Course Description of Forensic Science at Marygrove College
Saturday, February 28th, 2009Course Descriptions
FSC 140 Introduction to Forensic Science 3 hours
Forensic science is the application of science to the law and encompasses various
scientific disciplines. This course will introduce various methodologies and applications used in the forensic context. Topics discussed include organic and inorganic chemical analyses of physical evidence, principles of serology and DNA analysis, identification of fresh and decomposed human remains, ballistics, fingerprint analysis, facial reconstruction, drug analysis, and forensic entomology.
FSC 240 Forensic Biology and Chemistry 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 150; CHM 140; FSC 140
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the biological and chemical aspects to forensic science as it applies to criminal investigation and laboratory preparation. Part one of this course looks at the instrumentation and chemistry associated with crimes. We will look at how the instrumentation is used, what type of evidence it can process, how to read the results and the properties of the chemical evidence. Part two of this course is an introduction to the basic principles of forensic anthropology. Topics will include study of human skeletal and dental remains, trauma to the human body, facial reconstruction, forensic entomology and botany, hair and fiber analysis, fingerprinting, pathology used in identification, and toxicology.
FSC 340 Crime Scene Investigation and Analysis 1 4 hours
Prerequisite: FSC 140; CHM 140; BIO 139
This course is designed to provide students with the basic theoretical and philosophical understanding of the investigatory process as well as fundamental investigation techniques such as crime scene analysis, collection, preservation, and testing of evidence, modus operandi, use of technology, types of evidence, and the science of criminalistics. Analysis of problems encountered in interviewing, interrogating, evidence collection, and admissibility will be examined. Application of investigation theories to the administration of justice will also be developed. Laboratory course.
FSC 341 Crime Scene Investigation and Analysis 2 4 hours
Prerequisite: FSC 340
This course is a continuation of Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection 1. Laboratory course.
FSC 385 Genetic Analysis 2 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 139
Study of hereditary material, its biological, chemical and physical nature. Transmission and function will be emphasized. Students will become versed in the tools of human molecular genetic analysis, the nature of DNA and its applications.
FSC 440 Toxicology 3 hours
Prerequisite: CHM 325; FSC 340
A comprehensive study of general principles and fundamentals of forensic toxicology, poisons, action, toxicity, postmortem characteristics, samples required for toxicological analysis and methods of collection, methods of preservation and analysis. Chemical, toxicological and pathological characteristics of commonly abused drugs, including the following: ethanol, barbiturates, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Details of the methods employed for analysis, such as color test, Chromatography (GC, GLC, HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), GC-MS.
FSC 388 Cooperative Field Experience 1-4 hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing, forensic science major, departmental approval;
Term: 1, 2, summer
Supervised work experience in activity related to area of specialization. This is planned in consultation with advisor, co-op supervisor and employer. Recording, reporting and evaluation of experience will be required.
FSC 496 Senior Seminar 2 hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing; FSC major; ENG 312; Term: 1, 2
Investigation of a significant forensic science problem with the direction of a faculty member. Topics include use of computer for library informational searches, scientific writing, illustrations, tables, graphs, figures, photographs and word processing. An
oral presentation and a final research paper required.