This comprehensive and interactive course we will build a solid foundation in regards to the methodology and best practices for investigating the causes of deaths. Students will learn to differentiate between the forensic Cause of Death and the legal Manner of Death, and apply the primary rules in death investigations.

The curriculum focuses on the analysis of various death types, including traumatic injuries(mechanisms, wound patterns, and firearm wounds) and complex fatalities like strangulation (manual, ligature, autoerotic) and poisoning. Key topics

include postmortem changes (rigor, livor, and algor mortis) for estimating the time since death, and interpreting findings in an autopsy report.

A strong emphasis is placed on crime scene management, including safety protocols, comprehensive scene documentation, and the best practices for collecting, preserving, and packaging evidence. Students will gain proficiency in analyzing evidence and contextual data to accurately determine the manner of death (such as suicide) and reconstruct the sequence of events in complex cases like Dyadic Deaths.

The course also covers advanced investigative techniques, including the evidentiary value of 911 transcripts, the distinction between Modus Operandi, Ritual, and Signature, and the utilization of digital avenues (e.g., social media, device data, DNA analysis, Investigative Genetic Genealogist and many more) to generate leads and locate an individual's information and forensic footprint. We will also provide digital footprint and forensic checklists, so that no stone is left unturned.