Crime Scene Investigation
This hands-on, lecture-based course will provide students with an in-depth review of crime scene assessment and management. Methods for identifying, documenting, collecting and packaging physical evidence from various types of crime scenes are discussed. [A hands-on component will be employed in areas such as crime scene sketching, photography and evidence collection.]

Criminal Law and Ethics
An overview of legal, ethical, and practical issues of forensic science, the impact of forensic science on the justice system and a discussion of traditional and emerging admissibility standards involving forensic science evidence is given. The curriculum will include a description of the roles law enforcement, attorneys and forensic scientists, professional standards for the practice of criminalistics and ethical issues in forensic pathology, psychiatry and crime scene investigation.

Criminal Law II- Mock Court
This interactive course builds upon the material discussed in Criminal Law and Ethics regarding the criminal trial process, the role of the forensic witness and the presentation of scientific testimony and physical evidence in court. Students will actively participate in presenting testimony as well as critiquing the performance of others in a mock court setting. Instructors may utilize reports and projects prepared in other courses to provide the subject matter for the students' testimony. Prerequisite: Criminal Law and Ethics.

Forensic DNA Analysis
This lecture-based course will discuss the theory and application of human genetics and molecular biology to testing of biological evidence. DNA structure and organization of the human genome and types of genetic variation occurring in humans will be covered. Other topics include the history of DNA analysis and current PCR based methods for testing of autosomal STR loci, Y chromosome STR loci and mitochondrial DNA. Lecture material will also cover commonly encountered artifacts in PCR testing, DNA profile interpretation and statistical analysis of results.

Forensic Chemistry
This lecture-based course will provide an introduction to forensic chemistry and will expose students to chemical principles and instrumental techniques associated with the following areas of the field: controlled substances, toxicology, ignitable liquids and explosives. A review of organic and analytical chemistry as they relate to forensic investigations will be discussed.

Forensic Biology
This lecture-based course will introduce students to biological aspects of forensic evidence including chemical and physical attributes of blood and other body fluids. Common methods of body fluid identification utilized in forensic laboratories, guidelines for thorough evidence examination/documentation and report writing will be discussed.

Trace Evidence Analysis
This lecture-based course will provide an overview of the principles and concepts on which trace evidence analysis is based. Proper collection, preservation, identification and comparison of items such as glass, paint, hairs and fibers, using standard methods and instruments used in Crime Laboratories will be discussed.

Pattern Evidence Analysis
This lecture and lab-based course will provide students with an overview of the identification, collection and preservation of various types of pattern evidence. The history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint processing techniques, footwear and tire impression analysis, toolmark analysis, and the importance of photography in pattern evidence documentation will be discussed. Development of pattern evidence using mechanical, chemical and visual techniques are incorporated. Prerequisite: Crime Scene Investigation

Forensic Pathology
This lecture-based course will provide the student with an overview of the role of the medical examiner as it relates to death investigations. Specific lectures will cover autopsy procedures in the investigation of gun shot wounds, sharp and blunt trauma, drowning, asphyxia, child deaths, motor vehicle accidents and time since death determination. A general knowledge of anatomy is strongly suggested.

Research Project
Research on forensic topics approved by the research committee and academic advisor.