Intro to Forensic Science

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the many scientific discriplines of forensic science and how they are used in the collection and analysis of evidence in our criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to the science behind these disciplines and how forensic science techniques are used in crime laboratories throughout the United States and abroad. Topics include crime scene investigation, trace evidence, fingerprints, forensic chemistry, firearms examination, DNA and bloodstain pattern anaylsis. Guest lecturers and practitioners will offer insights into their day-to-day investigate work and how they face technological challenges and success. The scientific method will be emphasized throughout the course. (Three lecture hours per week).