Statistics and the Evaluation of Forensic Evidence

Description de la formation

This online Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is designed to train practitioners in the most up to date approaches to the evaluation and interpretation of scientific evidence. It addresses practical issues of interpretation that ?forensic scientists encounter in their daily activities?: interpretation of raw data, sampling issues, communication of findings in both written and oral statements.

The course will ?provide sound theoretical and practical background in probabilistic and statistical reasoning. A probabilistic framework will be established and its use will be illustrated by an extensive set of realistic case studies

The cursus of the Certificate of Advanced Studies implies :

• 6 core modules :
  • Uncertainty in forensic science
  • Assessing evidence given source level propositions
  • Assessing evidence given activity level propositions (Core module)
  • Assessing evidence given offence level propositions (Core module)
  • Pre-assessment and management of cases (Core module)
  • Evidential matters
• 2 specialised modules: DNA evidence, From glass to fingerprints
• Regular on-line evaluation on all modules

Participants will take all core modules and choose one of the two specialised modules.

Objectif

• To gain specialized and up-to-date knowledge in the field of forensic interpretation and evaluation of evidence
• To master probabilistic reasoning, Bayesian networks and statistical methods using appropriate tools and software
• To manage issues of interpretation at a high level from case reception to court
• To acquire skills in oral and written communication of uncertainty
• To develop independence and self-confidence in solving practical inferential problems
• To gain a harmonised view with regard to interpretation across forensic disciplines and laboratories, including the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures
• To establish a fruitful exchange amongst practitioners taking the course