Forensic Science | Course Descriptions
FRSC 201 FORENSIC SCIENCE SEMINAR - 1 credit hours
This course involves presentation and discussion of general and special issues in forensic science; extension and application of background knowledge to unusual topics and cases. The course is offered every fall and spring semester.
FRSC 210 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE - 3 credit hours
This course is an introductory look at the various fields of study and how they are used in modern law enforcement; a brief history of forensic science in Europe and the United States; use of Geology, Anthropology, Dentistry, Pathology, and Psychiatry in Investigation. The course is offered each semester.
FRSC 215 INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS - 3 credit hours
This course introduces the importance of crime scene investigations, crime scene models, and its systematic process to solve crimes. The course also shows the interrelationship between Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 215L INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS LABORATORY - 1 credit hour
This laboratory course introduces relevant issues and principles of Forensic Science. The laboratory course also emphasizes the importance of crime scene reconstruction. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 220 INTRODUCTION TO LAW - 3 credit hours
This course includes examination of criminal liability, crimes against person, property and society; the criminal process; constitutional and legal problems associated with criminal procedures; and the due process of law. The course is offered every fall and spring semester.
FRSC 221 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY - 3 credit hours
This course introduces the study of insects and the interrelationship between entomology and the legal system. Also, the importance of insects and scientific methods are introduced to determine the time of death. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 221L INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 credit hour
This course introduces the examinations and the principles and practices of entomology as it relates to criminal investigations. The course also introduces scientific techniques that are used to determine time of death. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 230 FORENSIC BIOLOGY (Fall Only) - 3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the immune system, and in particular, antigen-antibody reactions with applications to forensic science. Presentation of the general principles and methodologies used in forensic biology and feasibility for DNA analysis are key aspects of this course. Identification, analysis and interpretation of biological evidence, including blood, semen, saliva, urine, and fecal material in forensic contexts. The course is offered every fall semester. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 230L FORENSIC BIOLOGY LABORATORY (Fall Only) - 1 credit hour
This laboratory will provide hands-on experience performing forensic serological testing of all body fluids 235 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES commonly encountered in crime scenes, including blood, semen, and saliva. Laboratory exercises enhance lecture component. The course is offered every fall semester. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 240 FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS (Spring Only) - 3 credit hours
This course provides a study of DNA analysis when applied to criminal forensics. The course will cover basics of DNA structure and function, development of DNA profiling methods, current DNA typing techniques, forensic DNA and paternity related issues. Interpretation of analytical data and limitations of DNA typing will be discussed. Statistical basis for matching and CODIS database will be explored. New developments in the field of forensic DNA analysis will also be examined. The course if offered every spring semester. (Prerequisites: FRSC 230, 230L)
FRSC 240L FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS LABORATORY (Spring Only) - 1 credit hour
This laboratory will expose students to the various components of forensic DNA analysis including methods for extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis. The course will also provide students with hands-on experience operating instrumentation commonly used in forensic DNA laboratories. Laboratory exercises enhance lecture component. The course if offered every spring semester. (Prerequisites: FRSC 230, 230L)
FRSC 301 EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING (Spring Only) - 3 credit hours
Theory and Practice in evidence protection and collection: biological and medical evidence and controls to be collected, injuries to be photographed, legal and scientific requirements of packaging and storage, writing medical report and assisting the coroner, rules of evidence and expert witness. Laboratory exercises and report enhance lecture. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, FRSC 220)
FRSC 301L EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING LABORATORY (Spring Only) - 1 credit hour
This laboratory course is intended to introduce students to the methods and techniques used at crime scenes and in a criminalistics laboratory to document, collect, and analyze all types of physical evidence. Emphasis will be placed on the skills needed to recognize and characterize physical evidence, including trace evidence, firearms and toolmark evidence, controlled substances, fingerprints, fire debris, questioned documents, biological evidence, and physical pattern evidence. Laboratory exercises with mock evidence will allow hands on instruction.
FRSC 305 WITNESS TESTIMONY - 3 credit hours
Consideration of place of experts in dispute resolution, cases that require expert testimony, pre-trial preparations, rules of evidence, admissibility issues, articles and exhibits, courtroom demeanor, participation at criminal mock trials and offer expert testimony.
FRSC 312 ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS - 3 credit hours
This course introduces the principles of Forensic Science as it pertains to public health and the environment. The course also discusses the scientific techniques and protocols of how the environment can change from the transportation of chemicals throughout the ecosystem. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 312L ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS LABORATORY - 1 credit hour
This course introduces the scientific methods that are used to analyze chemical contaminants found at crime scenes. The course also discusses how ecological samples can be used as evidence to testify in a courtroom setting. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 315 FORENSIC MICROBIOLOGY - 3 credit hours
This course introduces the areas of microbiology that are applicable to medicolegal and criminal investigations. The course also discusses the importance of microbes as forensic evidence to solve criminal investigations. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 315L FORENSIC MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 credit hour
This course introduces microbial scientific techniques used in medicolegal and criminal investigations to investigate postmortem changes, postmortem intervals, cause of death, manner of death, and trace evidence. (Prerequisites: FRSC 210, BIOL 124/124L, and BIOL 125/125L)
FRSC 410 FORENSIC DRUGS AND TOXICOLOGY (Spring Only) - 3 credit hours
This is a study of the chemistry, biochemical activity, isolation and identification of drugs of forensic interest in biological materials. Aspects of drug chemistry relevant to understanding of the properties, physiological effects, and techniques used for the separation, analysis, and identification of drugs will be discussed. Emphasis on controlled substances. The course also introduces techniques and instrumentation used for the chemical separation and analysis of drugs in both solid dosage and toxicological samples.
FRSC 410L FORENSIC DRUGS AND TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY (Spring Only) - 1 credit hour
Laboratory study of the chemistry, biochemical activity, isolation and identification of drugs of forensic interest in biological materials with an emphasis on controlled substances. Laboratory exercises will introduce techniques and instrumentation used for the chemical separation and analysis of drugs in both solid dosage and toxicological samples. Relevant laboratory exercises enhance lecture component.
FRSC 420 FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNSHIP - 3 credit hours
A 10-week internship at a local, state or federal crime laboratory is required for this degree. The internship provides the student with a real-life crime laboratory atmosphere and also provides the crime laboratory with the ability to recruit the student for future employment into the laboratory.
FRSC 430 FORENSIC MICROSCOPY (Fall Only) - 3 credit hours
Light microscopy of trace evidence including, contrast, resolving power and illumination; interference, phase and fluorescence microscopy; microscopy with polarized light, birefringence and crystal structure; dispersion staining; photomicrography; fibers, minerals and residues. Lecture with lab exercises. (Prerequisite: FRSC 210)
FRSC 430L FORENSIC MICROSCOPY LABORATORY (Fall Only) - 1 credit hour
Light microscopy of trace evidence including, contrast, resolving power and illumination; interference, phase and fluorescence microscopy; microscopy with polarized light, birefringence and crystal structure; dispersion staining; photomicrography; fibers, minerals and residues. Laboratory exercises will enhance lecture component.
FRSC 440 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE - 3 credit hours
This course emphasizes professional practices and expectations for the forensic scientist. Professional organizations, certification, ethics, QA/QC, accreditation, technical writing, data treatment and interpretation, and standards of ASCLD/LAB and FBI are discussed.
FRSC 460 FORENSIC SCIENCE SENIOR COMPREHENSIVE - 0 credit hours
All majors are required to pass a comprehensive examination.