1. Describe the role of the forensic pathologist and distinguish it from that of coroners, including training and certification requirements.
  2. Identify which types of deaths are reportable to a medical examiner or coroner.
  3. Explain how forensic pathology contributes to both public health and the legal system.
  4. Define common autopsy terms such as petechial hemorrhage, algor mortis, contusion, and gunshot wound characteristics.
  5. Differentiate between postmortem changes and antemortem injuries.
  6. Recognize typical features of entrance gunshot wounds versus other types of injuries.
  7. Explain how investigative findings integrate with autopsy results to determine cause and manner of death.
  8. Differentiate between cause of death, proximate cause, mechanism of death, and manner of death.
  9. Identify inappropriate entries for cause of death on a death certificate.
  10. Apply proper terminology to complete a death certificate in accordance with medical and legal standards.

Course Content

Lesson 1: Introduction to Forensic Pathology
1 Quiz
Knowledge Check – Introduction to Forensic Pathology
Lesson 2: The Investigation
Lesson 3: The Autopsy
1 Quiz
Knowledge Check – The Autopsy
Lesson 4: Types of Injury
Lesson 5: Gunshot Wounds
1 Quiz
Knowledge Check – Gunshot Wounds
Lesson 6: Toxicology
Lesson 7: Death Certification
1 Quiz
Knowledge Check – Death Certification
Final Quiz
Final Quiz – Forensic Pathology & Death Certification