The ForSci Associate's training program will provide incoming students with the following learning outcomes:

• Technical knowledge of the underlying principles of investigative forensics, collection and handling of evidentiary material, chain of custody, casework analysis, forensic databasing, and the insight behind laboratory information management systems.
• Technical knowledge of the underlying principles of crime scene investigations, pertinent evidentiary material, types of biological samples, biological and/or environmental degradation, preserving evidence, contamination risks, and laboratory safety.



• Technical knowledge of the underlying principles of biological evidence in forensic investigations, including serological analyses, DNA extraction methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies, STR analysis, mtDNA analysis, and mixture analysis/separation.
• Hands-on experience regarding the principles and practices of documenting, storing, handling, and preparing evidentiary material for biological/DNA testing in forensic investigations.
• Hands-on experience regarding the principles and practices of serological analyses, including body fluid identification, stain mapping, microscopic analyses, sample isolation, etc. necessary for subsequent DNA analysis.
• Hands-on experience regarding the principles and practices of DNA extraction, including differential extraction methods, human and male specific DNA quantification, and PCR amplification using various human and male specific STR platforms as they relate to the forensic analysis of DNA.
• Hands-on experience regarding the principles and practices of simple and complex mixture analysis as they relate to the forensic analysis of DNA.
• Hands-on experience regarding the principles and practices of basic mtDNA analyses as they relate to the forensic analysis of DNA.
• The ability to document and perform independent, accurate, and consistent forensic analysis on forensic case material on a wide array of forensic samples.
• The ability to provide effective and accurate expert witness testimony that includes the presentation of all forensic laboratory practices and analyses pertinent to each case.  These include, but are not limited to, handling of evidentiary material, serological analyses, DNA quantification, extraction, and PCR/ STR technologies.  Furthermore, to demonstrate the ability to provide consistent defense of analytical conclusions in court testimony.