There is a new address for students who want to become forensic experts, but don?t have the money to pursue an expensive degree from an international college. Starting this academic session,
GTB Khalsa is starting a BTech in Forensic Science – a comprehensive four-year course that will teach students everything about forensics from crime scene reconstruction to DNA sequencing.
The course, designed by the college after taking inputs from Delhi Police, Indian Economic Intelligence and National Law University, is expected to start in July.
?The college was already running a one-year PG Diploma in forensics, which mostly dealt with fingerprint technology. But it was felt that a more comprehensive course was required. After much deliberation and a two-week workshop, we decided it would be a good idea to offer the course,? GTB Khalsa principal Jaswinder Singh said. He said the course is subject to academic council?s approval.
?The University has also promised a Rs 1.5 crore grant to the college for developing the infrastructure,? Singh said.
Besides teaching alternative methods of forensics, the college is also planning on setting up a separate lab for teaching DNA forensics.
?It is a technology intensive programme. We are setting up a separate technology block in the college, where computers, electronics and forensics will be taught,? Singh said.
Currently, the college has one forensic lab, equipped with comparison microscopes, UV torches, finger, footprint and drug analysis kits and monochrome graphic sensors.
To begin with, the college is planning to admit 30 students to the course. Students with 55 per cent aggregate in science stream can apply.
The programme, which will blend classroom teaching with practicals, case studies and research work, also emphasises on collaboration with the Interpol, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Israel police investigation department and other UN agencies for detection of cross-border terrorism.
?We are also looking at collaborating with the United Nations to incorporate a section on criminal rehabilitation, so that students may also learn how to help rehabilitate criminals back into society,? Singh said.
