What Is the Forensic Sciences Practical Training Room? / What Is Its Purpose?
The primary purpose of the Forensic Sciences Practical Training Room is to train highly qualified professionals who will be involved in the scientific examination and evaluation of physical evidence obtained during judicial and administrative investigations, as well as in the processes of identifying crimes and perpetrators.
Located at Üsküdar University, this practical training room was established to train professionals who possess interdisciplinary thinking skills, strong and reliable scientific foundations, and the ability to conduct crime scene investigations and evidence analysis in accordance with international standards. Aiming to improve the quality of justice services, the facility transforms theoretical knowledge into advanced practical laboratory experience.
Equipment and Technical Facilities Available in the Laboratory
The Forensic Sciences Practical Training Room enables the analysis of physical evidence using modern knowledge and technologies. It is equipped with official inventory equipment that encourages students to develop new methods and tools with potential for patent applications. The equipment and licensed software available in the laboratory are as follows:
| Equipment / Technical Facility | Purpose of Use / Training |
| Forensic Light Source & Protective Goggles | Detection of biological fluids, latent traces, and signs of forgery that are not visible to the naked eye. |
| Crime Scene Investigation Kit & Flashlight | Training in searching for, documenting, and securing evidence during crime scene simulations. |
| Plastic Evidence Marker Set | Positioning and documentation of physical evidence during crime scene reconstructions. |
| Nanodrop Spectrophotometer | Micro-volume purity and concentration analysis of nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) or protein samples. |
| Electric Autopsy Saw | Simulation of forensic medicine practices and postmortem examination techniques. |
| Refrigerated Centrifuge | Separation and preservation of components in biological fluids and biochemical samples. |
| Fume Hood | Ensuring laboratory safety when working with hazardous chemical vapors and volatile reagents. |
| Sonicator | Homogenization of samples or cell disruption using sound waves. |
| Laser Distance Meter | Accurate mapping of crime scene sketches and evidence distances. |
| Other Supporting Equipment | -20/+4°C Refrigerator-Freezer, Dry Heat Sterilizer, Local Extraction Arms, and Micropipette Sets. |
Research and Practical Application Areas
The practical training and scientific studies conducted in the Forensic Sciences Practical Training Room provide direct academic contributions to the administration of justice. The laboratory's main application and research areas include:
- Criminalistics and Crime Scene Simulation: Application of evidence search, numbering, and packaging protocols in accordance with international standards using evidence marker sets and crime scene investigation kits.
- Biological and Chemical Evidence Analysis: Analysis of biological fluids and molecular samples collected from crime scenes, victims, suspects, or witnesses using the Nanodrop spectrophotometer, refrigerated centrifuge, and forensic light sources.
- Forensic Medicine Practices: Postmortem technical simulations conducted for educational and research purposes using an electric autopsy saw and supporting equipment.
- Specific Scenarios Related to Crime Types: Analytical processes aimed at investigating cases involving terrorism, human trafficking, child abuse, cybercrime, illegal drug/firearms trafficking, bribery, and forgery.
Benefits to Students and the Industry
The Forensic Sciences Practical Training Room provides extensive opportunities for students and the forensic sciences sector through its interdisciplinary approach and strong infrastructure.
Key Features: Our laboratory trains students not merely as individuals who transfer technology from developed countries, but as visionary researchers capable of developing domestic methods, tools, equipment, and patented technologies that will help reduce our country's dependence on foreign resources.
By teaching students not only how to technically analyze evidence but also how to interpret and report findings accurately in accordance with the legal system, the laboratory directly contributes to improving the quality of justice services.
Related Academic Units
This laboratory works directly in integration with the following programs and faculties at Üsküdar University:
- Undergraduate Program: Forensic Sciences (Turkish) Program.
- Graduate Programs: PhD in Forensic Sciences; Master's Programs with Thesis/Non-Thesis in Forensic Sciences; Master's Programs with Thesis/Non-Thesis in Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology; Master's Programs with Thesis/Non-Thesis in Criminal Justice; and the Master's Program with Thesis in Biosafety.
- Institutes and Faculties: Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
