FSCI 4850B 01: ST Forensic Pathology

FSCI 4850B - ST Forensic Pathology

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43317,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Reza Alaeddini

Email: ralaeddini@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Assistant Professor of Forensic Science
Instructor Professional Qualifications: PhD, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Australia, 2010
Instructor Office Location: Ward Beecher Hall 3041
Instructor Office Phone: (330) 941-3572

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

This lecture-only course provides students with an understanding of forensic pathology principles, focusing on the determination of cause and manner of death in medico-legal cases. In addition to natural disease-related deaths and post-mortem changes, the course explores forensic investigations of various types of fatal injuries, including those encountered in criminal cases. Students will gain insight into the role of forensic pathologists in death investigations and legal proceedings. Prereq.: Senior standing or permission of instructor. 3.s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Optional Forensic Pathology Pekka Saukko and Bernard Knight 978-0340972533

Optional Textbook:

This textbook offers an in-depth overview of forensic pathology, focusing on the medico-legal investigation of death. It covers essential topics including postmortem changes, trauma analysis, and the pathology of various causes of death. The book will serve as the primary reference for understanding the practical and theoretical aspects of forensic autopsy and will support classroom discussions and case-based learning.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Additional Course Materials

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Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Syllabus
Chapter 1
Course Introduction
The Forensic Autopsy
Review Syllabus
Review Chapter 1
8/31 Chapter 1 (Cont) The Forensic Autopsy Complete Syllabus Acknowledgement
Review Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Assignment 1
9/7 Chapter 1 (Cont) The Forensic Autopsy Review Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Assignment 2
9/14 Chapter 2 The pathophysiology of death Review Chapters 2
Chapter 1 Quiz & Assignment
9/21 Chapter 3 The establishment of Identity Review Chapter 3
Chapter 2 Quiz & Assignment
9/28 Chapter 4 The pathology of wounds Review Chapter 4
Chapter 3 Quiz & Assignment
10/5 Chapter 5 Head and Spinal injuries Review Chapter 5
Chapter 4 Quiz & Assignment
10/12 Mid-term Exam Chapters 1,2,3,4,5
Chapter 6
Mid-term Exam Chapters 1,2,3,4,5
Chest and abdominal injuries
Mid-term Exam Chapters 1,2,3,4,5
Review Chapter 6
Chapter 5 Quiz & Assignment
10/19 Chapter 7 Self-inflicted injury Review Chapter 7
Chapter 6 Quiz & Assignment
10/26 Chapter 8 Gunshot and Explosion Deaths Review Chapter 9
Chapter 7 Quiz & Assignment
11/2 Chapter 9 Transportation Injuries Review Chapter 10
Chapter 8 Quiz & Assignment
11/9 Chapter 10 Burns and scalds Review Chapter 10
Chapter 9 Quiz & Assignment
11/16 Chapter 11 Electrical fatalities Review Chapter 11
Chapter 10 Quiz & Assignment
11/23 Chapter 12 Suffocation and Asphyxia Review Chapter 12
Chapter 11 Quiz & Assignment
11/30 Chapter 13 Immersion Death Review Chapter 13
Chapter 12 Quiz & Assignment
Chapter 13 Quiz & Assignment
12/7 Exam 2 Dec 7 Monday 1300-1500 Exam 2 - Chapter 6 to the end

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. 

Additional Information

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