FSC 105 Introduction to Forensic Science
3 credits
This course is a broad based survey of forensic science, its application to criminal and civil investigations, and introduces crime laboratory organization, crime scene investigation, and recognition and handling of physical evidence. Basic methods of collection and analysis of chemical, biological, and comparative materials will be examined through lecture and hands-on experience in the laboratory and field. Fall
FSC 106 Forensic Science for Non-Majors
4 credits
A lecture and laboratory course designed to introduce chemical concepts (e.g., reactions, chromatography, and spectroscopy) and scientific thinking through the examination of forensic investigative techniques. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period each week. This course is intended for non-science majors.
FSC 205 Microscopic Methods and Forensic Analysis
2 credits
A laboratory course involving the microscopic analysis of a range of materials commonly encountered in forensic investigations. This course provides hands on experience in forensic materials analysis utilizing compound, comparison, polarized light, stereo, and scanning electron microscopes and microspectrophotometers. One hour of lecture, one hour of recitation, and two hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite: FSC 105. (Fall of odd numbered years)
FSC 305 Science and Evidence
3 credits
This course examines the role of the forensic scientist and scientific evidence as it relates to criminal/civil investigations and the courtroom. Topics include: crime laboratory quality assurance, evidence handling/identification and chains of custody, ethics, expert testimony, and admissibility requirements of scientific evidence. Students will be required to participate in exercises of qualifying and testifying as expert witnesses. Prerequisites: FSC 105 and CRJ 218. Spring
FSC 306 Forensic Serology
3 credits
This course presents crime scene and laboratory applications of forensic serology. Techniques of sampling, comparison, and individualization of biological evidence will be utilized. The theory and practice of microscopic, biological, immunological, and chemical analysis will be applied to the examination of blood, seminal fluid, saliva, and other biological materials of forensic interest. Prerequisites: BIO 121 and CHE 212. Fall
FSC 307 Forensic Pattern Interpretation
3 credits
This course is designed to explore three important subject areas of forensic pattern interpretation: fingerprints, bloodstain patterns, and impression/tool mark evidence. Course lectures will be supported by experiential activities such as developing and analyzing latent prints, creating and interpreting bloodstain patterns, and using the comparison microscope to analyze fired bullets and shell casings. Prerequisites: FSC 105 or FSC 106. (Fall of even numbered years; beginning fall/2022)
FSC 312 Instrumental Analysis (Cross-listed as CHE 312 and PHY 312 )
5 credits
Theory and practice of modern analytical techniques emphasizing spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and electrochemical methods. Three hours of lecture and two three hour laboratory periods each week. Prerequisite: CHE 311 with grade of C- or better . Spring
FSC 325 Forensic Chemistry (Cross-listed as CHE 325)
4 credits
A course designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the various instrumentation, techniques, and physical methods available to the forensic chemist in the analysis of a range of materials commonly encountered as physical evidence in criminal investigations. The lecture and lab provides additional laboratory/instrumental experience in forensic and chemical analysis beyond the traditional instrumental analysis course (CHE/FSC 312). Specific areas of study include forensic identification of illicit drugs, fire debris analysis, and the examination of textile fibers, glass, paint, and soil. The role of chemical analysis and its importance to the judiciary process as well as the roles and responsibilities of the forensic chemist is explored. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: CHE/FSC 312 with grade of C- or better. Spring
FSC 326 Histology and Molecular Biology (Cross-listed as BIO 326)
4 credits
This course emphasizes the cellular and molecular characteristics of human/mammalian tissues. Topics include structure, function and recognition of histological sections of human tissues. Labs include histological and microscopy techniques, and cell identification. Three hours of lecture and one three hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122; CHE 121, 122 or 206. (Fall of even numbered years)
FSC 385 Forensic Science Seminar I (Cross-Listed as CHE 385)
1 credit
A seminar course designed to provide students with skills complimentary to the traditional coursework. Participants will learn proper literature search techniques, undertake ethics analyses, and practice technical writing skills. This course, in conjunction with CHE 485 and 499, satisfies the oral competency requirement in the General Education curriculum. Prerequisites: Chemistry or Forensic Science Program junior status. Fall
FSC 399 Undergraduate Research (Cross-listed as CHE 399)
1-6 credits
A course requiring a literature search and original laboratory work on a selected research topic. Work to be arranged with the individual faculty member.
FSC 406 Law and Evidence (Cross-listed with CRJ 406)
4 credits
A comprehensive review of common law and statutory evidentiary principles and their impact on and use in the civil process and criminal process. This course will cover: the history and development of the rules of evidence, burdens of proof, relevancy, materiality, competency, judicial notice, stipulations, examination of witnesses, documentary evidence, real evidence, demonstrative evidence, and privileges. The course is taught in a workshop format and students are required to participate in a mock trial. Prerequisite: CRJ 219. Co-requisite: FSC 305.
FSC 415 Advanced Crime Scene Investigation (Cross-listed with CRJ 415)
3 credits
This course is designed to explore advanced areas of crime scene investigation. This will be an in depth study of topics such as Autopsy, Forensic Anthropology, Collection & Preservation of Evidence, Blood Spatter Analysis, Documentation (sketching; photography; etc.), Death Scene Investigation, and Investigation of Specialized Scenes (explosions; outdoor; accidents). Other activities will serve to give students insight into various aspects of forensic science such as crime scene investigation projects, guest speakers, and field trips. Prerequisites: FSC 105 or CRJ 218. Fall
FSC 465 Internship
3-6 credits
The internship is an on-site, experiential learning opportunity in which junior or senior forensic science majors gain practical experience with cooperating industries or governmental agencies. All internships (summer or one academic semester) will require a minimum of 50 hours of internship credit. The exact duration and weekly hours of the assignment will vary with the cooperating agency. The student must submit a written internship request to the program director before the end of the semester preceding the anticipated starting date. The request must be approved by the instructor and the department before formal application to the cooperating agencies is initiated. Interns must complete a self-evaluation, log, and present an acceptable written recommendation from the on-site internship supervisor upon completion of the experience. This course satisfies the oral competency requirement in the General Education curriculum. Pass-fail grade.
FSC 485 Forensic Science Seminar II (Cross-listed as CHE 485)
1 credit
A seminar course designed to provide students with skills complimentary to the traditional coursework. Participants will give progress reports on undergraduate research projects, interact with professional speakers, learn proper literature search techniques, undertake ethics analyses, and practice technical writing skills. This course, in conjunction with CHE 385 and 499, satisfies the oral competency requirement in the General Education curriculum. Prerequisites: Chemistry or Forensic Science Program senior status. Fall
FSC 195, 295, 395, 495 Special Topics
3 credits
FSC 499 Capstone Research
1 credit
A course requiring the completion of an original research project and oral presentation of this work. Upon completion of the project, a comprehensive and well-documented research paper written in the style of a Journal of Forensic Science article is also required. This course, in conjunction with CHE 385 and 499, satisfies the oral competency requirement in the General Education curriculum.