COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Forensic Science Course introduces the students to the role of the forensic scientist
within the criminal justice system. The nature of physical evidence will be examined with
emphasis placed on the limitations our current technology imposes on the ability to
individualize and characterize evidence. The course will examine the various scientific
techniques used to analyze a crime scene. Areas that will be emphasized will include but
not be limited to: Forensic Entomology, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Odontology, Crime
Scene Analysis, Fiber Analysis, Fingerprints, Blood Splatter Analysis, Toxicology,
Ballistics, Soil Analysis, and DNA Analysis. The Internet and "Crime Scene Simulations"
will provide students with hands on problem solving experiences where they will use the
techniques they have discussed in class.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. ability to understand the types of information obtained from physical evidence, the
    methods of analysis and the systems used to classify physical evidence;
  2. ability to understand the history, applications, types, and methods of visualizing,
    enhancing, collecting, preserving, identifying, and comparing fingerprints found at
    a crime scene;
  3. appreciate the significance of the various types of impression evidence and learn
    methods for collecting and preserving impression evidence;
  4. ability to understand the applications, types, and methods of visualizing,
    enhancing, collecting, preserving,  identifying, and comparing trace evidence found
    at a crime scene;
  5. ability to use inquiry as a means of examining forensic problems;
  6. ability to utilize the stages of growth, microscopic structure and morphology,
    methods of examination, and microscopic identification of the species, race, and
    somatic origin of hair evidence;
  7. ability to understand the collection techniques and methods used to analyze paint,
    glass, and soil evidence;
  8. ability to appreciate the importance , components, and identification procedures
    associated with blood evidence and the use of DNA as an individualization technique
    in the examination of blood;
  9. ability to carry out the steps taken to secure, process, document, investigate, and
    reconstruct a crime scene;
  10. ability to understand how present and future developments of science will affect
    forensic science;
  11. development of concern for all life and the ability to act as a concerned and
    informed citizen;
  12. give the student a strong basis for future studies in the natural sciences.
Forensic Science
Created by C. Ippolito
February  2001

Updated
June 25, 2007