Academic Field Visit to Forensic Science Laboratory

An academic field visit to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kirumampakkam was organized on 20th May 2026 for the First Year students of M.A./M.Sc. Criminology and PG Diploma in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics as part of their academic curriculum and experiential learning programme.

The visit aimed to provide students with direct exposure to forensic laboratory procedures, scientific methods for examining evidence, and the practical applications of forensic science in criminal investigations. During the visit, students were guided through various divisions of the laboratory by forensic experts and technical personnel.

The students visited the Toxicology, Chemistry, Biology and Serology, DNA, Questioned Documents, Narcotics and Explosives, and Electronic/Digital Forensics Divisions. Experts from each division explained the procedures involved in evidence collection, preservation, analysis, documentation, and reporting.

In the Toxicology and Biology & DNA Divisions, students learned about poison analysis, DNA profiling, PCR, STR analysis, and the role of biological evidence in forensic investigations. They also observed forensic techniques such as TLC and GC-MS used in laboratory analysis.

In the Questioned Documents Division, students gained exposure to handwriting examination, signature verification, counterfeit detection, and document authentication techniques using modern forensic instruments, such as the VSC.

The Electronic and Digital Forensics Division introduced students to cybercrime investigation tools, mobile forensics, forensic imaging, data recovery, and electronic evidence analysis. Experts also explained digital evidence preservation, chain of custody, and the growing importance of forensic and digital investigations in modern criminal justice administration.

Objectives of the Event

• To provide students with practical exposure to forensic laboratory functioning and scientific investigation procedures.
• To familiarize students with different divisions and forensic examination techniques used in criminal investigations.
• To enhance understanding regarding the role of forensic science and digital forensics in the criminal justice system.
• To expose students to modern forensic instruments, analytical methods, and cyber forensic tools.
• To bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical forensic applications.

The academic field visit to the Forensic Science Laboratory provided valuable practical exposure and enhanced the students’ understanding of forensic science applications in criminal investigations. The visit successfully connected classroom learning with real-world forensic practices and significantly contributed to students' academic development. The exposure to advanced forensic instruments, laboratory techniques, and expert demonstrations helped students gain a deeper understanding of toxicology, DNA analysis, questioned document examination, and digital forensics.

Outcomes of the Event

• Students gained practical exposure to forensic laboratory functioning and scientific investigation procedures.
• Enhanced understanding of forensic evidence examination and laboratory analysis techniques.
• Students learned the applications of TLC, GC-MS, PCR, DNA profiling, STR analysis, and VSC in forensic investigations.
• Improved awareness regarding toxicology, biology, questioned documents, and digital forensic examination.
• Students gained knowledge about cybercrime investigation techniques and digital evidence analysis.
• Enhanced understanding regarding preservation, acquisition, and handling of electronic evidence.
• Bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-time forensic laboratory practices.
• Motivated students towards higher studies, research, and career opportunities in forensic science and cyber forensics.  

The field visit was conducted smoothly with proper coordination and discipline maintained by the students and faculty members. The guidance provided by forensic experts and the systematic organization of the laboratory visit ensured effective learning and interaction throughout the programme.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to observe the practical functioning of forensic science laboratories and understand the interdisciplinary nature of forensic and cyber forensic investigations. The practical demonstrations and interaction with forensic experts significantly enhanced their understanding of forensic science and digital forensic applications. The students found the visit highly informative, interactive, and academically beneficial. Exposure to modern forensic technologies, laboratory instruments, and cyber forensic tools increased their interest in forensic science, criminology, cyber security, and digital forensics.