Forensic Science Course Descriptions

FSC 140 Introduction to Forensic Science 3 hours
Prerequisite: LS 105.      Term: Fall

Forensic science is the application of science to the law and encompasses various scientific disciplines. This course will introduce various methodologies and applications used in the forensic context. Topics dis­cussed include organic and inorganic chemical analy­ses of physical evidence, principles of serology and DNA analysis, identification of fresh and decomposed human remains, ballistics, fingerprint analysis, facial reconstruction, drug analysis, and forensic entomology.

FSC 240 Forensic Biology and Chemistry 4 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 150; CHM 140; FSC 140 Term: Winter; Fee: yes; offered alternate years

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the biological and chemical aspects of forensic science as it applies to criminal investigation and labo­ratory preparation. Part one of this course looks at the instrumentation and chemistry associated with crimes. We will look at how the instrumentation is used, what type of evidence it can process, how to read the results and the properties of the chemical evidence. Part two of this course is an introduction to the basic principles of forensic anthropology. Topics will include study of human skeletal and dental remains, trauma to the human body, facial reconstruction, forensic entomology and botany, hair and fiber analysis, fingerprinting, pathology used in identification, and toxicology. Laboratory course.

ISC 312 Junior Seminar 2 hours
Corequisites: Junior standing in the major, ENG 312; Term Winter; Fee: yes; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 312.

Junior Seminar has been designed to help science majors improve their writing AS SCIENTISTS. Competence in writing in science requires critical evaluation of one’s work. In order to encourage the development of critical thinking, students critique published work as well as write essays, reviews, and research reports. The heart of the course lies in the weekly interaction between the instructor and students through discussion both in class sections and one-on-one. A weekly lecture provides structure and continuity and allows consideration of other topics such as interviewing and resume writing, poster presentations, ethics in science, and the nature of science and creativity. This is the program’s writing intensive course.

FSC 340 Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection 1 4 hours
Prerequisite: FSC 140; CHM 140 or BIO 150        Term: Fall

This course is designed to provide students with the basic theoretical and philosophical understanding of the investigatory process as well as fundamental investigation techniques such as crime scene analysis, collection, preservation, and testing of evidence, modus operandi, use of technology, types of evidence, and the science of criminalistics. Analysis of problems encountered in interviewing, interrogating, evidence collection, and admissibil­ity will be examined. Application of investigation theories to the administration of justice will also be developed. Laboratory course.

FSC 341 Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection 2  3 hours
Prerequisite: FSC 340    Term: Winter

This course is a continuation of Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection 1. Laboratory course.

FSC 385 Genetic Analysis 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 150, FSC 240  Term: Winter; offered alternative years

Study of hereditary material, its biological, chemical and physical nature. Transmission and function will be em­phasized. Students will become versed in the tools of human molecular genetic analysis, the nature of DNA and its applications.

FSC 440 Toxicology 3 hours
Prerequisite: CHM 325; FSC 240 Term: Winter alternate years

A comprehensive study of general principles and fundamentals of forensic toxicology, poisons, action, toxicity, postmortem characteristics, samples required for toxicological analysis and methods of collection, methods of preservation and analysis. Chemical, toxicological and pathological characteristics of commonly abused drugs, including the following: ethanol, barbiturates, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Details of the methods employed for analysis, such as color test, Chromatography (GC, GLC, HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), GC-MS.

FSC 388  Cooperative Field Experience 1-4 hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing, forensic science major, departmental approval; Term: Fall, Winter, Summer

Supervised work experience in activity related to area of specialization. This is planned in consultation with advi­sor,co-op supervisor and employer. Recording, reporting and evaluation of experience will be required.

FSC 491 Independent Study 1-4 hours
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; biology major or minor; Junior status; Term: Fall, Winter, Summer

Opportunity to earn credit for the independent study of a course not listed in the catalog as a specific offering. By arrangement.

ISC 496 a Senior Seminar: Library Research 2 hours
Prerequisites: FSC 312; Senior standing in FSC major; completion of general education and writing requirements;
Term: Fall, Winter; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496A.

This course is designed for senior science majors to have the opportunity to write and orally present a research proposal. This will include conducting a literature review and designing an original research project. Students carry out their research project in BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496B. Use of computer for informational searches, data analysis, and word processing; oral presentations and final research paper required.

ISC 496 b Senior Seminar: Laboratory Research 2 hours
Prerequisites: FSC 496A; Senior standing; FSC major; completion of general education and writing requirements;Term: Fall, Winter; Fee: yes; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496B.

This course is designed for senior science majors to conduct research with the direction of a faculty member. The student will carry out a research project of their own design. Specifically students will conduct experiments, write up the results of those experiments, write up the conclusions based on those results and present the results and conclusions of the project both in written and oral formats.