Applying the techniques from the natural and physical sciences to legal issues, both criminal and civil, is known as forensic science. In addition to the investigation and prosecution of crimes like rape, murder, and drug trafficking, forensic science may also be used in cases where no crime has been committed but a civil wrong has been allegedly committed, like willful pollution of water or the atmosphere or causing industrial damage. Due to the fact that practically every science can aid in the investigation of a crime or the assessment of civil harm, almost any science can be a forensic science. In reality, forensic sciences investigate the same things as regular sciences, with a few notable differences. The only distinction is that forensic scientists use the procedures and approaches of recognised sciences in legal situations.Medical examiners have been working to solve crimes and ascertain the reasons of fatalities since the 13th century. Modern advances in chemistry, toxicology, and photography have tremendously assisted forensic science since a death can be natural, accidental, intentional, suicidal, or indeterminate.

Impact of online and hybrid learning models in forensic science education

Particularly as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, online and hybrid learning formats are now commonly used in forensic science teaching. From certificate programmes to master's degrees, these models can be modified to fit various educational levels.

The following elements frequently appear in both online and hybrid models:

• Lessons: Online learning allows for the electronic delivery of lectures, and students are free to access the material at their own leisure. Slides, audio and video recordings, webinars, and other delivery modalities are all acceptable for lectures.
• Online discussion forums: These are places where students may communicate virtually with their teachers, their peers, and each other. They can also ask questions, receive comments on their assignments, and offer up their perspectives and expertise.
• Virtual Laboratories: In a virtual laboratory, students can access simulations of real-world laboratory experiments. During virtual labs, students can watch, note, and analyse data from simulations.
• Self-paced Learning: Online and hybrid learning methods give students the flexibility to work at their own pace, giving them time to process and comprehend the topics before continuing.
• Technology: Online instruction promotes the use of cutting-edge tools like 3D visualisations, animation, and films to clarify difficult forensic science ideas.

In forensic science education, using online and hybrid learning models has several benefits. One of the key advantages is that they offer accessibility and flexibility to the materials despite geographical and temporal limitations. Online and hybrid methods can also help to lower costs and improve accessibility. However, both online and hybrid learning techniques have some drawbacks. Lack of practical experience is one such restriction that makes it difficult to apply theoretical ideas to real-world situations. Additionally, it may be more difficult for students and teachers to collaborate and communicate, which could have an impact on learning outcomes. At decision, forensic science students have access to a variety of learning delivery options that may be tailored to their needs through online and hybrid learning formats. To deliver a well-rounded forensic science education, hands-on experience and peer cooperation must be added to online and hybrid learning methods in order for them to be successful.

Differences

Forensic science education makes use of both online and hybrid learning methods. There are several notable distinctions between the two methods, despite the fact that they both distribute course content via the internet and digital technology.

Online labs, discussion forums, audio or video classes, video conferencing, and other technological tools are used exclusively to deliver online learning. Hybrid Learning, in contrast, mixes traditional face-to-face classroom education with online learning. Online education offers a high degree of flexibility and may be accessible from any location in the world, at any hour of the day or night. The schedule for hybrid learning is more rigid, requiring students to come to university for lectures in person on set days. Technology is used in online learning to facilitate communication between students and teachers. Students can communicate with one another via chat rooms, email, video conferencing, and discussion boards. However, hybrid learning allows for face-to-face communication, giving students the chance to query professors, clarify their comprehension with them, and receive guidance from their peers. The majority of the course resources, including videos, texts, simulation labs, and exams, are made available online through online learning methods. In addition to providing online materials, hybrid learning methods also include lectures, examples, and practical demonstrations in the classroom. Students can choose their own schedules and work at their own speed with online learning. In hybrid learning, scheduled in-person classes are combined with the delivery of online learning resources. This limits students' ability to tailor their study time around their timetables.

Both the hybrid and online learning approaches have benefits and drawbacks. While hybrid learning allows for face-to-face contact with instructors and peers, online learning is better suited to students who want the flexibility of self-paced study schedules and geographic freedom. This makes hybrid learning more dynamic and robust. In the end, the best learning outcomes and the student's learning preferences should guide the selection of the learning model.

Forensic science in Bangalore

As more students show interest in pursuing medicine courses, Forensic Science Courses in Bangalore, India, are becoming more well-known. Numerous universities and colleges in Bangalore, referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India," provide forensic science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS)
• Christ University
• Jain University
• St Joseph’s College
• Bangalore University

These schools give students the chance to improve their research abilities and theoretical understanding of forensic science, both of which are crucial in the discipline. The goal of forensic education in Bangalore is to give students the abilities and understanding required for a prosperous career in forensic science, forensic medicine, or law enforcement. Students can anticipate learning about a variety of subjects, such as forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, forensic psychology, forensic chemistry, and forensic biology. The interesting subject of forensic science is expanding quickly in India, to sum up. Therefore, students interested in studying forensic education in Bangalore have several possibilities to do so in order to prepare for professions in forensic science by learning theory and honing their research abilities.