Program Overview

M.Sc. in Forensic Science

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Forensic Science at the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, is a dynamic two-year postgraduate program designed to develop highly skilled professionals in the field of forensic science and criminal investigation. This program integrates rigorous academic instruction with intensive laboratory training, equipping students with the scientific expertise and analytical mind-set required to solve complex criminal cases and support the justice system.

Grounded in an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines biology and toxicology, the program provides students with a holistic understanding of forensic science. Through real-world case studies, crime scene simulations, and research-driven projects, students gain practical experience and develop the ability to apply scientific principles in legal contexts.

With access to state-of-the-art forensic laboratories, mentorship from experienced forensic experts and industry exposure through internships and collaborative projects, graduates of this program are prepared to meet the growing demands of forensic science across law enforcement, legal, and research domains..

Key Features at IAR

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the M.Sc. Forensic Science program are equipped to pursue diverse roles across public and private sectors, including:

  • Forensic analyst in government crime labs
  • Crime scene investigator
  • Ballistics or fingerprint expert
  • Forensic document examiner
  • DNA analyst
  • Toxicologist
  • Narcotics and drug testing expert
  • Trace evidence specialist
  • Expert witness consultant
  • Forensic liaison officer for law firms
  • Legal policy analyst (forensic focus)
  • Research scientist in forensic innovation
  • PhD in forensic science or related fields
  • Lecturer or academic researcher
  • Private forensic consultancy services
  • Start-up in forensic tech or training
  • Legal-tech product development

Structure of Program


CodeSubjectCredits
MSFS101TIntroduction to Forensic Science, Legal Aspects and Crime Scene Management4
MSFS102TIntroduction to Forensic Chemistry and Explosives3
MSFS103TFingerprints, Impression Evidences and Questioned Documents3
MSFS104TIntroduction to Forensic Biology and Serology3
MSFS105TForensic Psychology and Criminology3
MSFS101PIntroduction to Forensic Science, Legal Aspects and Crime Scene Management Practical1
MSFS102PIntroduction to Forensic Chemistry and Explosives Practical1
MSFS103PFingerprints, Impression Evidences and Questioned Documents Practical1
MSFS104TIntroduction to Forensic Biology and Serology Practical1

 

CodeSubjectCredits
MSFS201TIntroduction to Forensic biomolecular analysis3
MSFS202TIntroduction to Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology3
MSFS203TIntroduction to Forensic Medicine and Anthropology3
MSFS204TApplied Forensic Physics and Ballistics3
MSFS205TResearch Methodology4
MSFS201PIntroduction to Forensic biomolecular analysis Practical1
MSFS202PIntroduction to Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology Practical1
MSFS203PIntroduction to Forensic Medicine and Anthropology Practical1
MSFS204PApplied Forensic Physics and Ballistics Practical1

CodeSubjectCredits
MSFS301TForensic Serology and Bioanalytical Methods in Forensic Science3
MSFS302TForensic DNA Fingerprinting and Genetics3
MSFS303TForensic Anthropology and Wildlife Forensics3
MSFS304TApplied Biology in Pharmaceutical Research2

.

OE301

OE301

OE302

OE303

Open elective – III

Ethics and Quality Management in Forensic Science

Environmental Forensics

Forensic Nanotechnology

Digital forensics

.

2

MSFS301PForensic Serology and Bioanalytical Methods in Forensic Science Practical1
MSFS302PForensic DNA Fingerprinting and Genetics  Practical1
MSFS303PForensic Anthropology and Wildlife Forensics Practical1
MSFS305Internships4

 

CodeSubjectCredits
MSFS301TAdvanced Methods of  Forensic Instrumentation3
MSFS302TNarcotics and Psychotropic substances3
MSFS303TApplied Forensic Toxicology and Poison Analysis3
MSFS304TApplied Pharmacology in Drug Forensics2

.

OE301

OE301

OE302

OE303

Open elective – III

Ethics and Quality Management in Forensic Science

Environmental Forensics

Forensic Nanotechnology

Digital forensics

.

2

MSFS301PAdvanced Methods of Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Practical1
MSFS302PNarcotics and Psychotropic substances and its legal aspects Practical1
MSFS303PApplied Forensic Toxicology and Poison Analysis Practical1
MSFS305Internships4

 

CodeSubjectCredits
MSFS401Dissertation20
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