Forensic Science
Forensic Science - Undergraduate Courses
FOR 200 Professional Practices in Forensic Science (back to previous page)
This course will be a series of lectures exposing the student to an overview of the scientific disciplines and a discussion of the basic analytical laboratory and problem solving skills necessary in forensic science. 1 credit hour.
FOR 204 Forensic Photography with Laboratory (back to previous page)
Introduction to basic techniques, material, and other aspects of crime scene photographs. Theory and practice of photographic image formation and recordings. Laboratory exercises with emphasis on homicide, sex offenses, arson, and accident photograph techniques. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
FOR 215 Introduction to Forensic Science (back to previous page)
No working knowledge of science is required. Topics include the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, narcotics, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, and tool marks. 3 credit hours.
FOR 216 Introduction to Forensic Science for Majors (back to previous page)
A working knowledge of science is required. Topics include the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, narcotics, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, and tool marks. 3 credit hours.
FOR 227 Fingerprints with Laboratory (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 215 or FOR 216. The genetic and mathematical theory relating to fingerprints, chemical and physical methods used in developing latent fingerprints, and major systems of fingerprint classification. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
FOR 250 Criminal Investigation, Forensic Science, and Society: An Analysis of Select Cases Through Film (back to previous page) Restricted to Honors Program students only. This course involves a detailed analysis of several major criminal investigations and how societies’ opinions and expectations influenced the investigation and outcome of each case. We will discuss how these cases influenced citizens’ feelings about their country and the criminal justice system that either served or failed them during each of these historic events. The use of films will be incorporated to better understand societies’ perspectives and reflections. 3 credit hours.
FOR 300 Forensic Microscopy (back to previous page)
The theory and techniques of optical microscopy required to use the microscope for evidence detection, analysis, and evaluation. Microscopical methods of analysis and polarized light microscopy will be covered in lecture and laboratory. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
FOR 303 Forensic Science Laboratory for non-Majors (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 215. Specific examination of topics and laboratory testing procedures introduced in FOR 215. In the classroom, laboratory procedures are outlined and discussed. Identification and individualization of evidence, casting of hairs and fibers for microscopic identification, electrophoretic separation of blood enzymes. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
FOR 325 Forensic Pathology (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 216. An introduction to the procedures and techniques for investigation of questioned death and identification of deceased persons, including autopsy technique, understanding od post mortem changes, odontological identification techniques, and anthropological approaches. 3 credit hours.
FOR 403 Forensic Biology with Laboratory (back to previous page)
Co-requisite: BI 306 and permission of the forensic science faculty. In-depth examination of blood grouping procedures for red cells antigens, isoenzymes, and serum proteins; identification and typing of body fluids and their stains; collection, processing, and handling of biological materials in casework. Laboratory fee; 4 credit hours.
FOR 404 Criminalistics with Laboratory (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: Permission of the forensic science faculty. In-depth examination of several subjects in modern criminalistics, including hair and fiber analysis and comparison, arson accelerants and explosive residues, glass comparisons, and forensic chemistry. Laboratory fee; 4 credit hours.
FOR 415 Crime Scene Investigation (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 215 or FOR 216. A study of the methods and techniques of scientific crime scene investigation, documentation and recognition of physical evidence, collection, and crime scene reconstruction. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
FOR 416 Seminar in Forensic Science (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 215 or FOR 216. An examination and evaluation of current issues in the scientific analysis of physical evidence in criminal investigations. Individual and group activities relating to professional practices of forensic science and the criminal justice system. 3 credit hours.
FOR 450-459 Special Topics (back to previous page)
A study of selected issues of particular interest to the students and instructor. 3 credit hours.
FOR 498 Research Project (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chair. The student carries out an original research project in a forensic science setting and reports the findings. 3 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Junior/senior standing. Provides academically supervised, real-world experience for forensic science majors. The internship usually constitutes the only practical experience in an actual casework lab that students have during the forensic science program, and it provides a valuable asset to the student in the job market. 3 credit hours.
FOR 599 Independent Study (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. An opportunity for the student, under the direction of a faculty member, to explore and acquire competence in a special area of interest. 1-3 credit hours.
FOR 614 Survey of Forensic Science (back to previous page)
An introductory survey of forensic sciences and criminalistics, crime scene procedures and documentation, and methods of laboratory analysis for all forensic science students.
FOR 616 Advanced Crime Scene Investigation (back to previous page)
An in-depth study of crime scene procedures including recognition, protection, documentation, and collection of physical evidence; scene documentation, scene search procedures; and reconstructions from evidence and scene patterns.
Prerequisite: FOR 614. This course will provide information related to the various aspects of expert witness testimony, from "marketing" skills and good communication techniques to managing difficult questions and ethical issues. The expectations of the legal and scientific communities will be explored using case examples and exercises that point to the conflicts that sometimes may arise from these different perspectives. Students will participate in a moot court testimony session in which they will demonstrate their expert witness knowledge and ability to effectively communicate in a court setting.
FOR 618 Forensic Photography (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 614. This course will explore the use of imaging techniques as they relate to crime scene and evidence documentation. The first portion of the course focuses on film/digital image capture and the second on digital image processing using Adobe Photoshop and other software. The course includes extensive hands-on experience both in photography as well as image processing labs. Topics include but are not limited to: theory, techniques, crime, scenes, evidence, macro, alternate light energy, photogrammetry, image clarification and legal considerations.
Prerequisite: FOR 614. This is an advanced course in the science of fingerprints. The history of fingerprints, development and recognition of fingerprints, collection and documentation of fingerprint evidence, various processing techniques, fingerprint comparison and identification, taking inked fingerprint impressions and the latest advances in fingerprint identification will be discussed during this course.
Corequisite: FOR 621. The comparison and individualization of physical evidence are presented in lectures and carried out in the laboratory. The theories and practice of microscopic, biological, immunological, and chemical analysis are applied to the examination of blood, semen, and other body fluids.
FOR 621 Advanced Criminalistics Laboratory I (back to previous page)
Prerequisite and co-requisite: FOR 614. The biological identification and individualization of physical evidence as carried out in the laboratory. The theories and practice of microscopic, biological, immunological, and chemical analysis are applied to the examination of blood, semen, and other body fluids and biological evidence. Basic serological examinations and DNA typing of single source samples will be performed and data interpreted. Laboratory fee required.
Introduction to the field of forensic engineering, and the first of a two-course sequence. Basic engineering relevant to failure analysis and root cause assessment, including the failure of complex systems is discussed. Other topics covered include: concepts of stress, strain, and fatigue, buildings and structures and their performance when faced with natural and man-made extreme forces. Automotive engineering, crashes and component and systems failures, aircraft failure and fire and explosion analysis are also covered.
A second course in an introduction to forensic engineering, designed to survey failure modes in different engineering disciplines and in different products, including automobiles, aircraft, home construction, buildings and structures, marine applications, and household products. Techniques are described for gathering engineering evidence, assessing a likely cause, and designing a test replication. Report generation is also included. Designed primarily for the non-engineer, the course prepares the investigator for the task of seeking qualified engineering expertise and procuring laboratory support. No prerequisite is required: the course is free-standing.
An examination of the basic organic chemistry and combustion and explosive properties of flammable materials. The chemical principles underlying fires and explosions. Chemical properties of various synthetic materials and the products of their combustion. Fire retardant materials and chemicals used in fire extinguishment. (See also CH 625 and FS 625).
FOR 632 Advanced Investigation I (back to previous page)
An in-depth study of modern principles and techniques of criminal and civil investigations. Management of investigations, use of witnesses, interviewing, polygraph, backgrounds, establishment of MO, missing persons, surveillance and investigation of questioned deaths and death scenes.
FOR 633 Advanced Investigation II (back to previous page)
An in-depth study of the principles and techniques of criminal and civil investigations. Investigation of fraud, embezzlement, white-collar crime, property crimes, sexual assaults and other crimes against persons; extortion; kidnapping; drug trades; and traffic accidents.
FOR 640 Advanced Criminalistics II (back to previous page)
Introduction of advanced microscopic, chemical and instrumental methods with extensive hands-on experience provided by a laboratory section. Principles and methods of analysis of microscopic and macroscopic evidence such as glass, soil, papers, inks, dyes, paints, varnishes, explosives, fibers, drugs and other potential physical traces will be discussed.
FOR 641 Advanced Criminalistics Laboratory II (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 614. Laboratory course to develop skills needed for the non-biological forensic science laboratory work. Instrumental, wet chemical, and physical methods typically used in forensic science laboratories presented in a problem-based learning environment. Laboratory fee required.
FOR 645 Drug Chemistry and Identification (back to previous page)
Introduction to licit and illicit drugs as evidence, followed by an overview of chemical, microscopical and instrumental techniques used for their identification; discussion of sampling, separation and quantitation of evidence specimens; presentation of drug chemistry expert testimony in courts of law.
FOR 653 Physical Analysis in Forensic Science (back to previous page)
The classic firearms examination, classification and comparison of bullets and cartridges, toolmarks comparison and striation analysis, serial number restoration, document examination, voiceprint identification, fingerprints and polygraph examination.
FOR 654 Physical Analysis in Forensic Science Laboratory (back to previous page)
Laboratory fee required. 1 credit hour.
FOR 655 Firearm Evidence Analysis (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: FOR 614. A course in firearms function, ammunition function, the relationship between firearms and ammunition and the causation and effects of firearms and ammunition for the forensic person; i.e., identification of bullets and ammunition casings to firearms. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
Forensic Toxicology is presented as a mechanistic/biochemical exploration of the issues and drugs and questions routinely confronting the practicing forensic toxicologist. Following an initial exploration of the historical roots of the discipline, the course moves through an organ-system review of physiologic function, and the mechanisms by which specific and typical toxic classes and species interfere with those functions. Neurologic functions and toxicity are a special interest and focus of this section. The final sections of the course deal with some of the major drug classes, including opiates, other drugs of abuse, natural and herbal drugs, and plants and animal poison, toxins and venoms.