate proper collection, preservation, and documentation procedures for diverse physical evidence (bloodstains, fingerprints, tool marks, ammunition, accelerants, and skeletal remains) at scenes and during autopsy to maintain evidentiary integrity
• Evaluate toxicology results and instrumental analyses of trace evidence to interpret the presence and significance of toxins, accelerants, and transferred materials in reconstructing events leading to death