Course | Description |
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FS 101 Introduction to Forensic Science | 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. |
FS 201 Introduction to Forensic Photo/Imagery | This course is designed in two segments that will provide students with the current information and technical competency to successfully perform the basic requirements of crime scene photography. It will also prepare the students for more advanced learning in the FS 400 Crime Scene Photography course. Additionally, it will present students with the skills and methodologies used in dealing with suspected criminal activity in the areas of digital evidence recognition, preservation and lawful seizure. |
FS 302 Computer Crime Investigation | This course is designed to familiarize students with the technology and software currently used in the field of computer forensics. It will cover core topics, including defining the different types of cybercrime, conducting an investigation, the process of retrieving and analyzing digital evidence, network forensics, and laws relevant to electronic evidence. Additionally, it will address computer forensics investigations and the technical and legal difficulties involved in searching, extracting, maintaining, and storing electronic evidence, while simultaneously looking at the legal implications of such investigations as well as the rules and legal procedures relevant to the field of computer forensics. |
FS 318 Special Topics in Forensic Science I | This upper division criminal justice course is designed to provide students with forensic science education in areas such as pathology, traumatic death, toxicology, odontology, anthropology, taphonomy, while incorporating these disciplines with investigative technique and collection of crime scene evidence. |
FS 319 Special Topics in Forensic Science II | This upper division criminal justice course is designed as a continuation of special topics in Forensic Science (CJ 318). The course curriculum will focus in the areas of analysis of blood serology, identification of biological fluids and stains, techniques of DNA analysis, forensic footwear evidence, questioned documents, basic fire and explosion investigations, forensic psychology, forensic psychiatry, serial offenders: linking cases by modus operandi and signature, criminal personality profiling and legal issues of forensic DNA. |
FS 320 Interview and Interrogation Techniques | The course will teach the basic techniques and develop the skills required for interviewing victims and witnesses in a non-accusatory, structured manner in which behavior provoking questions are asked with the purpose of eliciting factual information concerning the case or incident in question. The importance of demeanor, rapport, appearance, mirroring and supporting tactics will be discussed. Students will learn to identify, interpret and evaluate neurolinguistics which includes both the verbal and physical behavioral responses of individuals during questioning and will have the opportunity to practice their skills in teams and small groups. The course will also develop the leadership skills necessary for success in the investigative field. Leadership is a relational, collaborative, ethical, and value-based process in which people effect positive change on behalf of others and society. Finally, the course will instruct students in the proper methods and specific forms required for documenting and recording information obtained during questioning as well as court presentation and testimony. |
FS 389 Investigative Research | This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of best practices of casework in the field of cold cases, missing and unidentified person investigations, an understanding of societal issues and impacts regarding cold cases and missing persons; as well as first-hand experience in utilizing the internet, social media and notification systems to collaborate on such cases within our community. Students will have some communications and interactions with outside agencies under the direction of the faculty. As cold cases and missing person investigations have many facets, student projects can be in almost any area of academic interest/major: FS/CSI, FS/Lab, Biology, CJ, Cybersecurity, Law, Human Services, Psychology, Communication, English, Business, IDA, Advocacy & Social Justice, Religion, etc. |
FS 400 Photography/Imagery | Forensic photography is an essential aspect of crime scene investigation. Photographs are used in many ways to help solve crimes. The student must know proper crime photographic techniques in order to document the circumstances surrounding the case. This is a technical course designed to provide a comprehensive program which illustrates all of the important facets of photography. Since witness statements, evidence identification and crime scene reconstruction may hinge upon proper photographic images, it is imperative to be knowledgeable of every aspect of crime scene photography. This course will guide the student through the evolution of photography from its roots to the sophisticated computer imaging techniques used in law enforcement today. A thorough and comprehensive look at the field of photography/imaging and its relevance to the criminal justice system will be presented. The student will be exposed to class work, group discussions, and hands on practical experience with procedures used in the field today. |
FS 401 Fingerprint Evidence | This course is designed to familiarize students with the visualization, detection, development and recording of fingerprint impressions. It will concentrate on the use of fingerprints for personal identification, as well as their use in criminal investigations, within our contemporary society. The course will provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a variety of accepted methods and techniques for processing latent fingerprints, including dusting, chemical development and the use of alternate light sources. Additionally, the course will supply students with the necessary fundamentals to pursue advanced courses in forensic sciences. |
FS 402 Trace Evidence/Arson-Firearms/ Impression Evidence | This course is composed of 3 individual forensic science segments. (A) Trace Evidence will consider fibers, glass, human hair, soil and paint and their proper collection and preservation for analysis. (B) Arson-Firearms will deal with types of fire, their chemistry, causes and relationship to point of origin. The firearms section will address modern firearms, ammunition and laboratory examination of ballistic evidence. (C) Impression Evidence will focus on footprints, tire tracks and tool marks and a variety of casting methods and materials. Evidentiary rules and respective legal issues discussed in each segment. |
FS 403 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis/Crash Management/Report Writing | This course is composed of 3 individual forensic science segments. (A) Bloodstain Pattern Analysis will focus on three primary areas of physics, namely, Ballistics, trigonometry and fluid dynamics to provide an understanding of the behavior of blood at a crime scene. (B) Crash Management will consist of an in-depth examination of the accepted measurement, calculation and documentation procedures for motor vehicle accidents. (C) Report Writing will present the proper techniques for correctly recording forensic evidence at a crime scene and in a police report for use with a court brief. |
FS 405 Advanced Seminar in Forensic Science | This course is designed specifically to enhance the student’s knowledge and ability to locate, identify, document, and properly preserve and collect forensic evidence. Using an individual ?hands on methodology, the course will provide students with the opportunity to search mock crime scenes and process various types of potential evidence, including latent fingerprints, hair, fibers, footprints and artificial bloodstains. Proper documentation will be stressed and will incorporate note taking, sketching and crime scene photography. The course will provide a realistic overview of the processes involved in an investigation, from its inception to the final adjudication in court. Additionally, the legal considerations regarding forensic evidence will be discussed, including standards for the chain of custody and the legal ramifications of search warrants and the 4th Amendment. Ultimately, the course goal is to merge the student’s academic knowledge with their practical experiences in a manner that will develop their problem solving abilities and their analytical and critical thinking skills. |
FS 420 Forensic Biology I | Forensic Biology I will cover methods of forensic DNA analysis. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of DNA collection and storage, extraction, quantitation, amplification, separation, and detection methods used for forensic DNA analysis. It will also introduce students to legal aspects of DNA testing to prepare them for expert witness testimony. An additional laboratory is required to provide students with hands-on exploration of topics covered in lectures and an opportunity to master and apply techniques commonly utilized in modern Forensic Biology laboratories. |
FS 420L Forensic Biology I Lab | This is a required lab course for FS 420. FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with FS 420. |
FS 421 Forensic Biology II | Forensic Biology II will cover statistical analysis and interpretation of the complex data obtained from forensic DNA profiles. This course will also emphasize the importance of communicating results and conclusions of DNA analysis and will begin to prepare students for expert witness testimony. An additional laboratory is required to provide students with hands-on exploration of topics covered in lectures and an opportunity to interpret actual DNA profiles. |
FS 421L Forensic Biology II Lab | This is a required lab course for FS 421. FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with FS 421. |
FS 430 Forensic Biology Capstone | Forensic Biology Capstone will allow students to review and apply what they have learned to perform two complete forensic DNA analysis case studies. The required lab will provide students an opportunity to perform the analysis from start to finish, including DNA collection, extraction, quantitation, amplification, separation, and detection. Each case study will conclude with the student writing a professional forensic laboratory report and a mock courtroom presentation of the student’s interpretations and conclusions about the DNA profile they obtain. Class time will be spent preparing students for expert witness testimony, discussing the practical aspects of forensic lab work, the role of forensic scientists in the courtroom, scientific integrity, ethical behavior, ethics standards, and misconduct in the forensic science community. Additionally, students will prepare a resume and cover letter and learn important interview skills to prepare them to enter the workforce. |
FS 499 Forensic Science Internship | This course will help forensic students get a flavor for the inner workings of a career in forensic science investigations. The exposure afforded the student through an internship will prove invaluable in assisting them in making plans for the next step in their careers. The overall internship experience will also assist the student in their quest to network with future colleagues who can assist them in job acquisition. |