Forensic Science
Whale skeleton (skull is of a sea lion). Fernandina Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. August 1, 2014.
Course Description
Forensic Science is the application of science methods and technologies in order to solve a problem related to criminal or civil law. In this course, you will apply your prior knowledge and experience of biology and chemistry in order to determine "who dun it". This course will require your best analytic efforts in order to put the many pieces of the crime together using a variety of methods.
We will be using the Bertino Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations textbook. A class set is available for use in the classroom. The library has a limited number of copies available for short-term check-out.
Tentative Schedule of Topics
Fall Semester
Ch 1 & 2 - Observation and Crime Scene Analysis
Ch 3 & 4 - The Study of Hair and Fiber
Ch 6 - Fingerprints
Ch 8 - Blood and Blood Spatter
Ch 9 - Drug Identification and Toxicology
Spring Semester
Ch 7 - DNA Fingerprinting
Ch 11 - Death: Meaning, Manner, & Mechanism
Ch 13 - Forensic Anthropology
Ch 15 - Casts and Impressions
Ch 14 - Glass Evidence
Forensic Entomology