FS 101

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic concepts of forensic science, the specific career fields which are available and the requirements for each specialty. It will present topics relevant to various types of evidence, which will include the proper procedures, methods and techniques for the collection and preservation of crime scene evidence as well as the subsequent value to the forensic scientist. The course will provide a realistic overview of the processes involved in an investigation, from its inception to the final adjudication in court. Critical thinking, analysis and problem solving are major considerations for the successful completion of the class. Finally, the legal considerations regarding forensic evidence will be discussed, including standards for the chain of custody and the evidentiary rules of Frey and Daubert.