Departments

Department of Forensic Anthropology

The Department of Forensic Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field of specialization that contributes to clarifying forensic incidents through the scientific examination of human skeletal remains, focusing on identification, determination of the cause, and time of death. Positioned at the intersection of anthropology, forensic sciences, medicine, and law, this field aims to provide scientific, objective, and reliable data to the justice system.

The education and research conducted in our department cover topics such as skeletal biology, osteometry, age–sex–stature estimation, trauma analysis, postmortem changes, mass grave investigations, forensic excavations, and disaster victim identification (DVI). Our students reinforce their theoretical knowledge through applied laboratory studies and case-based training, preparing themselves for real-world forensic scenarios.

Shaped in line with current scientific approaches and international standards, our curriculum prioritizes analytical thinking, scientific reporting, and a sense of ethical responsibility. Our academic staff contributes to the development of the field through research conducted at both national and international levels, encouraging students toward scientific production and academic careers.

The Department of Forensic Anthropology aims to train qualified and well-equipped experts who can transform human remains into scientific evidence in the administration of justice. Spanning from human history to contemporary forensic cases, it offers a strong and respected academic environment for prospective students who wish to contribute to justice in the light of science.

Programs:

• Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Forensic Anthropology

  • → Forensic Anthropology (MS) Program Course Catalogue

• Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program in Forensic Anthropology

  • → Forensic Anthropology (PhD) Program Course Catalogue

Our Academic Staff:

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Deren ÇEKER

Teaching and Advisory Faculty Members:

• Prof. Dr. Ayla SEVİM EROL (Head of Department) (Faculty of Language and History-Geography, Department of Anthropology)

• Prof. Dr. Timur GÜLTEKİN (Faculty of Language and History-Geography, Department of Anthropology)

• Prof. Dr. Hakkı Levent KESKİN (Faculty of Language and History-Geography, Department of Archaeology)

• Prof. Dr. Eren ŞAHİNER (Earth Sciences Application and Research Center, Department of Medical Physics)

• Prof. Dr. Okan EKİM (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences)

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mert OCAK (Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Basic Medical Sciences)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Deren ÇEKER

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Öznur GÜLHAN (Faculty of Language and History-Geography, Department of Anthropology)

Training in the field of forensic biology, spanning from forensic biology to forensic entomology, forensic entomotoxicology to forensic procedures, molecular biology and genetics to biological and bacteriological examinations of food substances, is provided within the discipline of forensic biology. In this department where the mysteries are illuminated through crime scene investigation and forensic toxicological research, future forensic biology experts are being nurtured. Our students, under the guidance of experienced faculty members in the fields of forensic molecular genetics, forensic entomology, and forensic biology, acquire a forensic scientist’s perspective through hands-on experiences in laboratories, fostering a capacity for observation, experimentation, and critical inquiry.

Academic Staff:

• Assoc. Dr. Halide Nihal AÇIKGÖZ (Head of Department)
• Assoc. Dr. Dilek KAYA AKYÜZLÜ

The Department of Forensic Genetics conducts postgraduate education and teaching activities. Our curriculum encompasses courses such as Basic Medical Genetics, Forensic Genetic Analyses, Challenging Cases in Forensic Genetics, DNA Database, and Forensic Medicine. Throughout their academic development, students engage in the identification of various biological samples/evidence (e.g., cells, paraffin-embedded tissues, blood, urine, sperm, hair, bones, hair, saliva, and oral swabs) in criminal, inheritance, and family law cases. They acquire knowledge and skills in interpreting results related to identity verification, pedigree determination, and the detection of other kinship relationships. Graduates from our program possess the capability to serve as experts in Forensic Genetics, conduct research, generate new projects, and collaborate with different disciplines.

Our teaching members:

• Prof. Dr. N. Lale ŞATIROĞLU TUFAN  (Head of Department)

The term forensic psychology was initially coined in 1953 in the United Kingdom, although the association between psychology and the functioning of the legal process began earlier. In European countries and the United States, forensic psychology is defined as a subfield of applied psychology that utilizes the knowledge and skills of psychology in the collection, assessment, and presentation of evidence in the service of the judiciary. More broadly, forensic psychology is an advanced specialization aimed at the application of theoretical and practical knowledge of psychology in the administration of laws and the attainment of justice. Similarly, it is recognized as a subfield directed towards defining criminal behavior, identifying the characteristics of individuals engaged in criminal behavior, and determining factors influencing the emergence of such behavior. Forensic Psychology involves the application of knowledge derived from general psychology to legal events.

The program’s objective is to continue educational activities with the aim of providing psychological services to parties involved in legal processes, supporting the protection of their rights, and training personnel capable of utilizing psychological knowledge in the resolution of forensic cases and conducting forensic psychological assessments.

History:
Under the decision of the Higher Education Council (YÖK) dated February 8, 1983, the Department of Social Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, and Department of Natural Sciences were established under the Institute of Forensic Medicine. During the meeting of the Higher Education General Assembly on July 1, 2010, the sub-disciplines of “Natural Sciences,” “Medical Sciences,” and “Social Sciences” within the Institute of Forensic Medicine were closed. In their place, the Department of “Forensic Biology,” “Forensic Genetics,” “Forensic Toxicology,” and “Criminalistics” were established, along with the creation of the “Forensic Psychology” Department. The chairmanship of the Department of Social Sciences and the Department of Forensic Psychology was successively held by Prof. Dr. Yıldız KUZGUN (Date of Assignment May 30, 1988), Prof. Dr. Sema KANER (Date of Assignment February 27, 1997), Prof. Dr. Hatice Gülsen ERDEN (Date of Assignment December 5, 2005), Prof. Dr. Yıldırım Beyatlı DOĞAN (Date of Assignment October 21, 2013), and Prof. Dr. Hatice Gülsen ERDEN (Date of Assignment October 21, 2016). Currently, this role is held by Prof. Dr. Gülbahar BAŞTUĞ (Date of Assignment July 26, 2022).

Our teaching members:

• Prof. Dr. Gülbahar BAŞTUĞ (Head of Department)
• Prof. Dr. Şennur TUTAREL KIŞLAK
• Prof. Dr. Hatice DEMİRBAŞ (Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi Psikoloji Bölümü)
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatma YILDIRIM
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Özgür GÜLDÜ
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Üyesi Belgin ÜSTÜN GÜLLÜ (Düzce Üniversitesi Psikoloji Bölümü)
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Üyesi Fatma UÇAR BOYRAZ

Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology involve the application of toxicology and chemistry to the legal domain. Its primary objective is to detect the presence of toxins, including alcohol and illicit substances, in biological samples. The analysis of explosive materials and gunshot residue also falls within the practical applications of forensic chemistry. This program aims to situate the theory of forensic toxicology within the context of various case types, including crimes, workplace substance testing, doping, and death investigations. Through postgraduate research and educational activities, the program seeks to train experts who can assist in the identification of chemical substances in poisoning cases resulting in death or serious injury, and interpret dose-response relationships, contributing to the field of Forensic Sciences. Routine analysis services are also provided to stakeholders as part of this program.

The objectives of the program are to educate competent professionals with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, establish a scientific foundation in this field, conduct research, and generate projects.

Students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge about the processes related to providing high-quality forensic toxicology evidence, from case strategy to the supervision chain, preparation of biological samples, and advanced instrumental analysis to the interpretation and reporting of evidence. Graduates of the program will possess the competence to serve as experts in Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology, conduct research, generate new projects, formulate ideas about the results, participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, and find solutions to problems encountered in studies related to the field.

Academic Staff:

• Prof. Nebile DAĞLIOĞLU (Head of the Department)
• Assoc. Prof. Mehmet GÜMÜŞTAŞ
• Asst. Prof. İsmail Ethem GÖREN
• Lect. Dr. Asli ATASOY AYDIN
• Lect. Dr. Asena AVCI AKCAN
• Res. Assist. Dr. Kenan Can TOK

Department of Forensic Sciences

The Department of Forensic Sciences plays a vital role in ensuring justice by serving as the hub for scientific research aimed at the crime and justice system. This department contributes to solving crimes, examining evidence, and conducting forensic processes through scientific methods. The graduate programs within our department offer students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education. Our programs aim to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Forensic Informatics

The Forensic Informatics program is designed for students who wish to specialize in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence. The program focuses on topics such as cybercrimes, digital evidence management, and computer and network security. Through both theoretical courses and applied laboratory work, students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to uncover digital crimes.

Programs:

• Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Forensic Informatics (Evening Education)

• → Forensic Informatics Program Course Catalogue

Teaching and Advisory Faculty Members:

• Prof. Dr. Refik SAMET (Program Coordinator) (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering)

• Prof. Dr. Recep ERYİĞİT (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering)

• Prof. Dr. Asım Egemen YILMAZ (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering)

• Prof. Dr. Nergis CANTÜRK

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bülent TUĞRUL (Faculty of Science, Department of Computer Sciences)

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz AR (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Merve ÖZKAN (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering)

Forensic Medicine (Inactive)

The Forensic Medicine program offers a comprehensive education that includes determining the cause of death, injury analysis, and toxicology. This program aims to contribute to solving crime and death incidents by examining the medical dimensions of forensic cases. Students specialize in forensic autopsy, determination of the cause of death, and the analysis of biological evidence.

Programs:

• Ph.D. Program in Forensic Medicine

Teaching and Advisory Faculty Members:

• Prof. Dr. Nergis CANTÜRK (Program Coordinator)

Health Law

The Health Law program addresses the legal dimensions of healthcare services and aims to develop solutions for the legal issues faced by healthcare professionals. The program covers medical malpractice, patient rights, health policies, and ethical issues. Students gain the necessary background to understand the legal framework of healthcare services and to resolve legal problems encountered in this field.

Programs:

• Master of Laws (LL.M. / M.S.) Program in Health Law

• → Health Law Program Course Catalogue

Teaching and Advisory Faculty Members:

• Prof. Dr. Gürol CANTÜRK (Program Coordinator) (Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine)

• Prof. Dr. Zarife ŞENOCAK (Faculty of Law, Department of Private Law)

• Prof. Dr. Serap ŞAHİNOĞLU KUŞ (Faculty of Medicine, Department of History of Medicine and Ethics)

• Prof. Dr. Mine Esin OCAKTAN (Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health)

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fahri Gökçen TANER (Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Criminal Procedure Law)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Yaprak ÖNTAN (Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Criminal Procedure Law)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Vehbi Umut ERKAN (Faculty of Law, Department of Civil Law)

With these diverse programs offered to its students, the Department of Forensic Sciences aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the field of forensic sciences. Through our interdisciplinary approach and applied education methods, we aim to train competent professionals who will make scientific contributions to the administration of justice. We invite you to join us to specialize in this exciting and dynamic field.