Training
Forensic science laboratories aim to provide advanced professional training by international standards in various fields of forensic science. Forensic science is a constantly evolving field and all professionals need to continue to engage in continuing professional development (CPD).
For students, we aim to provide a solid base of knowledge that they can build upon as they continue to practice.
The following table shows some of the current training areas that we implement and we can also provide customized training according to customer and laboratory requirements:
| m | Course Title | Implementation time | Scheduling |
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| 1 | Basics of crime scene investigation | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 2 | Forensic photography | 5 days
| Once a year |
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| 3 | Basics of fingerprint identification during crime scene investigation | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 4 | Methods for developing fingerprint identification mechanisms for porous and non-porous surfaces | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 5 | Fingerprint pattern analysis and introduction to Henry's classification | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 6 | Physical traces from the crime scene to the court | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 7 | Forensic microscopy | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 8 | Quality Assurance/Quality Control in Forensic Science | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 9 | Accreditation of forensic laboratories | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 10 | Biostatistics and Data Analysis in R | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 11 | Understanding Human Appearance through a Multiomics Approach | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 12 | Trace DNA extraction and analysis | 5 days | Once a year |
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| 13 | Pedigree determination using massively parallel sequencing | 5 days | Once a year |
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Scientific research
Scientific research objectives
Conduct multidisciplinary research to enhance knowledge and application of forensic science in various fields.
Improving the quality and interpretation of forensic evidence by developing best practices for collecting, analyzing and interpreting evidence, in line with the home country's goal of strengthening the justice system.
Enhancing the training and education of researchers in the fields of forensic sciences by providing research, training and professional development opportunities in various forensic science units, in line with the headquarters country's goal of Promoting education and skills development.
Collaborate with law enforcement, government, and academic institutions to advance the field of forensic science and improve the administration of criminal justice, consistent with the home country's goal of strengthening partnerships and collaboration
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Bridging research gaps in the forensic sciences sector and identifying new areas of research that can contribute to solving crimes and improving the administration of justice, in line with the home country’s goal of strengthening Innovation and problem solving.
Employee research projects
- Evaluation of Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) methods for processing difficult forensic samples
This project explores whether massive parallel sequencing (MPS) offers practical advantages for forensic laboratories over capillary electromigration (CE)-based methods. The project will focus on using commercially available Ion Torrent sequences; Miseq-based sequencing by synthesis and CE-based methods used in forensic laboratories.
- The criminal investigation into gunshot residue at the hands of non-shooters in various professional categories in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This project aims to evaluate the potential presence of gunshot residue (GSR) or GSR-like particles on the hands of individuals belonging to different professions, such as welders, masons, plumbers, sanitation workers, and vehicle mechanics. Specifically, the participants selected for this study will be those who have never dealt with, been out of, or been near a firearm shooting. This study will provide physical traces of forensic researchers with greater confidence while conclusively reporting cases of forensic GSR analysis.
Student research projects
Naif Arab University students participate in various activities in the field of scientific research. All students need to complete a thematic research project as part of the Masters in Forensic Science program. Among these projects are:
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Evaluation of the HLB SPE cartridge for the extraction of THC and its receptors from urine samples using a GC-MS device.
The female student
Amal Al-Mutairi
This project aims to evaluate the HLB SPE cartridge for the simultaneous extraction of THC and its receptors from urine samples, in addition to comparing the effectiveness of HLB SPE extraction when adding the mixed anionic SPE.
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Development of a methodology to detect and evaluate the biological toxicity of 5F-MDMB-PICA
Student
Faisal Nayef Al-Harbi
In this project, we aim to develop an analytical methodology for the detection of the synthetic cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA, using separation (GC-MS) technology. Our chromatographic findings will help upcoming research studies to further investigate the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA exposure on biological systems with successful detection of 5F-MDMB-PICA levels.
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An internal evaluation of the Micro Reader RM-Y Plex analysis kit in a sample of the Saudi community
Student
Raneem Muhammad Al-Sukaybi
Admin
Professor Dr. Sayed Sebet Hadi
Genetic loci represented by short tandem repeats on the Y chromosome (Y-STRs) are currently widely used in forensic genetics for male identification, in sexual assault investigations, paternity determination, and male lineage studies. In this study, the Microreader™ 26 RM Y plex ID array of 26 quick-change Y-STRs was evaluated for forensic applications according to international standards.
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Study of the effect of mutations of polymorphisms (SNPs) on the shape of the nose in a sample of the Saudi community.
Several genome-wide association studies of facial morphological differences have been performed. These studies have highlighted several genetic loci that show a significant association with facial asymmetry in humans with a clear effect on nose shape. This study aims to validate the effect of a list of linked polymorphisms in a sample of the Saudi community. All DNA extracted from the blood samples of 50 individuals of Saudi origin was genotyped using the Infinium Global Diversity Array, in addition to taking 3D facial photographs of them. Phenotype and genotype data were analyzed, association analysis was performed, and the effect of a list of SNPs identified for nose shape was reported.
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Population genetics study of addition/deletion polymorphism mutations in Saudi society using Investigator Diplex kit
Student
Shorouk Al-Shammari
Supervisor
D. Safia Masoudi
The project team determined the genetic makeup of the Saudi population by analyzing indel genetic markers using the Qiagen DIPplex Investigator® and revealing population genetic similarities and differences between the Saudi community, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and neighboring Arab countries.