Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology

About Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology

The application of science to the law and exploring the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena is what comprise the Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology (IFSC). The institute has been incepted by Panjab University from session 2009-2010.

Forensic science is the diverse collection of scientific techniques. In practice, forensic science is built upon the principles dragged from physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology and other scientific principles and methods. In earlier times real .forensic science. has been assigned to the real science of fingerprints, firearms, tool-marks and questioned documents etc. However, although many of the techniques used in modern forensic science have been borrowed from other sciences, it is also true that in recent years, it had matured into a scientific discipline in its own right.

Criminology is the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding the process of law, crime and reaction to crime. Criminology is aimed principally at elucidating the connection between crime and the personal characteristics of the offender or his environment, with special reference to the origin of the offence.

The Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology provide a M.Sc. degree to the students covering the realm of forensic sciences and criminology with a desire to put it to maximum use in detecting, investigating and ultimately reducing the crime. Offshoot aim is utilizing scientific power in producing 'scientific workforce' to meet the needs of highly technical personnel to serve the society in an effective and efficient way.

Module
The subject is designed to introduce the concepts, disciplines and principles of the forensic sciences in their application to modern forensics. Topics include the history of forensic science, an overview of the commonly utilized scientific disciplines (e.g. forensic biology, odontology, anthropology, toxicology, chemistry, psychology, document examination, ballistics, computer forensic, Voice, image & video analysis and crime scene management etc.), the use and implications of forensic databases, ethical issues and legislation, the skills involved in scientific analysis (observation, interpretation, record keeping, report writing, expert testimony), accreditation procedures and quality assurance.

Scope
There are enough scope for career growth in government and Private Sector in India and abroad. The main employment generating areas of students of forensic sciences in government sector are Law enforcing agenesis such as NIA (National Investigation Agency), CBI (Center Bureau of Investigation), IB (Intelligence Bureau), central/state police departments, CFSL (Centre Forensic Science Laboratory), SFSL (State Forensic Science Laboratory), Hospitals, Banks, Universities Defense/Army, Quality Control Bureau, Narcotics Department, judicial services, forest and wild life departments etc; and in the private, sectors are security agencies, Banks, multinationals, Detective Agencies, Media, Insurance Companies consultants in industry & free lance consultants/private practitioner, Law Firms and Hospitals etc.

In addition to the above medical examiner, crime laboratory analyst, Fraud Examiner, Environment Analyst, crime scene examiners, Forensic Psychologist, Genetics Experts, forensic engineers are the job prospects in abroad. Forensic scientists also work for making psychological profiles of offenders by analyzing the crime scene and the crimes committed.