Biomedical Forensic Sciences

• GMS FS 735: Analysis of Ignitable Liquids and Explosives
  Graduate Prerequisites: GMS FS 703 Forensic Chemistry This lecture and lab-based 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. 2 cr
• GMS FS 740: Analysis of Controlled Substances
  This lecture-based course will provide information on the important methods of analysis of most commonly abused illicit substances including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens, amphetamines and novel psychoactive substances. Additionally, the production, distribution and history of these commonly abused drugs will be covered. Laboratory accreditation requirements will also be discussed. 2 cr
• GMS FS 800: 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. 2 cr
• GMS FS 803: Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry
  Graduate Prerequisite: GMS 708 Forensic Instrumental Analysis Laboratory This lecture and laboratory-based course will provide students with an understanding of advanced forensic analytical techniques. Lecture topics will include, but are not limited to: experimental design, measuring analytical uncertainty, chromatographic and spectral interpretations, method development and method validation 2 cr
• GMS FS 806: Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
  Prereq: GMS FS 701 Crime Science Investigation. This combination hands-on and lecture-based course will cover specialized aspects of crime scene processing and reconstruction with a focus on the use of technology. Topics such as 3-D image capture, advanced UV and IR techniques, use of CAD software and mobile apps for crime scene mapping will be covered. 2 cr
• GMS FS 807: Trace Evidence Analysis Laboratory
  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. 2 cr
• GMS FS 830: Forensic Toxicology
  This lecture-based course will provide an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of common drugs of interest to the forensic toxicologist. 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. 3 cr
• GMS FS 840: Case Practicum in Forensic Biology /DNA
  This laboratory course will provide students with the opportunity to independently perform evidence assessment and testing for various types of biological evidence, as well as conduct a technical peer review in a mock forensic case setting. Advanced biological screening and DNA analysis techniques will be employed and students will become practiced in the analysis of complex DNA profiles. 2 cr
• GMS FS 870: Directed Research and Professionalism in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  Students register for this course in preparation of a research-based thesis project. With direction from a thesis research committee, the student investigates his/her thesis topic, develops a research plan including an outline of the project, becomes familiar with quality control and quality assurance issues and begins data collection. Throughout the semester students are required to attend instructional and discussion sessions and must attend a minimum of ten designated professional/scientific seminars. Prerequisite: Active involvement in the Master's research project and a designated Principal Investigator. 2 cr
• GMS FS 871: Internship in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  An internship in a forensic setting is encouraged and can be approved for credit depending on the nature of the internship and the number of hours of work completed. With prior approval from the student's thesis advisors and the site supervisor, work completed at an internship may be used as a basis for the student's thesis. A completed evaluation from the internship supervisor describing the nature of the work and the quality of the student's performance is required. In addition, the student is required to write a summary of his/her internship experiences and responsibilities. Note: The student may count their internship towards completion of a track given the internship is within the proposed specialty. 2 cr
• GMS FS 970: Research in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  Students complete an independent program of research that is incorporated into a thesis of publishable quality, states a hypothesis or scientific question and presents the findings to support the stated proposition. Thesis topics are developed in conjunction with a research committee consisting of faculty members and/or other qualified individuals. Students register for this course during the semester in which the student anticipates graduation from the program. Prerequisite: Directed Research and Professionalism in Biomedical Forensic Sciences. 2 cr
• GMS FS 971: Publication and Communication of Research in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
  Following the completion or near completion of an independent program of research and associated thesis, students are expected to prepare their graduate research into journal format and submit for publication. Further, students are expected to submit their research for presentation at a regional, national or international conference. Registration for this course should be during the semester in which the student anticipates graduation from the program. 2 cr Prerequisite: consent of the program/thesis advisor.

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