Training
The Forensic Science Laboratories aim to provide advanced professional training according to international standards in various forensic science disciplines. Forensic science is an ever-evolving field, and all professionals need to continuously engage in continuous professional development (CPD).
For students, we aim to provide a solid foundation of knowledge that they can build upon as they continue their practice.
The following table presents some of the current training areas we conduct, and we can also provide customized training according to the clients' and laboratories' requirements:
| No. | Training Course Title | Duration | Scheduling |
|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals 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 | Fundamentals 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 | Fingerprints Pattern Analysis and Introduction to Henry Classification | 5 Days | Once a Year |
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| 6 | Physical Evidence from Crime Scene to 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 Sciences | 5 Days | Once a Year |
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| 9 | Forensic Laboratory Accreditation | 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 | Kinship Determination using Massively Parallel Sequencing | 5 Days
| Once a Year |
|---|
Scientific Research
Conduct interdisciplinary research to enhance knowledge and apply forensic sciences in various fields.
Improve the quality and interpretation of forensic evidence by developing best practices for evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation, in line with the host country's goal of strengthening the justice system.
Enhance 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 alignment with the host country's goal of promoting education and skill development.
Collaborate with law enforcement, governmental, and academic institutions to advance the field of forensic sciences and improve criminal justice administration, in keeping with the host country's goal of fostering partnerships and cooperation.
Address research gaps in the forensic science sector and identify new research areas that can contribute to crime solving and improving the administration of justice, in line with the host country's goal of enhancing innovation and problem-solving.
Staff Research Projects:
- Evaluation of Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) Methods for the Analysis of Challenging Forensic Samples
This project explores whether massively parallel sequencing (MPS) offers practical advantages to forensic laboratories compared to capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based methods. The project will focus on the use of commercially available Ion Torrent sequencing, Miseq sequencing by synthesis, and CE-based methods employed in forensic laboratories.
- Forensic Investigation of Gunshot Residues (GSR) on the Hands of Non-Shooters in Different Occupational Categories in Saudi Arabia.
The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential presence of gunshot residues (GSR) or GSR-like particles on the hands of individuals belonging to different professions, such as welders, builders, plumbers, cleaners, and vehicle mechanics. Specifically, the participants selected for this study are those who have not handled, discharged, or been in close proximity to firearms. This study will provide forensic practitioners in trace material analysis with greater confidence when conclusively reporting GSR forensic analysis cases.
Student Research Projects
Students of Naif Arab University actively engage in scientific research. All students are required to complete a substantive research project as part of the Master of Forensic Sciences program. Some of these projects include:
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Evaluation of HLB SPE Cartridge for the Extraction of THC and its Metabolites from Urine Samples using GC-MS.
Supervisor
Dr. Khalid Masoud
This project aims to evaluate the HLB SPE cartridge for the simultaneous extraction of THC and its metabolites from urine samples and compare the extraction efficiency of HLB SPE when adding an anionic SPE mixer.
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Development of a Detection and Toxicological Assessment Methodology for 5F-MDMB-PICA
Student
Faisal Naif Alharbi
Supervisor
Dr. Fawaz Alasmari
In this project, we aim to develop an analytical methodology for the detection of synthetic cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA, using gas chromatography (GC-MS) technique. Our findings will aid future chromatographic research studies in further investigating the effects of exposure to 5F-MDMB-PICA on biological systems with successful detection of 5F-MDMB-PICA levels.
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Internal Evaluation of the Micro Reader RM-Y Plex Kit in a Sample of the Saudi Society
Student
Raneem Al-Sekkabi
Supervisor
Prof. Sayed Sibti Hadi
The Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are currently widely used in forensic genetics to identify male identity, in sexual assault investigations, paternity determination, and male lineage studies. In this study, the 26-plex Microreader™ 26 RM Y plex ID kit of rapidly changing Y-STRs was evaluated for forensic applications according to international standards.
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Study of the Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) on Nose Shape in a Sample of the Saudi Society.
Several genome-wide association studies of facial phenotypic variations have been conducted. These studies highlighted numerous genetic loci that show a strong association with human facial variation with a clear effect on nose shape. This study aims to validate the effect of a listed set of associated SNPs in a sample of the Saudi population. Genotyping of all extracted DNA from 50 Saudi individuals' blood samples was performed using the Infinium Global Diversity Array, in addition to capturing their three-dimensional facial images. Phenotypic and genotypic data analysis, association analysis, and reporting the effect of the listed set of SNPs on nose shape were conducted.
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Population Genetics Study of Indel Polymorphisms in the Saudi Society using Investigator DIPLEX Kit
Student
Shorouq Alshammari
Supervisor
Dr. Safia Messaoudi
The project team determined the genetic composition of the Saudi population by analyzing indel genetic markers using Qiagen DIPLEX Investigator® and detecting genetic similarities and differences between the Saudi population and other Gulf Cooperation Council and neighboring Arab countries.