Course Introduction

MODULE 1: MULTIMEDIA FORENSICS

This module begins with an introduction to multimedia forensics, covering various types of multimedia evidence and their critical importance in investigations. The module also covers new laws governing multimedia evidence and highlights its growing acceptability in court and the role it plays in modern justice systems. This in-depth overview will form the base for deeper insights into speaker identification, audio, and video forensics.

MODULE 2: PHYSICS AND PROCESSING OF AUDIO SIGNALS

In this module, you will learn audio forensics' core principles, including the basic physics of audio signals, key audio signal processing techniques, and types of audio signal enhancement. The module covers challenges in audio processing and helps you gain practical insights about its applications in forensic investigations. This module will equip you with essential knowledge for analyzing and enhancing audio evidence effectively.

MODULE 3: SOUND, VOICE, AND SPEECH PRODUCTION

This module will equip you with an understanding of the intricacies of sound and speech analysis in forensics. It covers the fundamentals of sound, voice, and speech, along with voice sampling techniques critical to investigations. The module also covers factors that influence voice production, advanced recording techniques, and their role in solving criminal cases. The learnings in this will help you to analyze and utilize voice evidence effectively in forensic contexts.

MODULE 4: AUTHENTICATION OF AUDIO RECORDINGS

This module focuses on ensuring the integrity of audio evidence. It covers concepts like the distinction between active and passive authentication techniques and their forensic applications. You will also explore challenges faced during audio authentication and the legal implications of verifying audio recordings. By understanding these methods, you will gain the skills to authenticate audio evidence and ensure it is admissible in legal proceedings.

MODULE 5: SPEAKER IDENTIFICATION

This module introduces you to the science of identifying individuals through their voice. It covers text-dependent and text-independent methods, along with the workings of automatic speaker identification systems. The module also covers challenges faced in the field and forensic applications in criminal investigations. This knowledge will help you to analyze voice samples effectively within forensic contexts.

MODULE 6: INTRODUCTION TO IMAGE AND VIDEO FORENSICS

This module will lay the foundation for understanding visual evidence in investigations. It explores the principles of image and video formation, forensic image and video analysis techniques, and methods for authenticating digital images. You will also gain insights about the challenges in this domain and highlight the crucial role of image and video forensics in solving crimes.

MODULE 7: PERSON IDENTIFICATION THROUGH PHOTO COMPARISON

This module will help you learn about the techniques for comparing photos to identify individuals. It introduces foundational photo comparison methods, with a focus on facial recognition technology. The module also covers challenges faced by experts in photo comparison, the role of expert witnesses, and its forensic applications. This knowledge will help you to utilize photo comparison effectively in criminal investigations and legal contexts.

MODULE 8: VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR FORENSIC USE

This module covers the principles of video signal processing in forensic investigations. It explains how to enhance video for forensic purposes and the techniques used for analyzing crime scene footage. You will also gain an understanding of the methods to handle distorted video footage and the role it plays in solving crimes within forensic contexts effectively.

MODULE 9: VIDEO EDITING AND AUTHENTICATION

In this module you will learn about the various types of video manipulation and the techniques used to detect them. It covers the role of digital watermarking in video authentication and addresses the challenges involved in verifying video integrity. The module also covers the legal considerations related to video evidence, equipping you with essential knowledge for ensuring the authenticity of video footage in forensic investigations.

MODULE 10: INTRODUCTION TO DVR/NVR AND CCTV FOOTAGE

In this module you will learn about DVR and NVR systems and their role in crime investigations, various types of CCTV systems, and the challenges in retrieving footage. The module also covers the processes of extracting, authenticating, and maintaining the chain of custody for CCTV footage. Additionally, it explores CCTV footage forensic authentication techniques and human identification using gait analysis, along with the legal implications of using CCTV footage as evidence.

MODULE 11: SOURCE IDENTIFICATION OF MULTIMEDIA FILES

This module focuses on techniques for identifying the origin of multimedia files. It explores the role of social media in source identification and the process of authenticating processed multimedia files. The module also covers forensic tools used for source identification and addresses the legal considerations involved in utilizing such evidence in investigations, ensuring the admissibility of digital content.

MODULE 12: REPORT WRITING AND COURT TESTIMONY

This module emphasizes the importance of clear and objective documentation in forensic investigations. It covers the structure of forensic reports and the challenges of writing them. The module also explores the role of forensic experts in court, discussing challenges in testifying on multimedia evidence and the best practices for presenting evidence effectively in court so that it is understandable and credible to all parties involved.