Forensic Science Experimental Design: Principles and Practice

This fully online CPD course is designed for anyone committed to producing high-quality, methodologically robust research and ensuring rigorous analysis of experimental evidence. 

Whether you’re a PhD student, Forensic Practitioner, or Legal Professional, this course will strengthen your ability to design and report research that stands up to scientific and legal scrutiny. 

You don’t need to work in forensic science to benefit—while examples use forensic terminology (e.g., trace evidence transfer and persistence), the principles of scientific rigour taught are broadly applicable across disciplines. 

Why this course matters

Courtroom decisions often hinge on the reliability of research underpinning evidence interpretation. This course responds to calls for systematic, validated research by focusing on transparent study design and reporting—critical for credibility in both science and law. 

Course Structure 

Module 1: Research Foundations 

• Understand why structured research is essential
• Frame clear, testable hypotheses that address real-world casework issues 

Module 2: Experimental Design & Transparent Reporting 

• Implement rigorous methods and statistical planning
• Reduce bias and manage data responsibly
• Communicate results effectively to diverse audiences 

What you’ll gain 

By the end of this course, you’ll have practical tools to: 

• Design robust, reproducible studies
• Ensure transparency and reliability
• Meet the highest standards of scientific and legal scrutiny