Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Forensic Science

FSCI 1510    Survey of Forensic Sciences    3 s.h.

Overview of history, evolution, and current status. Discussion of training, education, certification, accreditation, and legal issues. Designed to be accessible to students without a science background and provide an introduction to forensic science for those considering further studies.

FSCI 3700    Forensic Fire and Explosive Investigation    3 s.h.

Principles of fire science including fire detection, suppression, and investigation of both fire and explosion scenes. Special emphasis on concepts of fire progression, cause and origin determinations, arson investigation, and bombings.
Prereq.: CRJS 1500 or FSCI 1510.

FSCI 3714    Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation    2 s.h.

An introduction to the legal and practical aspects of crime scene investigation. Emphasis on the value of physical evidence and the skills and tools needed to recognize, collect and preserve physical evidence found at a crime scene.
Prereq.: FSCI 1510 and sophomore standing.
Concurrent with: FSCI 3714L.

FSCI 3714L    Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation Lab    1 s.h.

Laboratory section designed to teach the practical skills employed by criminalists collecting evidence at a crime scene. Students will gain experience using tools, techniques and procedures required to recognize and collect evidence by completing practical exercises.
Prereq.: FSCI 1510 and sophomore standing.
Concurrent with: FSCI 3714.

FSCI 3716    Forensic Science Evidence Analysis    2 s.h.

Serves as an introduction to the techniques, instrumentation and procedures used in the examination and analysis of physical evidence in a forensic laboratory setting and the legal aspects regarding the use of laboratory reports in the investigation process.
Prereq.: FSCI 3714, FSCI 3714L.
Concurrent with: FSCI 3716L.

FSCI 3716L    Forensic Science Evidence Analysis Laboratory    1 s.h.

Laboratory section designed to familiarize students with instrumentation that is commonly used in the examination and analysis of physical evidence. Students will gain experience with the tools, techniques and procedures used for examining physical evidence through practical exercises.
Prereq.: FSCI 3714, FSCI 3714L.
Concurrent with: FSCI 3716.

FSCI 4850    Special Topics in Forensic Sciences    3 s.h.

Contemporary issues in criminal justice. Topics are announced prior to enrollment.
Prereq.: Senior standing or permission of instructor.

FSCI 4850C    Special Topics in Criminal Justice Death Investigation    3 s.h.

Contemporary issues in criminal justice. Topics are announced prior to enrollment.
Prereq.: Senior standing or permission of instructor.

FSCI 4852    Trace Evidence    3 s.h.

Teaches search methods, recovery procedures, and laboratory analysis for hairs, fibers, and other types of trace evidence in criminal investigations and prosecutions. Emphasis is on major cases that hinged on trace evidence, and the legal and ethical future of trace evidence. Some laboratory exercises with microscopes are included.
Prereq.: FSCI 3714 or concurrent or permission from Chairperson.

FSCI 4853    Forensic Firearms Examination    3 s.h.

This course features both lecture and laboratory work on the forensic science involved in firearms examination, to include gun manufacturing, the physics of ballistics, gunpowder and gun primer residue analysis, serial number restoration, and shooting reconstruction. Legislation concerning handguns and other weapons in the US will also be covered.
Prereq.: FSCI 3714 or concurrent or permission from Chairperson.

FSCI 4854    Death Investigation    3 s.h.

A broad overview exploring the various facets of medicolegal death investigation including discussion of history, standard procedures, methods and techniques, safety, scene documentation, cause and manner of death determination, autopsy, toxicological analysis, and other issues related to the discipline. Course content will include graphic images, descriptions, and discussion. May include depictions of a sexual nature, nudity, the aftermath of violent actions, and/or catastrophe.
Prereq.: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

FSCI 5814    Practice and Ethics in Forensic Science    3 s.h.

Overview of the forensic science discipline as it relates to the criminal justice system including discussion of legal aspects, constitutional considerations, expert testimony, the role of the expert witness, and ethical standards and dilemmas. Also includes discussion of current events and the evolution and future of the forensic sciences.
Prereq.: FSCI 3714 and FSCI 3714L.