Forensic Scientists

The application of forensic DNA evidence is increasingly vital to ensuring accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system. Access to the latest training, information, and resources for the forensic scientists who work in our Nation's crime laboratories is critical to ensuring the most effective use of this technology.

Available Training

Online Courses
Crime Scene and DNA Basics
Provides information in the two lessons Evidence at the Crime Scene and History and Types of Forensic DNA Testing. Take the course.
Laboratory Orientation and Testing of Body Fluids and Tissues
This course addresses basic procedures, safety requirements, and quality assurance programs and gives an overview of historical and contemporary techniques used to characterize body tissues. Take the course.
Laboratory Safety Programs
Addresses laboratory safety requirements and the components of a safety program. Take the course.
DNA Extraction and Quantitation
Addresses DNA analysis considerations, organic extraction, Chelex®100 extraction, other extraction techniques, and quantitation. Take the course.
DNA Amplification
Provides an overview of amplification and addresses locus selection, multiplexing, and contamination. Take the course.
Amplified DNA Product Separation
Provides an overview of amplification and electrophoresis and addresses capillary electrophoresis and sample preparation and handling. Take the course.
STR Data Analysis and Interpretation
Addresses STR (Short Tandem Repeat) data analysis and interpretation software, data troubleshooting, and date interpretation and allele calls. Take the course.
Population Genetics and Statistics
Provides information on population genetics and statistics and probability. Take the course.
Communication Skills, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony
Addresses general communications skills, report writing, and courtroom testimony for forensic analysts. Take the course.
Non-STR DNA Markers: SNPs, Y-STRs, LCN and mtDNA
Discusses a variety of non-STR markers that methods may be used to obtain more probative investigative information. Take the course.
Advanced and Emerging DNA Techniques and Technologies
Discusses miniaturization techniques, robotics, and expert systems. Take the course.
Hair Evaluation for DNA Analysis
This course is designed to assist DNA analysts in learning the preliminaries of forensic hair examination. It is not a full hair analysis course. This course is not available on DNA.gov. It is a non-credit course offered by the West Virginia University. It is open to anyone but is free only to public laboratory employees with supervisor approval. Learn more about registering and taking this course.