Forensic Biology Evidence Value Explained Training

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the scientific principles underlying forensic biology examinations, including DNA analysis and serology.
• Evaluate the evidential value of different types of biological evidence such as blood, semen, saliva, and hair.
• Apply appropriate methods for the collection, preservation, and chain of custody of biological samples.
• Analyze case studies to determine how forensic biology evidence contributes to criminal investigations.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret laboratory results and communicate their significance in a legal context.
• Assess the limitations and potential sources of error in forensic biology examinations.

Target Audience

This course is designed for forensic science practitioners, crime scene investigators, laboratory technicians, and law enforcement officers who require a foundational understanding of forensic biology evidence. It is also suitable for legal professionals seeking to interpret biological evidence in court.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Practical sessions provide hands-on experience with biological evidence collection, serological testing, DNA extraction and profiling, and evidence evaluation. Learners will apply theoretical knowledge in simulated crime scene and laboratory settings to develop technical skills and reinforce learning.

Practical Activities

• Practical 1: Biological Evidence Collection and Packaging — Learners simulate crime scene scenarios to collect various biological evidence (blood, semen, saliva, hair) using proper techniques, and package items following chain of custody protocols. (6h)
• Practical 2: Serological Testing for Body Fluids — Learners perform presumptive and confirmatory tests on simulated stains to identify blood, semen, and saliva, and interpret results. (6h)
• Practical 3: DNA Extraction and Quantification — Learners extract DNA from buccal swabs and blood samples using commercial kits, and quantify DNA using spectrophotometry or fluorometry. (6h)
• Practical 4: DNA Profiling and Interpretation — Learners analyse provided electropherograms from STR analysis to generate DNA profiles, interpret single-source and mixed profiles, and calculate statistical weights. (6h)
• Practical 5: Case Scenario Integration and Reporting — Learners integrate evidence from prior practicals into a mock case, prepare a forensic report, and present findings in a simulated court setting. (3h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.