Forensic Degrees Online

Course 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.

forensic science

Overview

Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles to matters defined by civil and criminal law. It is a compilation of all the hard core sciences, including the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and mathematics in the solving of crimes by the evidence left behind at a crime scene. All three of the major tracks and the minor are designed to prepare students with a strong scientific background directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence. The major, minor and tracks focus on the main elements of criminalistics, including analysis of blood, fibers, glass, paint, soils, hair and the fields of toxicology, DNA analysis, serology, forensic anthropology, human pathology and numerous other areas germane to the scientific study of evidence.

Career Preparation
Unique to UGF
Student Stories
Majors
Minors
Curriculum Planner

Career Preparation

The major tracks prepare the student to work either as a crime scene investigator or in a laboratory environment or to continue their education at the graduate school level.

What Makes this Program Unique?

Forensic Science at UGF is unique compared with the many other programs in the USin that most programs spend their time on criminal justice topics. UGF’s program spends the majority of time on forensic sciences, hard-core sciences, and mathematics necessary to be a well-rounded and educated forensic investigator or laboratory expert. This is reinforced by the numerous laboratory classes for the diverse areas of forensic investigation.

The entire range of forensic sciences topics are covered at UGF, ranging from the most useful, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, serology, and blood spatter analysis, to the less well-studied, such as evidence and lab analysis of hair, glass, soils, bones, drugs, poisons, and some thirty other areas. The current literature in a variety of fields is used to ascertain the students know the most up-to-date techniques and methods applicable, either in field investigations or for laboratory analysis. As an additional aid to becoming proficient in the field, numerous opportunities have been developed for internships during the summer, including working at real crime laboratories in Montana, other states, and for the federal government.

In addition to the courses offered, the unique character of the program depends on the faculty. Dr. Arthur Alt has ten degrees, including a doctorate in science education and degrees in chemistry, mathematics, anthropology, archaeology, history, and computers, with minors covering other sciences, and a passion for teaching that has sustained him for more than 30 years. A tremendous variety of teaching techniques in addition to lectures, are applied. This forces students to become creative and develop abilities in critical analysis and problem-solving. Dr. Diane Lund is an expert in biology and chemistry, with special expertise in DNA analysis and cellular biology. She has a wide range of interests in student undergraduate research. Dr. Craig Ganster has over 25 years of experience as a practicing police/homicide investigator and brings a wealth of knowledge to the program on dealing with forensic investigations. Professor Cynthia Matthews, head of the Criminal Justice program, reinforces the learning for students on criminal procedures and dealing with the legal system. Finally, Professor Steve Nelson teaches the law and how it applies to solving crimes, procedures in court, and being a competent witness for forensic investigations.

forensic science

Overview

Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles to matters defined by civil and criminal law. It is a compilation of all the hard core sciences, including the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and mathematics in the solving of crimes by the evidence left behind at a crime scene. All three of the major tracks and the minor are designed to prepare students with a strong scientific background directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence. The major, minor and tracks focus on the main elements of criminalistics, including analysis of blood, fibers, glass, paint, soils, hair and the fields of toxicology, DNA analysis, serology, forensic anthropology, human pathology and numerous other areas germane to the scientific study of evidence.

Career Preparation
Unique to UGF
Student Stories
Majors
Minors
Curriculum Planner

Career Preparation

The major tracks prepare the student to work either as a crime scene investigator or in a laboratory environment or to continue their education at the graduate school level.

What Makes this Program Unique?

Forensic Science at UGF is unique compared with the many other programs in the USin that most programs spend their time on criminal justice topics. UGF’s program spends the majority of time on forensic sciences, hard-core sciences, and mathematics necessary to be a well-rounded and educated forensic investigator or laboratory expert. This is reinforced by the numerous laboratory classes for the diverse areas of forensic investigation.

The entire range of forensic sciences topics are covered at UGF, ranging from the most useful, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, serology, and blood spatter analysis, to the less well-studied, such as evidence and lab analysis of hair, glass, soils, bones, drugs, poisons, and some thirty other areas. The current literature in a variety of fields is used to ascertain the students know the most up-to-date techniques and methods applicable, either in field investigations or for laboratory analysis. As an additional aid to becoming proficient in the field, numerous opportunities have been developed for internships during the summer, including working at real crime laboratories in Montana, other states, and for the federal government.

In addition to the courses offered, the unique character of the program depends on the faculty. Dr. Arthur Alt has ten degrees, including a doctorate in science education and degrees in chemistry, mathematics, anthropology, archaeology, history, and computers, with minors covering other sciences, and a passion for teaching that has sustained him for more than 30 years. A tremendous variety of teaching techniques in addition to lectures, are applied. This forces students to become creative and develop abilities in critical analysis and problem-solving. Dr. Diane Lund is an expert in biology and chemistry, with special expertise in DNA analysis and cellular biology. She has a wide range of interests in student undergraduate research. Dr. Craig Ganster has over 25 years of experience as a practicing police/homicide investigator and brings a wealth of knowledge to the program on dealing with forensic investigations. Professor Cynthia Matthews, head of the Criminal Justice program, reinforces the learning for students on criminal procedures and dealing with the legal system. Finally, Professor Steve Nelson teaches the law and how it applies to solving crimes, procedures in court, and being a competent witness for forensic investigations.