Diploma in Forensic Medicine & Science (For Legal Professionals)
Diploma in Forensic Medicine & Science (For Legal Professionals)

Application Closed on 31st May 2023

The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, has been conducting a course leading to Diploma in Forensic Medicine and Science. The course is offered to lawyers, who would be in a position to benefit from an advanced knowledge of all branches of Forensic Medicine & Science.

It is designed to suit even a busy lawyer who can spare a few hours during the weekend to attend lectures, seminars and practical demonstrations.

The main objective of the course is to provide up-to-date, advanced and relevant knowledge in Forensic Medicine and Science to members of the legal profession

  • to enable them to have a better understanding of the interface between law and forensic medicine and science and
  • to be better equipped to evaluate and consider expert medical and scientific evidence for expeditious and efficient administration of justice.

At the completion of the course the diplomates would,

  • Know relevant medical and scientific terms and usages commonly occurring in reports, evidence and literature, and the law relevant to legal medicine and forensic sciences.
  • Understand the meanings of relevant technical terms and phrases, and be able to use them in communicating  ideas in situations where these have a bearing on the interpretation of the law, and in the effective dispensation of justice.
  • Develop the skill of interpreting medical and forensic science reports and documents, and be able to handle expert evidence effectively.
  • Know, and be able to utilize medical and scientific evidence, and also know and be sensitive to their limitations.
  • Develop attitudes of team spirit in the investigation of crime and dispensation of Justice, respect towards expertise, and build healthy interactional relationships with expert and professional witnesses.
  • Understand the nature of specified practical procedures and be able to utilize the findings/opinions regarding them in procedures of investigation, litigation and dispensation of justice.
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Attorneys at law and those who have a first degree in Law
  • An interview may be held to select candidates
  • Interactive Lectures online as well as onsite
  • Workshops on crime scene investigation, disaster victim identification, and gender-based violence.
  • Seminars and webinars on death investigation systems, expert medical witness, death in custody, and torture.
  •  Small group demonstrations of Post- Mortem Examinations and mock exhumations.
  • Mock-trial and other role plays.
  • Hands-on demonstrations of skulls and other  skeletal remains, human organs
  • Medium of instructions – English 
  • In-course continuous assessments will comprise of assignments and quizzes.
  • The final examination leading to Diploma in Forensic Medicine and Science will be held at the end of the course for those who successfully complete the course.
  • The examination consists of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions.
  • The participants who successfully complete the course with 80% attendance will be awarded a certificate of participation if requested.
  • Internal: 60%
  • External: 40%
  • Application Fee: Rs. 1500.00
  • Registration Fee: Rs. 10,000.00
  • Course Fee: Rs. 140,000.00
  • Examination Fee: Rs. 6000.00

*  The course fee of  Rs. 140,000.00 could be paid in 3 installments of  Rs. 80,000.00 Initial payment, and two subsequent  installments of Rs. 30,000.00  each.

*  Online payment facility through debit/credit card is available.

* Application fee can be made at any Peoples Bank branch  in account of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo using the application code 311052900003

Prof. Asela Mendis,
Course Coordinator,
+94 112 694 016/ 0778759266
asela@fortox.cmb.ac.lk

 

Dr. Ravindra Samaranayake
Deputy course coordinator,
ravindras@fortox.cmb.ac.lk

 

Ms. Udeshika Senavirathne
Course manager,
+94 112 694 016/0777595866
udeshika@fortox.cmb.ac.lk