New Course Descriptions for the Bachelor
of Science in Forensic Science with Concentrations in Biology or Chemistry
FORS 300 Forensic
Professional Practice
(
Provides basic knowledge of proper crime
scene procedures and evidence processing that includes proper collection,
documentation and preservation of physical evidence. In addition, the ethical issues relating to
pre-trial procedures, courtroom testimony and qualification of expert witnesses
will be presented. Prerequisite: FORS 200 Introduction to Forensic Science;
Co-requisite: CRJC 200 Introduction to the Criminal
Justice System.
FORS 431/BIOL 431
Population Genetics (
A study of the
genetic and ecological forces that influence the structure of populations with
two (2) hours of laboratory exercises and experimental studies. Students will evaluate the effects of random
genetic drifts, mutation, natural selection, inbreeding, assortative
mating, molecular evolution and quantitative/ecological genetics on
populations. Prerequisite: ZOOL 410 Principles of Genetics
BIOL 325/FORS 325 Molecular Biology (
An in depth study of the structure,
function, and biochemistry of proteins and nucleic acids. Isolation, purification and structural
modification of DNA and protein in laboratory exercises will be utilized to
provide an understanding of the various DNA/protein methodologies and their
applicability to forensic science. Prerequisite: BIOL 200 Cellular Biology;
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I; CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II
FORS 440 Internship
(4-0-4)
A field internship
that allows students to integrate theory with hands on experience through
independent laboratory work and study at an affiliated crime laboratory. The internship must be performed in an
approved agency under the supervision of a faculty member. The student will spend 1-3 week rotations in
the major areas of the crime laboratory, such as instrumental analysis,
toxicology/drug analysis, DNA analysis and trace
analysis. Prerequisite: FORS 200 Introduction to Forensic Science;
FORS 300 Forensic Professional Practice; FORS 420 Analytical Methods in Forensic Science I; FORS 400 Forensic Microscopy; FORS 410 Technical Writing in Forensic
Science
Applications of
spectroscopic methods to forensic science. Background and applications of ultraviolet/visible
spectroscopy, Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence
spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and mass spectroscopy will be discussed. Prerequisite:
FORS 200
Introduction to Forensic Science; CHEM 222 Organic
Chemistry II with a grade of C or better.
Applications of separation methods to forensic
science. Techniques covered will
include gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and capillary
electrophoresis. Prerequisite: FORS 420 Analytical Methods in Forensic Science I, with a
grade of C or better
FORS
450 DNA Analysis in Forensic Science (
Applications of DNA isolation and detection methods. Techniques covered will
include Polymerase Chain Reaction, isolation of genomic DNA, RFLP analysis, DNA
electrophoresis, etc. FORS 325 Molecular
Biology, with a grade of C or better
FORS 200 Introduction to Forensic Science (
This course introduces the basic
principles and relationships between the applications of chemistry, biology,
and physics to forensic science as they relate to the criminal investigative
process. The course is designed to give students insight into the many areas of
forensic science and to study the newest techniques used by forensic
laboratories. Prerequisite: CHEM 140 General
Chemistry I, CHEM 160 General Chemistry II, and BIOL 150 Principles of Biology;
all with a grade of C or better; Co-requisite:
PHYS 111 General Physics I or PHYS 121 College Physics I
This
course will familiarize students with the microscopy equipment common to most
modern crime labs. The course will enable students to select the most
appropriate equipment and techniques and to make basic observations of the
physical and optical properties of common evidential materials. This class is
an introduction to various types of microscopy used in forensic science. The course is an introduction to microscopic
analysis, identification, and characterization of materials, such as glass,
hair, fiber, paint, and soil. Prerequisite: FORS 200 Introduction to
Forensic Science
FORS 410 Technical Writing in Forensic Science (
This
course provides students with a working knowledge of various types of technical
and scientific communication, including writing proposals, instructions, and
forensic reports for both specialist and nonspecialist. It aims to enable the students to present
information professionally in clear, concise and appropriate format. It deals with ethical issues involved in
professional technical writing. Formal
elements of reports with library research are also emphasized. Prerequisite:
FORS 200 Introduction to Forensic Science; FORS 300 Forensic
Professional Practice