Course Outline

One of the major and vast disciplines of Forensic Science, with innumerable probabilities to learn, explore and practice is Forensic Drugs Analysis. With the increasing cases of drug abuse among the youth and its unethical use for doping, this subject has become very vital for the investigators, analysts and medical practitioners. A day by day increase in the illegal drug trade because of its growing demand has posed a threat to the society and the community around. Due to a rapid escalation in drink and drive cases for the past few years, police officials all around the world are using Breathalyzer to detect the presence and concentration of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood, commonly termed as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). In similar manner, various drugs can be detected through biological samples as urine, hair, blood, breath air, sweat, or oral fluid / saliva – to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. Along with the above-mentioned facts, there are a few factors which are responsible for an accurate detection period of several drugs. They are: drug class, quantity and regularity of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, and urine ph. For ease of use, the detection times of metabolites have been incorporated into each parent drug. For example, heroin and cocaine can only be detected for a few hours after use, but their metabolites can be detected for several days in urine. The common drugs of abuse are: Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine, Cannabinoids (THC), Cocaine, Methadone, Methaqualone, Opioids (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.), Phencyclidine (PCP), Propoxyphene, Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice), Tricyclic antidepressants etc. The theoretical and practical session on the commonly used drugs of abuse may help the aspiring students in understanding the nature of the specific drug, its mechanism on the body, the activity of the concerned metabolite, the effects produced by the drug on the body, the detection techniques to be employed on acute as well as chronic users, their fatality rate, their post-mortem appearances and the medico-legal aspects of the related drug. The students would also be made aware with certain lethal drug combinations by the discussion of some very famous actual case studies.

Evaluation The evaluation process varies depending upon the course you enroll for, likewise: if you are enrolled for Certification, you will be allotted few assignment during the session of the course, which you are deemed to complete within the 10 ten days after the assigned date. In Diploma and PG Diploma, after the completion of the assignment during the sessions of the course; a project-work is assigned during the last quarter of the course duration, which you have to complete within the time given. Examination The mode of examination will be online for all the online enrolled students. After the completion of the respective course duration, a username and password would be generated for all the enlisted students. The username and the password would be mailed to every student prior to the date allotted for the examination to be held, and accordingly they would be requested by the concerned authorities to check their mails, so that they could use the specified details in order to give their exams on our online examination portal on the allocated date and time. Result The complete correction and evaluation takes about two weeks. After the evaluation process is finally done, the mark sheets and certificates are posted on to the postal address of every student, but only after verifying their postal addresses as mentioned on the submitted application forms. Therefore, the students are always requested to mention their correct and complete address on their application form, in order to avoid further confusion and disappointment.

Training Training outline This collaborative training session is designed for online and regular students. The training would acquaint the students with practicals of Forensic Drug Analysis, work on real cases and the techniques required to be an eminent and well-experienced investigator. Module-1: Narcotics, Drugs and crimes- In this training module, you will be introduced with the utilization of application of medical techniques within the legal proceedings. Through this module, students would be created attentive to the legal definition of medication, causes of dependency, identification of the addicts, withdrawal syndrome and rhetorical issues. It will additionally outline you to the criminal behavior and activities. The uses of ineligible medicine is related to killing, rape, theft, serious assault, burglary, automobile offenses, arson etc. The role of drug would be educated to the scholars and also the minute details drug issues and connected crime, non-violent crimes, violent crimes, drug downside in India- Cannabis and Poppy. Module-2: Classification of drug- Classification of drug, because the name signifies are going to be managing numerous sorts of medication as Sedatives, Miscellaneous, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Solvents, artificial narcotics and Designer medication. It will be familiarize you to the basics of classification of drug. Module-3: Sedatives introduction- Under this training module, students would be find out about the introduction to sedatives, opium and controlled substance derivatives, Morphine- administration, psychological effects, metabolism, addiction, identification, Heroin- abuse, psychological effects and identification, Barbiturates- Nature, administration, addiction, metabolism, identification and different non-opiate sedatives. It’ll acquaint you a sensible approach. Module-4: Stimulants and crime- Practical module will introduce you to the Introduction to stimulants such as Cocaine and Benzedrine- its origin, uses, abuse as narcotics, intake, effects of cocaine, psychological effects and addiction. Module-5: Hallucinogens process- Hallucinogens defines you during this module, students are going to be acquainted with the introduction to hallucinogens like Cannabis and acid Diethylamide (LSD) - its result, administration, addiction, metabolism and identification. Module-6: Alcohol absorption and crime- In this module, students are going to be adjusted to the cases regarding the involvement of Medical Jurisprudence. Then nature and production of alcohol, production, classification, properties, absorption, elimination and their effects. Module-7: Location and collection of evidence- In this practical training module, students would be instructed and familiarize concerning the gathering of samples at the scene of crime, illicit liquor, proof of intoxication, assortment of samples like blood samples, excrement samples, post mortem blood samples, secretion samples and breath samples. Module-8: Report writing- Importance of reports and need of an investigative report, salient features of a good report, layout of an investigative report, and guidelines for report writing. In this module, you also acquaint with the offences and penalties such as import, export and transshipment of drugs and psychotropic substances and their offences and penalties would be introduce you to the punishment for contravention in relation to poppy straw, coca plant and coca leaves, prepared opium, opium poppy and opium, manufactured drugs and cannabis and psychotropic substances. DURATION OF TRAINING The duration scheduled for the training is one month during the summer vacations. ADVANTAGES OF TRAINING >> The training session specially focusses to bring together online and regular students to enhance their knowledge. >> Training will provide you the practical knowledge and opportunities to investigate the legal cases. >> The training session of the course FSP 401 DNA Fingerprinting course familiarize you to brief knowledge of course in classroom assembly. >> Online and regular students attend to plenary training session and case studies, and learn more about the DNA Fingerprinting. >> Upon completing this training session, you should be able to develop your potential in an analytical manner. FEE FOR TRAINING The training would be payable for online and regular learning students. But they already being enrolled as students, therefore they can avail an add-on advantage of earning 15% scholarship on their respective course fee. CERTIFICATE After the successful completion of one month training, a valedictory function is organized on the last day where students are distributed the certificate and a farewell treat is arranged for the students from the Organization.

Career Outline towards Forensic Drugs Analysis career paths Now a days Forensic Science stands in very broad manner with multiple sub-fields. Forensic Drugs Analysis is one of the chief sub-disciplines of Forensic Science, which offers a myriad career opportunities to the keen aspirants. After a thorough theoretical and practical sessions provided under this course, the student would be able to gain the capability to analyze the drugs, determine their mechanism and action on a living being and their rate of fatality. After completing this course, a student has innumerable options for grooming one’s career, some of them are listed below: >> Student can be appointed as a Forensic Drug Analyst in the Central Forensic Science Laboratories. >> Student can also be appointed as a Forensic Drug Analyst in the State Forensic Labs. >> Student can be appointed as a faculty/ trainer of Forensic Drug Analysis in the various institutes offering Forensic Science courses as undergraduate and master’s programme. >> With immense knowledge of Chemistry, one could also be appointed as Drug Analyst in the Sports Department of Central as well as State Governments, in order to check the cases related to doping. >> One can also be appointed as Drug-Analyst in various Pharmaceutical companies. Educational Qualification to set a career in Forensic Drugs Analysis First level course of the Forensic Drugs Analysis is a Certification Programme. In order to opt for this course one must be of Science background. Forensic Drugs Analysis courses are also available for the Science background graduate level students who are interested to start their career from master level programme in the respective investigating science. For those students, who are opting for their Doctorate degree can choose any of the drugs and the health hazards they may cause, or any other such related topic for their further research and study. Law students and professionals both can do Certification, Diploma Course and P.G. Diploma course offered in Forensic Science to elevate their legal knowledge. Sectors in Forensic Drugs Analysis Job prospects for Forensic Drugs Analysis are in Government Sectors, as Medical Practitioner, and Forensic labs; Government and Private Laboratories. Alternate job besides working in a Laboratory is teaching with abundant opportunity to upheld one’s career by imparting education. One can also work in Private Pharmaceutical firms as Forensic Drugs Analyst.

FAQs

1. What is Forensic Drugs Analysis? In the course Forensic Drugs Analysis, the students will be acquainted with importance of various drugs, its analysis, impact and detection on a life-bearing body. This science is of great help in criminal investigation procedures. 2. What is the course content of FSP 402? The course Forensic Drugs Analysis (FSP 402) includes all the details regarding the significance of drugs and its uses as well as abuses in the various sections of society. Course will introduce you to interactive training session and practicals on the scientific and practical methods involved in a proper analysis of drugs. 3. What is the course duration of Certificate, Diploma and PG Diploma courses? All online courses are divided into three certifications i.e. Certificate course for three months, Diploma course for six months and PG Diploma for one year. 4. What qualification is required to be eligible for the above-mentioned courses? If you are looking for Certificate and Diploma courses, you must have completed your 10+2 or appearing in any discipline from Recognized Board/ School and for PG Diploma course graduation will be required. In the admission process, self-attested mark-sheets and certificates of the previous school/college and transfer certificate along with 2 passport size photographs will be required from the student. 5. Where can I register for online education courses? We provide online application form for all online students. To download application, form click on https://www.sifs.in/application-form.php 6. When will I receive my study materials, books etc.? After the completion of your admission process and payment of fee, the students enrolled for online courses will receive a username and password to access our online study portal within 10-15 working days through mail on their mail ID which is mentioned on the application form. In addition to the online study portal, student will also receive hardcopy of related course materials on the mentioned address by courier or post within 15 working days. 7. What about exams and course credits? In the last month of your course, we will conduct your online exam. All details regarding your exam will sent to you on the mail ID provided by you and the course credits differs according to course code and divided into assignment, project and exam. 8. How do I get my certificate/mark-sheet, when I have completed my exams? You will receive your mark-sheet and certificate within a month on your mentioned address by courier or post. 9. Which is the best mode of education? Both Online and Regular are good modes of education. 10. Where do I find out what courses are being offered online? We provide all information’s on the website - https://www.sifs.in/online-forensic-science-courses.php 11. Although my degree is in an unrelated field of study, I have taken quite a few science courses. Am I eligible to apply? Yes. You are eligible for this Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (FSP 301), if you have completed or if you are pursuing your 10+2 or graduation in any discipline from a Recognized Board/ School/ College. 12. What is the scope and career of forensic education and related courses? Forensic Science offers a wide range of opportunity to the students aspiring to make their careers as Forensic Scientists and Investigators. With a sense of keen observation and the ability of seeing the unseen are a few traits that would promise the aspiring students to make a colorful career in the wonderful arena of Forensic. 13. Should I pay any extra fee for examination, study materials etc.? No. Your course fee includes Study materials, Books, Notes, I-Card, Examination Fee and all other governmental taxes. You are not required to pay any extra amount. Summer training and practical sessions will be payable for online and regular students. 14. What will I get after joining online course? You will get User-ID and password to access online study portal within next 7-10 working days after your admission. Study materials, notes and books related to your course and ID-card will be sent on the address mentioned by you, either by courier or post within 15 working days. 15. How can I pay my course fee by credit card in USD? Indian Students may use Universal Currency Converter from http://www.xe.com/ucc/ to pay fee in other currencies, or International students visit this link - https://www.sifs.in/online-fee.php to check out the fee structure. You can pay your course fee from here - https://www.sifsindia.com/payment/ . 16. Why is training important? Training is a vital part of online and regular students. It is intended to provide students with the opportunity to place theories into practicals. It is also very helpful to develop their skills that support professional life by preparing and encouraging them to apply their abilities and knowledge acquired through study in a work later on. So, even before the students completed their course they are trained to be job-ready, therefore increasing the student’s employment prospects. 17. What is the best route to prepare for a career as a forensic scientist? SIFS INDIA provides professional course Forensic Drugs Analysis (FSP 402) to acquire knowledge from the basics. The course interest attribute to up showing television shows focused on law enforcement and forensics. Subject offers the opportunity to grow your career in many sub disciples. 18. I am interested in a career in this field. Where do I start? In order to initiate a career into this field, you should have a zeal and urge to unveil the veiled. A certificate, diploma and PG diploma course would help you groom your knowledge theoretically as well as practically, thereby ensuring a safe and secure career. 19. Where will I work? You may avail opportunities as a drug analyst in the central as well as state forensic laboratories and sports department to check matters of doping in athletes. You can also practice as a drug analyst in various Pharmaceutical firms. 20. What are the other specialized forensic science careers can be found outside the crime laboratory? Other than working in the Crime Laboratory, you can also be appointed as a Crime Scene Investigator in Police Stations or you can also be appointed as an Investigator for the Mobile Forensic Laboratory.

Case Studies Black-man Dead Case A 33-year old black man. Last seen alive around midnight, was found unresponsive by his brother at 6:20 am. He had bloodshot eyes with obvious scleral hemorrhages and a brownish purge was protruding from his nose and mouth. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Drug paraphernalia was found which included a baggie with brownish granular substance, a syringe, and a spoon with possible drug residue. However, intra-venous drug use could not be confirmed due to the inability to break rigor mortis in the arms. After a detailed analysis, it was concluded that the cause of death was promethazine overdose exacerbated by multi-drug toxic, and the manner of death was accidental. This case illustrates that a melting pot of benign medicine such as a cough mixture, and a host of proper prescribed drugs and alcohol is a recipe for a fatal outcome.