The course will start with an overview of the basic concepts in forensic science and the essential steps of the forensic process. For practical and didactical reasons, the process has been divided in four phases as could be seen by a forensic scientist; the investigation of the scene of the incident (crime), the analysis, the interpretation and the reporting. Each of the phases in the process will be individually explored using examples from several forensic areas of expertise.

An important goal of the course is to provide students with the required knowledge of statistical and probabilistic reasoning to distinguish correct from erroneous argumentation when applied to Forensic Science. Intuitive reasoning is frequently the source of serious misconceptions that all too often have lead to wrong juridical sentences. In the course, the students will see how to recognize and avoid such mistakes through formalistic analysis.

This course will start with an introduction in the concept of scientific methodology and the role of research in Forensic science. Exercises will be given which involve summarizing literature and extraction of research questions for follow up research.

Many techniques in forensic science, such as firearm examination, tool marks, handwriting and fingerprints, rely on a human, as the 'instrument' of analysis and interpretation. The course focuses on the pros and cons of this, their validity and reliability, and criticism on these different observer-based techniques.

Complex Crime Scenes focuses on the role of the crime scene investigator and the importance of scenario thinking. From a series of guest lecturers from the forensic field, you gain an overview of relevant topics such as large-scale investigations, search techniques, forensic archaeology and mass graves, forensic microtraces, etc. You will perform a Mock Crime Scene and deliver an analysis on your own hypotheses and scenarios, as well as individually write a commentary article on a scientific crime scene topic.

Forensic Statistics is relevant for all forensic disciplines and the Bayesian paradigm connects them. The area where this is most pronounced and most developed is DNA evidence. For this reason, the focus of the course will be on DNA and biological trace evidence, but applications of forensic statistics in other areas will also be considered.

During Cybercrime, Digital Traces and Forensic Data Analysis you get an overview of the digital forensics and cybercrime field. You will learn about digital forensics methods and data science for digital forensics. You will develop a critical attitude towards digital forensics and will perform your own research on a relevant forensic question on a topic of your own choosing.

During the course Chain of Evidence the students will revisit the forensic process but from a practical point of view. The learning activities are focused on the evaluation of the laboratory work, the role of the expert witness, the communication of scientific results and the use of statistics.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals and functions of criminal law, the position of experts in different stages of the criminal process and the use of expert evidence. The peculiarities of the communication between experts and non-experts in court will be addressed.

This course aims (1) retrieve all your knowledge of the past courses and apply it to a classical hard case. And (2) to explore and understand the role of the societal actors, e.g, policy, ethics and media.

In the forensic science programme you will learn everything you need to become a full-fledged forensic scientist. While the majority of the programme focuses on the science, this course has a different orientation: your personal development. Against this backdrop, it aspires to complement your scientific training by providing additional tools that are highly valuable for your future work in forensic practice.