Courses

• GMS FS 702: Forensic Biology
  Prereq: consent of instructor. This lecture-based course will introduce students to the biological aspects of forensic evidence including biochemical and physical attributes of blood and other body fluids. Common methods of body fluid identification utilized in forensic laboratories will be discussed at length. Other topics include guidelines for thorough evidence examination, screening, documentation and report writing. Brodeur. 3 cr
• GMS FS 703: Forensic Chemistry
  Prereq: consent of instructor. This lecture-based course will provide an introduction to chemical principles and instrumental techniques associated with the following areas of the field: controlled substances, toxiocology, ignitable liquids and explosives. A review of organic and analytical chemistry as they relate to forensic investigations will be discussed. Hall. 3 cr
• GMS FS 704: Forensic Biology Laboratory
  Prereq/Concurrent: Forensic Biology. This laboratory-based course will give students an opportunity to apply the principles of forensic biology to actual samples. Techniques utilized will include screening tests, methods used to confirm antibody interactions, gel diffusion and microscopic identification of cellular material. Brodeur. 2 cr
• GMS FS 706: Pattern Evidence Analysis
  Prereq: Crime Scene Investigation. This combination lecture and lab-based course will provide students with overview of various types of pattern evidence with an emphasis on the systematic approaches to pattern evidence comparison and analysis. The history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint processing and comparison 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 is incorporated. Brodeur. 2 cr
• GMS FS 707: Trace Evidence Analysis
  Prereq: consent of instructor. 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 scene laboratories will be discussed. Reynolds. 3 cr
• GMS FS 708: Forensic Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
  Prereq: GMS FS 703. This course will provide an introduction to a variety of instrumentation and equipment utilized in the forensic laboratory and detail the methods used by forensic scientists for chemical and trace evidence analysis. Hall. 2 cr
• GMS FS 709: Medicolegal Death Investigation
  Prereq: consent of instructor. This lecture-based course will provide the student with an overview of the basic principles of medicolegal death investigations. Specific lectures will cover the procedures and skills necessary to conduct a thorough medicolegal investigation of death, knowledge of various types of traumatic injuries, the knowledge necessary to understand the characteristics that differentiate the manners of death and the skills to conduct an appropriately directed investigation. The curriculum will prepare the students to take the national certification examinations offered by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. A general knowledge of anatomy is recommended prior to enrollment. Laposata. 2 cr
• GMS FS 712: Forensic Pathology
  Prereq: consent of instructor. 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 gunshot wounds, sharp and blunt trauma, drowning, asphyxia, child deaths, motor vehicle accidents and time since death determination. A general knowledge of anatomy is recommended prior to enrollment. Laposata. 3 cr
• GMS FS 713: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  Prereq: GMS FS701 Crime Scene Investigation. This lecture and lab-based course will provide students with fundamental knowledge in the area of bloodstain pattern analysis including the scientific principles and practical applications of bloodstain pattern analysis for forensic casework. The procedures and methods for recognition, documentation and evaluation of bloodstain patterns will be covered. Additionally, the principles of physics, blood dynamics and the geometric significance of bloodstain patterns will be explored. Brodeur, Martin. 2 cr
• GMS FS 716: Homicide Investigation
  Prereq: consent of instructor. This lecture-based course will provide the student with an overview of the art and science of homicide investigation, with an emphasis on the "art". An actual murder investigation and subsequent trial will be used to highlight the investigatory and legal issues an investigator may face, as well as the social and political context in which homicide investigations take place. Harrington. 2 cr
• GMS FS 720: Forensic DNA Analysis
  Prereq: consent of instructor. This lecture-based course will discuss 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. Cotton. 3 cr
• GMS FS 721: Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory
  Prereq/Concurrent: GMS FS 720 Forensic DNA Analysis. This lab-based course will provide theory and practice in procedures used in forensic DNA analysis. Sessions will include use of several DNA extraction techniques, clean technique for contamination prevention, real time PCR for human DNA quantitation, PCR amplification of STR loci and DNA profile analysis. Grgicak. 2 cr
• GMS FS 730: Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Analysis
  Prereq: GMS FS 720 and FS 721. This course will build on topics presented in the Forensic DNS Analysis course and laboratory. Students will gain experience interpreting STR data from compromised and mixed source samples, and will understand the theory behind DNA profile frequency calculations. An in-depth review of techniques and methodology used in a forensic DNA laboratory and the roles that accreditation, validation and quality assurance play will be discussed. Cotton. 2 cr
• GMS FS 735: Analysis of Ignitable Liquids and Explosives
  Prereq: GMS FS 703. This course will expose students to an in-depth treatment of the analysis of ignitable liquids and explosives. Practical and theoretical aspects of qualitative and quantitative measurements using current methodologies such as GC/MS and UV-VIS will be discussed. Hall. 2 cr
• GMS FS 740: Analysis of Controlled Substances
  Prereq: Forensic Chemistry. This lecture-based course will provide information on the important methods of analysis of most commonly abused illicit substances including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens and amphetamines. Additionally, the production, distribution and history of these commonly abused drugs will be covered. Laboratory accreditation requirements will also be discussed. Hall. 2 cr
• GMS FS 800: Criminal Law II - Mock Court
  Prereq: Criminal Law and Ethics. 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. Breen. 2 cr
• GMS FS 803: Advanced Forensic Chemistry
  Prereq: FS 703 Forensic Chemistry. This lecture-based course will provide students with an understanding of advanced analytical techniques utilized by modern state and national forensic laboratories. Lecture topics will include: Tandem techniques such as GC/MS-MS and LC/MS-MS, high resolution techniques such as FT-MS and ICP-MS, Raman, Ion Mobility, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-Ray Fluorescence. Hall. 2 cr
• GMS FS 806: Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
  Prereq: GMS FS 701 Crime Science Investigation. This hands-on and lecture-based course will provide students with methods and underlying theories related to specialized aspects of crime scene processing. Topics will include techniques and principles utilized in search and recovery of human remains. Forensic entomology, mechanisms of human decomposition, use of ground penetrating radar, soil composition, excavation, telltale disturbances in flora and the presence of animal activity will be examined. A semester-long practical exercise will include the search and recovery of mock remains and the reconstruction of events. Brodeur, Martin. 2 cr
• GMS FS 807: Trace Evidence Analysis Laboratory
  Prereq: GMS FS 707 Trace Evidence Analysis. This laboratory-based course will provide hands-on experience with the methods, techniques and instruments used to analyze trace evidence, such as glass, paint, hairs and fibers, with the ultimate goal of identifying and comparing known trace evidence materials with questioned samples. Reynolds. 2 cr
• GMS FS 830: Forensic Toxicology
  Prereq: GMS FS 703 Forensic Chemistry. This lecture based course will provide an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of common drugs of interest to the forensic toxiocologist. An emphasis will be placed on applying the principles of pharmacokinetics to the interpretation of drug blood and urine levels, and on developing an understanding of how drugs (including ethanol) interact with the biology and physiology of the human body. Students will also acquire knowledge of the chemical structure of common drugs. Laposata. 2 cr

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