FSCI 3714L - Forensic Science CSI Lab
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41950,
Credit hours: 1
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Eric Laprocina
Email: ealaprocina@ysu.edu
Course Description
3714L. Forensic Science CSI Lab. 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. Coreq.: FSCI 3714. 1 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation – Third Edition | Ross M. Gardner & Donna R Krouskup | 978-1-03-209443-4 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Read: Gardner [p. 1-16] Power Point |
Chapter – 1: Introduction | Lab: Crime Scene |
| 8/31 | Read: Gardner [p. 107-144] Power Point |
Chapter – 6: Photography | Lab: Camera Projects, DoF Projects, SS Projects |
| 9/7 | Read: Gardner [p. 179-190] | Chapter 8: Notes & Reports | Lab: Reporting |
| 9/14 | Read: Gardner [p. 19-47] Power Point |
Chapter – 2: Physical Evidence | Lab: 8-step Process - Evidence, Details and Photography |
| 9/21 | Read: Gardner [p. 63-74] Read: Gardner [p. 75-104] Power Point |
Chapter – 4: Processing Chapter – 5: Assessing Scenes |
Lab: Practical Assessment - Review Material, Examine Structure, Assess Need, Present Inquiry |
| 9/28 | Read: Gardner [p. 147-178] Power Point |
Chapter – 7: Sketching & Mapping | Lab: Scene Diagrams - Measurements, Rough Sketch, Final Diagram |
| 10/5 | Read: Gardner [p. 207-232] Power Point |
Chapter – 10: Fingerprinting | Lab: Fingerprint Analysis |
| 10/12 | Read: Gardner [p. 207-232] Power Point |
Chapter – 10: Fingerprinting | Lab: Fingerprint Processing - Volcanic / Magnetic Powders, Fluorescent, SPR, Duct Tape, Photography Tips |
| 10/19 | Read: Gardner [p. 255-279] Power Point |
Chapter – 12: Shooting Reconstruction | Lab: Trajectory Analysis - Varied Measurements, HA vs VA |
| 10/26 | Read: Gardner [p. 255-279] Power Point |
Chapter – 12: Shooting Reconstruction | Lab: Trajectory Analysis - Ballistics, Measurement Application Scenarios |
| 11/2 | Read: Gardner [p. 281-304] Power Point |
Chapter – 13: Bloodstain Evidence | Lab: Bloodstain Analysis - Area of Convergence, Impact Angle(s), Varied Stain Identification, Measurement Application |
| 11/9 | OBSERVED HOLIDAY - No Laboratory | ||
| 11/16 | Read: Gardner [p. 307-328] Power Point |
Chapter – 14: Special Considerations | Lab: Casting Impressions & Exemplar Shoeprints PROJECT: Final Project - WK1 |
| 11/23 | OBSERVED HOLIDAY - No Laboratory | ||
| 11/30 | Read: Gardner [p.349-369] Power Point |
Chapter – 16: The Role of Crime Scene | Lab: Examine Casting Impressions PROJECT: Final Project - WK2 |
| 12/7 | CRIME SCENE PROJECTS DUE - EOW No Laboratory Instruction |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.