FORENSIC SCIENCE: COURSES
57-110. Introductory Crime Scene Investigation
This course will introduce students to the theoretical background of scientific methods used in Forensic Sciences and their practical applications to crime scene investigation within the multidisciplinary Forensic fields. The focus of the course is exploration and examination of evidence found at crime scenes. The students learn the discovery, identification, collection, examination and processing of various types of Forensic evidence.
57-201. Introduction to Forensic Science
This course will survey the many specialties of Forensic Science, including forensic pathology, entomology, anthropology, biology, botany, geology, etc. Special guest lectures by practicing forensic scientists will give students direct contact with the role they play in the extraction and meaning of evidence.
57-210. Crime Scene Evidence Analysis
This course builds upon the protocols developed in the Introductory Crime Scene Investigation (14-57-110) and it is designed to familiarize students with the diverse scientific techniques utilized by Forensic professionals. The techniques for analyses of forensic evidence span natural sciences, social sciences and computer sciences. Pre-requisite: (14-57-110 or 14-57-201 or permission by course instructor).
57-301. Laboratory in Forensic Science
Laboratory methods used by forensic scientists are very broad. This course is a survey of the instruments used and the interpretation of the results. The goal of the course is to familiarize the student with not only the instruments, but also their limitations, and the range of practices employed by professionals for the analysis of evidence. (Prerequisite: 57-201 and enrollment in this course is limited to Bachelor of Forensic Science Program Majors.)
57-302. Expert Witness in Forensic Science
Examination of current concepts and controversies in the collection, preservation, and analysis of forensic evidence, and the role of the expert witness. While exploring various forensic specializations students will practice the presentation of evidence in various formats and contexts including short and long presentations, reports, cross-examination, mock trials, etc. (Prerequisite: 57-201. Enrolment in this course is limited to Bachelor of Forensic Science Program Majors and majors in BA Combined in Forensics.)
57-303. Forensic Identification
Practical application of principles and protocols used in forensic identification. Topics range from the expectations of the public in forensic practices to the legal responsibilities of crime scene specialists for evidence identification. Fingerprint theory and practice, image capture and enhancement, crime scene protocols and management, biometrics, and identification as contrasted to systematics are studied. (Prerequisite: 57-201 and enrollment in this course is limited to Majors in Forensic Science and BA Combined in Forensics.)
57-304. Insect Evidence
Use of insects in forensic investigations covers a range of topics. Students will become familiar with insect taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology and apply this knowledge in studying the utility of insects within a legal context. The course will cover the detection, collection, identification and analysis of insect evidence, as well as the current state of knowledge in the use of insect evidence.
(Prerequisites: 57-201, 55-210)
57-313. Digital Photography in Forensic Science
Use of photography in forensic investigations covers a range of techniques. This course builds on students’ introduction to forensic photography from 57-303 Forensic Identification. Students will become familiar with different methods of solving problems of focal length, lighting conditions, lens and filter considerations and apply this knowledge in the practical application of crime scene photography. The course will cover the equipment, methodology and preparation of photographic evidence, as well as the current state of technology in the use of digital photography and photographic evidence.
(Prerequisites: 57-303).
57-400. Theory and Practice in Forensic Sciences
Develop a viable research project which may be pursued in 57-402 and possibly during 57-401. Students will also complete projects and assignments to develop skills for working on a complex project as part of a larger team. (Prerequisite: a 300-level Forensic Science course (57-3XX). Enrolment is limited to majors in Forensic Sciences and majors in B.A. Combined in Forensics)
57-401. Practicum in Forensic Sciences
Students are assigned a mentor in the profession of Forensic Science. The student will be required to spend 100 hours during the semester with the mentor. This time will be utilized to develop skills in a laboratory setting or related facility (Prerequisite: A 57-3XX course. Instructor approval required. Enrolment limited to majors in Forensic Sciences and majors in B.A. Combined in Forensics)
57-402. Research Thesis in Forensic Sciences
Research on an approved topic should be original and make a contribution to the body of knowledge known generally as forensic science. (Prerequisite: 57-400. Instructor approval required. Enrolment limited to majors in Forensic Sciences and majors in B.A. Combined in Forensics)
57-410. New Perspectives in Forensic Evidence Analysis
This course builds on the basic techniques learned in the previous crime scene investigation courses and applies them to the advanced approaches to forensic evidence analysis. The course will provide insight to the latest techniques available spanning histology and pathology, human remains, advance analytical techniques for organic and inorganic analysis, new frontiers in DNA analysis, microbial forensics, medical forensic imaging techniques, digital evidence and mobile forensics, as well as new instrumentation and future considerations in the fields of forensic evidence analysis. Pre–requisites: (14-57-201 and 14-57-210 or permission of the instructor).
57-411. Advances in Human Identification
This course is designed to familiarize students with latest advances in Forensics human identification and identity management techniques. Traditional identification techniques and latest identification techniques from hard and soft tissues, biological and non-biological evidences, human scent evidence, digital and biometric methods and future considerations will be covered. Pre–requisites: (14-57-201 and 14-57-210 or permission of the instructor)