Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• GMS FS 708: Forensic Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
  This laboratory 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 analysis with a focus on forensic toxicology and drug chemistry. 2 cr
• GMS FS 713: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  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. 2 cr
• GMS FS 715: Forensic Pathology nad Medicolegal Death Investigation
  Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor This lecture-based course will provide the student with an overview of the role of the medical examiner and the basic principles of medicolegal 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. 2 cr.
• GMS FS 718: Special Topics: Techniques in Firearms Investigation
  Prereq: consent of instructor. A primarily lecture-based survey course discussing various aspects of firearms-related investigations including general firearm construction/operation, toolmark comparison, shooting reconstruction, trajectory analysis, chemical analysis of gunshot residues and serial number restoration. Some hands-on techniques will be performed in the laboratory. 2 cr, 2nd sem.
• GMS FS 720: Molecular Biology of Forensic DNA Analysis
  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. 3 cr
• GMS FS 721: Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory
  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. 2 cr
• GMS FS 730: Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Analysis
  This course will build on topics presented in the Forensic DNA 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. 2 cr
• 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 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 831: Forensic Toxicology Laboratory
  Graduate Prerequisites: GMS FS 803 pre or current. This lab course provides hands-on techniques used in forensic toxicology laboratories including the use of chromatographic and mass spectrometry for the identification and quantization of small molecules in biological matrices. Student will learn the essential aspects of biological evidence handling and good laboratory practices to prepare samples for toxicological analysis. Students will examine data from forensic toxicological analysis, draw conclusions and prepare reports based on the results. 2 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.
• GMS GC 600: Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Methods
  This course will provide students the opportunity to learn laboratory techniques and methodologies relevant to the field of genetic counseling. Multiple lectures/discussions relate to results and interpretation from the genetic counseling perspective. Additionally, lab tours and workshops on variant interpretation are also scheduled. . 3 cr, Spring sem.

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