Differing from criminology, criminalistics courses teach students to use natural sciences to interpret, analyze and identify physical evidence. Students learn how to be objective, allowing the evidence to speak for itself. Some criminalistics classes have a criminology component, teaching students about the social aspects of criminal activity, crime and punishment. According to ForensicScience.org, "Criminalistics classes teach forensic science students how to use traditional science in police investigations for legal purposes."
All university forensic science programs include courses in forensic biology. In these courses, students learn how to analyze bodily fluids and tissues gathered from the scene of a crime. With intensive instruction in lab work and procedures, students learn how to categorize physical evidence. Students also learn how to analyze and identify DNA evidence.
Once the basic courses in forensic biology are out of the way, students can take more intensive forensic biology courses. These courses include molecular biology, forensic serology (which examines bodily fluids and false positives), DNA profiling and conservation, and genetics.
Forensic chemistry is important in analyzing trace evidence found at the scene of a crime. In forensic chemistry classes, students learn how to evaluate and examine chemicals, fibers and other materials. Students are taught how to identify drugs, arson, explosives and other materials that hold up in courts as evidence. Once the basic forensic chemistry courses are complete, students can take intensive courses dealing with forensic chemistry and microscopic evidence, advanced analytical chemistry, and the forensic analysis of drugs and alcohol.
Forensic toxicology courses are an important part of any forensic science program, because they teach students how to identify substances that are toxic to humans and other living things. Students learn to identify poisons and chemicals that may have led to someone's death. They also analyze the effects of various poisons and chemicals on humans and animals.