You must have completed the DNA (Forensic Biology) course as a pre-requisite before undertaking this course

This course discusses the scientific background to body fluids as evidence types within the criminal justice system and associated investigative and evaluation methods.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 09 - 13 Feb 2026
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • CostShort course £2,250, accredited short course £2,500. Concessions available

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Categorise different types of body fluids and critically appraise the different body fluid forensic detection methods,
  • Evaluate the role of body fluids as tools within a forensic investigation,
  • Appraise the different ways to interpret body fluids evidence in accordance with Bayesian frameworks by use of casework examples,
  • Synthesize a systematic body fluids search using appropriate detection and collection techniques,
  • Construct a clear expert witness report.

Core content

The teaching and practical content includes the following topics:

  • Different types of body fluids,
  • Body fluid detection methods,
  • Transfer and persistence of body fluids,
  • Body fluids as an investigative tool,
  • Interpretation within Bayesian frameworks,
  • Recording of experimental results,
  • Current research,
  • Understanding of body fluid interpretation within a forensic context by the layperson.

Credits towards further study

Important notice

Please note we will not be taking registrations for the below courses (MSc, PgDip and PgCert) from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards:

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Forensic Investigation
Digital Forensics
Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience

This means that we are no longer in a position to transfer credit associated with modules from these courses to Cranfield degree awards. We continue, however, to be able to support credit transfer to other university awards, subject to acceptance by the receiving institution.

This short course forms part of our Forensic programme and when successfully completed as an accredited short course you will gain 10 Cranfield learning credits.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Concessions

Concessions are available for Cranfield alumni and multiple bookings from the same organisation, please contact us to discuss.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.