DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
1. PHILOSOPHY
We aspire to solve crime questions through the application of all sciences to law. We are building a department where local and international students interested in forensic sciences will be proud to belong. Our belief is that providing the necessary infrastructure will make for conducive learning environment which when combined with the exploitation of contemporary teaching techniques will produce the next generation of forensic science experts. We believe in training and retraining of staff because a teacher is supposed to keep abreast with recent advances to impact contemporary knowledge.
2. VISION AND MISSION
2.1 VISION: To help in building a Nigerian society where only the guilty and not the innocent is punished while the innocent set free with the help of scientific evidence
2.2 MISSION: To develop a critical mass of the next generation of forensic science experts who will propagate the discipline of forensic science through research, teaching and training of those who will fight crime using scientific evidence
3.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 Aims: The investigation of crime in Nigeria has continued to remain under-developed despite the fact that we are now in the 21st century. Countries that got independence at the same time and even after Nigeria did are far more developed. South Africa is light years ahead of Nigeria in this respect. The state of the medicolegal system and crime investigation in Nigeria is very poor. The latter has been so empowered by societal ignorance and inaction such that nothing is questioned. It is perhaps no exaggeration to say that over 90% of crime investigation begins and ends at the level of the divisional Police Offices where not much gets done and the facilities are not available for crime and death scene investigations. Unfortunately, the Nigerian Bar and Bench has never asked questions, and science-based evidence is seemingly not a requirement of our criminal justice system. It is against this background that an awareness and appropriate training in forensic science is essential for uninformed police investigators, and hopefully act as a catalyst to revolutionize the criminal justice system. A training programme based at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria will be the second of its kind in the country and indeed in the West Africa sub-region and should hopefully attract interest from other parts of the continent.
3.2 Objectives: This programme is designed to provide the participants with broad-based theoretical, clinical and practical experiences in Forensic Science and subsequently concentrate on a specific field(s) of Forensic Science for sub-specialization. It would also include a period of research and internship in subspecialties of Forensic Science. The latter period allows the participant to work with forensic science specialists and to develop research specific to a field/s of forensic science. This program provides an understanding and integration of forensic disciplines in criminal investigation.
Workshop participation may be required in various course modules to assist the students to have practical experience. These workshops will focus on specific fields of forensic science. In addition to student workshop attendance, the student may be required to develop and present a workshop and/or be a presenter for other forensic science workshops. An extensive clinical internship and project option or research and thesis option will be required. After successful completion of course requirements, the student will receive a Master of Forensic Science ( M.For.Sci.) degree with a specific Forensic Science Focus.
The Forensic Science Focus will be determined by the student and approved by the Programme Director. There shall be developed at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University the following areas of specializations in the Master of Forensic Science degree programme : i) Forensic Toxicology; ii) Forensic Chemistry & Drug Analysis; and iii) Forensic & Legal Medicine. Consequently the course requirements for the Forensic Science Internship and Research Thesis Module will be developed based on the student’s objectives and personal goals and intended area of specialization. The individual program will provide the student with an extensive didactic and clinical experience. Furthermore, this module will be individually designed to provide extensive experience in the chosen field of forensic science and to identify, develop and study specific issues, collect and analyze data, and prepare a report identifying the study results. The major objective would be to increase and encourage research in the field and to apply the study data to better serve the community.
Part of the initial focus of this programme will be to train highly skilled scientists who would hopefully proceed to a doctorate degree and assist in forming the nucleus of the faculty for subsequent training and local development. The faculty will initially depend heavily on international resource persons whose expertise would still be required subsequently though at a less dependent level.
4. CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
It is expected that graduates of this programme will be acceptable to the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Judicial System as expert witness after their successful completion of the Master’s degree program. Graduates can establish or work in private forensic laboratories. They have job opportunities in the Police, military, NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies. Other job opportunities in are molecular laboratories, analytical laboratories and in academia.
DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME
This is a minimum of two-year (2-year) part-time postgraduate course comprising a total of four (4) semesters.
5. PROGRAMMES OFFERED AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
5.1 PROGRAMMES OFFERED
Master of Forensic Sciences (M.For. Sci.)
5.2 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The following shall be required for admission into the Master of Forensic Science Degree program:
1. Minimum of a B.Sc. Second Class Lower Degree, in Biological, Physical, Pharmaceutical, Medical and Health Sciences (including but not limited to Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Radiography, Physiotherapy etc) and Criminal Investigation. Graduates of Law (with required pre-requisite undergraduate courses in chemistry, biology, or natural sciences), as well as those in law enforcement agencies can also apply.
2. Completion of the N.Y.S.C. Programme or proof of exemption in the case of Nigerian applicants.
3. Submission of a one-page statement detailing the reasons for the choice of graduate programme of study.
4. All short-listed candidates may be required to sit a qualifying examination and successful candidates appear for an interview in addition to undergoing a process of character evaluation. Each candidate may also be required to obtain certified Police Clearance of Criminal Record before he or she is admitted into the program.
Undergraduate courses in Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology and Calculus are highly recommended and would provide a strong basis for comprehension of the course content in Forensic Science. Discussion with student undergraduate advisor or graduate faculty advisor in the Forensic Science Course regarding course requirements prior to application is strongly encouraged.
Due to the sensitive nature of the course content, an extensive criminal background check may be conducted on ALL registrants, PRIOR to acceptance into the Masters of Forensic Science Program.
6. STAFF PROFILE
Our staff are drawn from different faculties and they have been represented in those departments
1. Prof Charles Ochie- Abany State University, Georgia, USA.
2. Prof Uzoma Okafor- Albany State University, Georgis, USA
3. Prof Mathias Okoye- Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences, USA,
4. Dr Chijioke OFOMATA- Forensic Science Program, NAU
5. Dr Ernest Orji- Forensic Science Program, NAU
6. Dr Williams Obiozor-Faculty of Education
7. Prof Sylvanus Ewuim-Faculty of Biosciences
8. Prof Peter Nnabude- Faculty of Agriculture
9. Prof Chibueze Ihekwereme-Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
10. Dr Charles Ezenduka- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
11. Prof. Ikemefuna Uzochukwu- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
12. Prof. Festus Okoye- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
13. Prof Kenneth Ngwoke- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
14. Dr Obidinma Emmanuel C- Faculty of LAw
15. Dr Kenneth Oraegbunam-Faculty of Law
16. Prof Igwebuike Onyiaorah-Faculty of Medicine
17. Prof Charles Onyenekwe –Faculty of health Science and technology
7. AVAILABLE AREAS OF SPECIALIZATIONS
i) Forensic Toxicology
ii) Forensic Chemistry & Drug Analysis
iii) Forensic & Legal Medicine.
8. DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME
This is a standard of two-year part-time postgraduate course comprising a total of four semesters or a fulltime postgraduate course with a minimum of 18 months intensive study.
9. TOTAL REQUIRED CREDIT FOR GRADUATION
Master of Forensic Sciences Course work-30
Thesis- 12
Total- 42 CR
10. COURSE DISTRIBUTION
The course consists of lectures, medico-legal casework attachments, small group tutorials, literature reviews and the submission of a dissertation.
The lecture series will cover the broad area of forensic sciences, which would include but not limited to the following; criminalistics, forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, forensic biology and DNA analysis, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensic radiology, forensic entomology and blood spatter analysis. Allied forensic sciences like forensic engineering and document examination will be discussed. The course will also cover medical statistics. Candidates are required to conduct research and submit a thesis in part-fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Forensic Science Degree. The course consists of eight (10) modules in total, amounting to 47 units. All modules are compulsory. The course modules are as follows:
S/N Course Code Course Title Units
1. MFS 801. MODULE I Overview of Forensic Sciences. 3
2. MFS 802. MODULE II Graduate Research Methods and Statistics. 3
3. MFS 803. MODULE III Crime Scene Analysis/Medico-Legal Death Investigations & Crime Scene Reconstruction
4
4. MFS 804. MODULE IV Sexual Assault Examination & Analysis 4
5. MFS 805. MODULE V Forensic Biology, Blood Spatter and DNA Analysis
4
6. MFS 806. MODULE VI Forensic Anthropology & Odontology & Forensic Entomology
4
7. MFS 807. MODULE VII Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology. 4
8. MFS 808 MODULE VIII Forensic & Legal Medicine & Medical ethics 4
9. MFS 809 MODULE IX Graduate Seminar 3
10 MFS 810. MODULE X Forensic Science Internship/Project OR Research & Thesis. 12
11. COURSE DESCRIPTION YEAR ONE
1ST SEMESTER.
MFS 801. MODULE I – Overview of Forensic Sciences (3 UNITS).
Topics to be covered include Description of the fields of forensic science, The medico-legal system, Cause and manner of death; Pre-, intra- and post-death changes, Injuries associated with certain types of deaths, Psychological and sociological dimensions of forensic science, Domestic violence, sexual and child abuse, Crime scene preservation and investigative techniques, Forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, forensic biology and DNA analysis, Blood spatter analysis, Physical sciences as forensic tools crime investigation; Fire & Arson, Ballistics, Finger printing and document examination, Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
MFS 802. MODULE II – Graduate Research Methods and Statistics & Forensic Epidemiology (3UNITS).
Topics to be covered include Fundamentals of biostatistics, Utilising research to improve practice, Ethics and rights in research involving human subjects, Evaluation of study designs, Research Critique, Research problems-Forensic Epidemiology Case Studies, Steps in
constructing a research design, Relating research to theoretical context, Selection and development of research instruments, Collection of data on variables, Strategies of field research, Quantitative Analysis in multivariate statistics, Computer and data processing, Scholarly and Intellectual Craftsmanship in Forensic Science Research, Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
MFS 803. MODULE III – Crime Scene Analysis /Medico-Legal Death Investigations and Crime Scene Reconstruction (4 UNITS).
Topics to be covered include Crime Scene Investigation, Analysis & Reconstruction, Evidence Collection, Documentation, and Preservation, Death Scene Investigation & Reconstruction, Fire & Arson Investigation & Reconstruction, Mass Disaster –Forensic Investigation/Management, Biological and Chemical Analysis, Ballistics and Tool Mark Identification; Comparison Microscopy and GSR Analysis, Behavior/Criminal Profiling and Victimology, Psychological Variations and Aspects of Violent, Mentally Ill and Serial Killers- Homicide Personalities, Forensic Photography, The Role of the Forensic Nurse-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, Postmortem Examination; Cause, Mechanism and Manner of Death, Criminal Correction System, Chain of Custody and Documentation, Stress Management As Relating to Members of the Multidisiplinary Investigative Unit.
Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
2ND SEMESTER.
MFS 804. MODULE IV – Sexual Assault Examination & Analysis(4 UNITS).
Topics to be covered include Role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Sexual Assault Investigation, Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse, Evidence Collection and Preservation, Chain of Custody and Documentation, Psychological Variations and Aspects of Sexual Perpetrators, Social, Medical, Legal, and Psychological Implications/Outcomes in Assaults, Stress Management as Relating to the Nurse Examiner/Investigator, Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
MFS 805. MODULE V – Forensic Biology, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis & DNA
Analysis (4 UNITS)
Topics to be covered include Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Liquid Blood, Target Surface Characteristics and Blood Spatter, Bloodstain Characteristics: Size and Shape of Stain, Trigonometric Function/Use in the Analysis of Blood Spatter Evidence, Use of Statistics in the Evaluation of Blood Spatter and Blood Stains, Impact Angle Consideration: Vertical Drop/Angular Target and Angular Drop/Horizontal Target, Utilisation of Physics Principles, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Principles Mathematical Measurements and Tools in the Identification of Spatter Origin in Space, Differentiation of Dripped vs. Splashed Blood,
Bloodstain Patterns Originating for Projected Blood, Blood Spatter: Medium Velocity Impact vs. High Velocity Impact, Cast-Off Bloodstain Patterns, Expired Transfer Pattern Bloodstains, Bloodstains as a Chronometer, Sequence of Bloodstains, Recovery and Documentation of Bloodstain Pattern Evidence, Legal Issues Associated with Blood Spatter Evidence and Admissibility in a Court of Law, Forensic Serology, Basic Molecular Biology; Types of DNA Materials & Genetic and Paternity Testing, The DNA Laboratory; Lay-out, Equipment, Techniques, Quality Control, DNA Samples Collection, Amplification, Sequencing, Analysis, Statistics, Court Testimony, Associated Legal Issues and Admissibility of Evidence Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
YEAR TWO
3RD. SEMESTER.
MFS 806. MODULE VI – Forensic Anthropology/Odontology & Forensic
Entomology (4 UNITS).
Topics to be covered include Applications of Chemistry, Physics and Calculus in Victim Identification, Human Anatomy and Physiology:Theory and Laboratory Components, Human Osteology-Theory and Laboratory Components, Forensic Taphonomy-Theory and Laboratory Components, Forensic Odontology-Theory and Laboratory Components, Forensic Entomology-Theory and Laboratory Components, Forensic Soil Biology and Forensic Soil Chemistry, Demographic Skeleton Characteristics, Environmental Effects on Skeletal Remains, Human versus Non-Human Remains, Collection and Preservation of Human Remains, Facial Reconstruction, Factors for Individualisation, Forensic Archaeology; Cultural and Physical Anthropology, Grave Location and Excavation, Mass Grave Location and Excavation & Forensic Investigation of Mass Disasters, Documentation and Legal Issues Associated with Human Remains Evidence, Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of- Course Assessment.
MFS 807. MODULE VII – Forensic Chemistry & Drug Analysis & Forensic Toxicology (4 UNITS).
Topics to be covered include Classes of Drugs of Abuse, Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Abused Drugs on Humans; Prescribed and Non-Prescribed, Drug Interactions and the Effects of Poly-Drug Abuse, Social and Psychological Aspects of Drug Abuse, The Drug Abuser; Profile, Deaths Associated with the Abuse of Controlled and Non-Controlled, Drugs, Examination of Scene of Drug-Related Deaths, Clandestine Drug Laboratories and Investigation Techniques, Establishing Forensic Toxicology and Forensic Chemistry Laboratories, Equipment and Methodologies in Chemistry and Toxicology analyses, TLC, LC, HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, MS, FTIR, AAS, SEM, Microscopy, etc, Analysis of Powder, Tablets, Liquids, Volatiles and Unknown Substances, Arson Investigation, Collection and Preservation of Biological samples; Chain of Custody, Documentation, Analysis of Biological Fluids: Blood, Urine, Vitreous, Bile, Analysis of Tissue Samples: Liver, Kidney, Brain, Soft Tissue, etc, Resource Access and Availability, Preparation of Forensic Report on Analytical Studies, Expert Court Testimony and Associated Legal Issues, Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
4TH. SEMESTER.
MFS 808. MODULE VIII- Forensic & Legal Medicine & Medical Ethics ( 4 UNITS)
Topics to be covered include History of Forensic Medicine & Pathology and Legal Medicine, Postmortem Chemistry, Postmortem Changes and Estimation of Time Since Death, Sudden Unexpected and Natural Death, The Use of Forensic Autopsies in Medico- Legal Death Investigation, The Role of Coroners and Medical Examiners in Death Investigations, Trace & Physical Evidence Collections at the Scene and Autopsy, Wounds & Injury Interpretations, Forensic Aspects of Blunt Force Injuries, Forensic Aspects of Traffic Fatalities, Childhood Deaths and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Physic, Abuse Deaths in Children & Elderly, Forensic Aspects of Sharp Force Injuries, Forensic Aspects of Gunfire Injuries, Asphyxial Deaths & Bodies Recovered from Water.
Electical Deaths & Drug Related Deaths, Fire Injuries, Deaths, and Arson Investigation, Deaths in Police Custody, Medico-Legal Aspects of Alcohol, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychiatry & Mental Health Law, Ethics, Medicine & the Law, Physician-Patient Relationship & Informed Consent, Confidentiality & Access to Medical Records, Medical Malpractice, Incompetence, and Negligence, Organ Transplantation, Euthanasia, and Assisted Suicide, Infectious Diseases and Criminal Liability, Fundamentals of law of evidence, Fundamentals of Law of Torts, Fundamentals of Criminal procedure Fundamentals of Civil Procedure, Expert Testimony, Module Workshop/Presentations and End-of-Course Assessment.
MFS 809. MODULE IX-Graduate Seminar (3 UNITS).
This module will provide the student with the opportunity to participate in weekly graduate seminars during the second year. Students will prepare selected topics with the assistance of his or her graduate advisor and present at the scheduled weekly seminars. Each candidate will present one seminar per semester, meaning four seminars by each postgraduate student. These seminars will be graded Pass or Fail by the graduate advisor.
MFS 810 MODULE X – Forensic Science Internship/Project OR and Research
& Thesis (6 UNITS).
This module will provide the student with the opportunity to engage in an individually arranged program in an area of Forensic Science that will meet the student’s interest and personal goal objective. The requirements and focus of the internship will be designed as a collaborative effort with the student and assigned course faculty. Each internship program will allow the student to receive extensive didactic and clinical experience in their chosen field of Forensic Science. The student will work closely with the assigned faculty member and a specialist in that field. This will allow the student to develop a Major Focus in Forensic Science. It is anticipated that the internship period will be spent at the Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences Inc. and other tertiary forensic institutions as may be approved by the Programme
Coordinator. The student will be exposed to the legal system in developed countries and court room practices.
The Internship design will provide the basis for the Research Thesis. The student will utilise the principles of research in the development of an academic research thesis. All aspects of research design will be identified. Collected data will be analysed and a conclusion formalised. Relevance to the individual field of study, the Forensic Science community and society will be examined. Further research questions also will be identified.
Research Thesis will be prepared for submission to Forensic Science Research Journal/s for possible publication prior to receiving the graduate degree.