Course Descriptions
Frsc 150 Introduction to the Forensic Sciences
This course will cover the basics of the multidisplinary fields of forensic science from crime scene investigation through the laboratory analysis of evidence. The role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness will also be discussed.
Prerequisites: Chem 122, Bio 140, 144, and 148, Math 109.
3 credits
Frsc 230. Introduction to Forensic Wildlife Investigation
This course will provide an introduction to the field of wildlife forensics. Topics to be covered include species differentiation based on bones, teeth, claws, fur/hair, tracks, and feces. Local, state, federal and international laws regarding poaching and transportation of animal remains will also be discussed. Offered every other year.
Prerequisites: Frsc 150
3 credits
Frsc 231. Introduction to Forensic Wildlife Lab
Laboratory component of FRSC 230 will include hands-on examination of wildlife material and field trips to study in situ material.
Corequisite: Frsc 230
1 credit
Frsc 242 Criminalistics I
This course will cover the basics of crime scene investigation including the location, documentation, recovery, and laboratory analysis and interpretation of certain types of biological evidence, such as blood, semen, saliva, hair, tissue, and DNA. Microscopy, chemical and biological analytical techniques will be discussed, along with an extensive study of fingerprint analysis and crime scene documentation.
Prerequisites: Frsc 150
3 credits
Frsc 243 Criminalistics I Lab
Corequisite: Frsc 242
1 credits
Frsc 250 Forensic Photography
Introduction to basic techniques of crime scene photography. Includes discussion of cameras, film, digital images, lighting, photographic protocol, and images as physical evidence and for courtroom presentation.
Prerequisites: Frsc 150
3 credits
Frsc 300 Environmental Evidence
Course focuses on the location, documentation, recovery, curation, and analysis of natural evidence found at the outdoor crime scene including entomological, botanical, geoarchaeological and others.
Prerequisites: Frsc 150
3 credits
Frsc 310 Statistics for Forensic Science and Anthropology
The course is an introduction to morphometrics and will cover the statistical techniques most commonly employed in Forensic Science and Anthropology. Topics will include correlation, regression techniques, EDA, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Factor and Principle Components Analysis, and Discriminant Function Analysis.
Prerequisites: Math 109, Frsc 150
3 credits
Frsc 320 Indoor Crime Scene Investigation
The course will provide an overview of forensic investigative techniques used to process types of indoor crime scenes. Evidence collection, preservation and submission protocols, proper use of standards, chain of custody issues, and crime scene reconstruction techniques will be discussed in the course. In addition, the role of the crime scene technician as an expert witness will be explored.
Prerequisites: Frsc 244
3 credits
Frsc 340 Physical Evidence and the Law
Course will focus on the proper collection and documentation of physical evidence according to the current laws and court proceedings. Discussion will also include new court rulings regarding evidence, expert witness activities. Offered every other year.
Prerequisites: Frsc 244
3 credits
Frsc 390 Crime Scene Archaeology
Course will include lectures and hands-on excavations of a variety of outdoor scenes. Topics to be covered include basic archaeology principles, proper excavation techniques, recovery of various classes of physical evidence.
Prerequisites: Anth 242
3 credits
Frsc 450 Special Issues in Forensic Science
Seminar discussion of topics of relevance to student interests and issues in the news. Research papers will be presented weekly. Seniors only. 3 credits
Frsc 460 Fire Science and Arson
Lecture and laboratory course will cover basics of processing the fatal fire scene from identifying the source and paths of fire, documentation of accelerants, collecting evidence such as explosive residues, and photographic documentation. Offered every other year. Juniors and Seniors only.
Prerequisites: Frsc 242,320
3 credits