Course Descriptions

FORENSIC SCIENCES (FS)

FS 230 Forensic Sciences (3)

Survey of scientific methods applied to the collection, analysis and preservation of physical evidence as it is used from the crime scene to the courtroom; quality assurance, ethics, professional practice.

FS 233L Physical Evidence Laboratory (1)

Laboratory exercises to analyze various forms of physical evidence. Explores the underlying theory, protocols, and relevance for the examination and interpretation of physical evidence. Prerequisites: FS 230 or CJ 220.

FS 340 Crime Scene Investigation (3)

Introduction to techniques of crime scene investigation. Emphasis will be on search techniques, scene diagramming, photography, proper documentation, recover and preservation of different categories of evidence. Aspects of chain of custody of materials collected and other problems related to admissibility of evidence will be discussed.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 233L or FS 333L
Co-requisite: FS 340L

FS 340L Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (1)

Laboratory and field exercises to provide experience in crime scene search and processing, recognition, collection and preservation of different categories of evidence. Applications of photography to scene documentation. Use of proper personal safety precautions while at crime scene.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 233L or FS 333L
Co-requisite: FS 340

FS 430 Forensic Chemistry (3)

This course introduces the application of analytical chemistry to forensic science. A focus will be placed on obtaining analytical results through sample preparation, instrumental analysis, data quality, and data interpretation in various forensic chemistry applications.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, CH 324, CH 324L , CH 334, CH 334L, FS 233L or FS 333L.
Co-requisite: FS 430L

FS 430L Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (1)

Laboratory exercises will concentrate on techniques and forensic methodologies for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical evidence.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, CH 324, CH 324L, CH 334, CH 334L, FS 233L or FS 333L.
Co-requisite: FS 430

FS 444 Forensic Biology (3)

A scientific examination of biological evidence. Includes examining the scientific basis of many types of biological evidence, applying scientific methods to and interpretation of biological evidence.

Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, CH 204, FS 340.

FS 455 Medicolegal Death Investigation (3)

Covers the operations of medicolegal death investigation including field and morgue duties, relationships with law enforcement, hospitals, emergency services, and health systems. Students will be responsible for learning medical terminology, common medicines, medical procedures (particularly emergency medical intervention), decomposition, and the recognition and documentation of medical paraphernalia related to procedures. Also covered will be scene interview techniques, evidence recovery, photography, and postmortem fingerprinting.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 233L or FS 333L

FS 460 Forensic Taphonomy (3)

Processes associated with the decomposition and preservation of organic materials with an emphasis placed on human remains.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, CH 323, CH 323L
Co-requisite: FS 460L

FS 460L Forensic Taphonomy Laboratory (1)

Quantitative and qualitative methods for investigating decomposition and its application in medicolegal death investigation.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, CH 323, CH 323L.
Co-requisite: FS 460

FS 487 Internship (3 to 6)

Field work experience in an approved criminal justice agency. A minimum of 45 clock hours of work experience per credit hour is required. In addition to the field work, the student will be required to write a paper, be evaluated by the agency, and complete an oral interview with a faculty member. Departmental approval is required prior to enrollment. A minimum of three and a maximum of six credit hours.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 340 or FS 455

FS 490 Senior Seminar (1)

Discussion and presentation of current issues in forensic science. One oral presentation by each participant required. Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 340, FS 455, SR standing.

FS 491 Professional Skills for Forensic Scientists (3)

Introduces professional practices and expectations for the forensic scientist. Includes discussion of employment preparation, leadership, professional organization, ethics, certification, accreditation, and research skills including data generation, analysis, and interpretation.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 340, FS 455, SR standing.

FS 492 Forensic Courtroom Testimony (1)

Skills to prepare for expert witness testimony and issues that may arise during testimony. Emphasis will be on articulation; courtroom procedures; and preparing your case file and presentation for trial. Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, FS 340, FS 455.