Forensic Degrees Online

Courses
- Course of Thanatology, Lesionología and Forensic Pathology

Individual Goal: Develop skills for the study done at the site of the deaths of dubious causes of crime and violence. Analyze the different mechanisms of death and injuries entities. Promote the systematization of the reasoning for the relief of signs and evidence to raise the body of evidence. Develop the ability to interpret opinions rate necropsy, lesionológico, histopathological and toxicological studies. Develop skills to formulate hypotheses and points of expert skills.

Level students. Doctors, physicians, graduates in criminology, Lawyers, Judges, Officials and members of the judiciary, officials and security forces professionals, experts, etc. Students in these disciplines.

Duration: 1 Semester

Course Descriptions

All forensic science courses have a Justice Sciences (JS) prefix. Unless otherwise noted, all courses are for 3 semester hours of credit. Course numbers preceded with an asterisk indicate courses that can be repeated for credit, with stated stipulations.
Justice Science (JS)

502. Introduction to Computer Forensics. Overview of retrieval, preservation, and presentation of evidence found in computers and other electronic communication devices.

551. Research Methods in Forensic Science. Exploration of research methods used in forensic science, including data collection techniques and reporting of results.

572. Biology for Forensic Scientists. Discussion of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technologies, including DNA/RNA, genes/genetic expression, cloning, DNA extraction, and PCR amplification.

650. Advanced Questioned-Death Investigation. Examination of forensic pathology as used in/applied by local medical examiners� offices.

652. Advanced Questioned Document. Discussion of the use of thin layer chromatography and advanced instrumentation in the analysis of paper, ink, and typewriters/printers; includes handwriting analysis.

653. Advanced Investigation of Fires and Explosives. Examination of the collection, preservation, and analysis of accelerants; discussion of GC/MS analysis.

656. Advanced Forensic Approaches to Osteology. Overview of the study of human remains as applied to forensic science. Collection and analysis of bones, including determination of age, sex, and race of subject.

670. Elements of Forensic Science. Introduction to philosophical considerations and historic landmarks in the discipline; overview of major sub-disciplines in forensic science; examination of the role of expert witnesses and their importance.

671. Conventional Criminalistics I. Exploration of basic methodologies and approaches for analyzing trace and transfer evidence; examination of major evidence categories.

672. Conventional Criminalistics II. Examination of advanced methods for the analysis of trace and transfer evidence including methodologies for examination of firearms, and questioned documents. Prerequisite: JS 671.

673. Forensic Drug Analysis. Discussion of the isolation, identification, and quantification of commonly abused drugs and common poisons; interpretation of findings and correlation with legal applications.

674. Biological Methods in Forensic Science. Examination of biological evidence in crime laboratory, including identification of bloodstains and semen stains, and DNA typing of blood, bloodstains, and other body fluids.

675. Law, Evidence, and Procedure. Overview and examination of the legal aspects of physical evidence including rules of evidence, procedural rules, and the role of expert witnesses; moot court component.

676. Topics in Forensic Science: Advanced Biological Methods in Forensic Science. Examines current issues and trends in forensic DNA analysis, including STR polymorphisms, stutter analysis, low copy number analysis, and Y-STRs. Prerequisite: JS 674.

677. Topics in Forensic Science: Forensic Toxicology. Discussion of relevant analyses conducted for drugs and poisons occurring in biological evidence, including evidence collection and handling, selecting the most appropriate evidence, and the analytical process; examination of the pharmacokinic and pharmacodynamic properties of detected substances.

678. Topics in Forensic Science: Capillary Electrophoresis. Examination of the principles, methods, and current issues in the forensic application of capillary electrophoresis.

679. Seminar in Forensic Science. Review, discussion, and presentation of the forensic literature; forensic science in the news, media, and public opinion.

680. Graduate Internship in Forensic Science. Field experience in forensic science agency. May be repeated for credit. 3-6 hours.

681. Directed Research in Forensic Science (Non-thesis). Forensic science problems, issues, and theories. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 hours.

682. Directed Research in Forensic Science (Non-thesis). Forensic science problems, issues, and theories. Includes laboratory component. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 hours.

684. Thesis Research in Forensic Science. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 hours.

Forensic Science Integrated Program
Integrating Forensic Science into Your Major

The forensic science program at USP offers a unique, multidisciplinary curriculum that is integrated into existing major disciplines of study. It couples a core program of forensic science to a strong foundation in one of the scientific disciplines USP is known for.

Designed with the help of experts from the EPA, FBI, and law enforcement officials, this program follows the accreditation requirements of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

You’ll receive a BS degree in your chosen major and a certificate of completion in forensic science, just the educational background employers are looking for.
How Your Studies Will Be Enhanced

You choose the science major that appeals most to you, and we’ll help you tailor your courses toward forensic science.
Discipline-specific courses

Discipline-specific courses with integrated forensic science focus in:
Genetics
Analytical Chemistry
Advanced Microbiology
Toxicology (coming soon)
Instrument Analysis (coming soon)

Courses like these will add an extra credit hour to the standard course, which will be spent with a field expert.

You’ll benefit from instructors who are working in places such as the:
EPA
Medical Examiner’s Office
Philadelphia Crime Scene Unit
Federal government investigative agencies

Through their real-world knowledge of forensic science, you’ll discover how to apply what you are learning to the area of forensic science.
Forensic science courses

These fundamental forensic science courses will help you learn principles and procedures you can apply to your classroom research and labwork, as well as in your chosen internship.
Forensic Analysis
Crime and Society
Forensic Anthropology
Principles of Forensic Pathology
Internship or Research

You’ll spend a summer performing research in your chosen major or in an internship in a forensics laboratory at places such as the:
EPA
CIA
FBI
Homeland Security
Philadelphia Crime Scenes Unit
Forensic Anthropology Consultants

This hands-on experience will allow you to investigate an area of forensic science and discover how well your USP education has prepared you for a challenging career. You’ll apply knowledge gained in USP’s classrooms and labs, assisting law enforcement personnel in pursuing justice.

Course Descriptions

FORSC 201: Forensic Science I
This course provides an introduction to forensic science. Specialized areas of forensics such as forensic pathology, odontology, anthropology and entomology are introduced and some basic forensic science techniques are discussed. Following completion of the course, participants will be able to discuss basic forensic science techniques and the contribution of the pathologist, the odontologist, the anthropologist and the entomologist to the field of forensic science. Topics include: overview of the forensic science program, history of forensic science, overview of the medicological system, cause of death v. manner of death v. mechanism of death, victim identification (fingerprints, odontology, mass disaster victim identification), time of death (forensic entomology, forensic anthropology, lividity, rigor mortis, algor mortis), decomposition (skin slippage, mottling, mummification, adipocere), sharp force trauma (knife wounds, chop wounds, defense wounds, diversionary wounds).
Prerequisite: permission from Dr. Meerdink or Ms. Myers

FORSC 202: Psychological, Sociological, and Legal Aspects of Forensic Science
This course introduces the student to the psychological, sociological, and legal dimensions of forensic science. Discussion of expert witness testimony and psychological profiling of perpetrators is included. Following completion of this course, students will be conversant with expert witness testimony and psychological and social aspects of forensic science. Topics include: nomenclature of mental disorders (personality disorders, antisocial personality), child abuse/neglect, sexual abuse/incest, elder abuse, battered women, Munchausen by Proxy, psychological testing, psychological profiling of suspect (organized v. disorganized serial murderer), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, serial homicide, expert witness testimony (voir dire), direct examination and cross examination, admissibility of evidence (Federal Rule of Evidence (FRE) 703—Frye Test and Merrill Dow; Daubert), court system (adjudication of felony convictions), sanity v. competence.

FORSC 203: Forensic Science Techniques
This course introduces the student to crime scene preservation and investigation, including collection, preservation and processing of evidence. Following completion of this course, participants will be knowledgeable about crime scene preservation and investigation techniques. Topics include: terminology (corpus delicty, mens rea, modus operandi), crime scene preservation, preservation of evidence (shoe/tire prints), crime scene investigation, chain of custody, criminalistics, overview of articulable suspicion and probable cause, Fourth Amendment Rights (search and seizure, search warrant), firearms evidence, toxicology/drug studies, DNA testing. Clinical study includes: tour of Nebraska State Patrol Criminalistics Laboratory and a four hour police ride along or an eight hour observation in an Emergency Department.

FORSC 204 Forensic Science II
This course provides an exploration of the concepts and principles related to the medicological investigation of injury and death, including post-mortem examination procedures. Following completion of this course, students will be conversant with various mechanisms of death. Participants will also be able to discuss the importance of the forensic autopsy. Topics include: sexual assault,, medicological post-mortem examination, blood spatters, motor vehicle accident investigation, head injury, chemical injury—alcohol/drug abuse, blunt force trauma (abrasion, contusion, laceration), patterned injuries, types of death (asphyxia, strangulation v. hanging, choke hold v. carotid sleeper hold, sexual (autoerotic) asphyxia, carbon monoxide overdose, drowning, electrocution, fire related death, exposure (hyperthermia/hypothermia), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, lightening strike, suicide (hesitation marks), homicide, sexual homicide). Clinical study includes: observing a post-mortem exam. Please note: schedule of speaker varies.

FORSC 297 Internship
The internship consists of 90 contact hours and is arranged with a forensic pathologist to expand clinical application of theory. Participants will write up six cases. Several internship sites are available in and out of state, including Lincoln, Miami, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. Be aware that internship costs are at each student’s expense, so plan accordingly. Before participating in the internship, all inoculations required for the Hepatitis B vaccine must be completed. We also recommend a current tetanus shot and some sites require a recent TB test. Participants are expected to follow practicum guidelines and complete required writing assignments.
Pass/Fail only.
Prerequisites: Forensic Science 201, 202, 203, and 204 and permission from Dr. Meerdink or Ms. Myers.

Forensic Anthropology

ANP 441 – Osteology and Forensic Anthropology (4 credits) Human bone and skeletal biology and analysis. Methods of forensic anthropology. Analysis of skeletal remains, forensic pathology, and forensic archaeology. (offered Spring of even years)

ANP 840 – Biocultural Evolution (3) Major contemporary issues in evolutionary theory, taxonomy, and the evolution of biology and culture. (Spring)

ANP 841 – Physical Anthropology (4) Controversies in biological anthropology. History of physical anthropology and current theoretical perspectives. Critical approaches to research design. (Spring of even years)

ANP 842 – Human Osteology (5) Human bone biology, skeletal anatomy, and osteological analysis. (Fall of even years)

ANP 844 – Topics in Forensic Anthropology (2) Survey of topics and current issues in forensic anthropology. Possible topics include facial reproduction and identification; laboratory techniques; skeletal hisomorphology. (Fall)

ANTR 551 – Medical Gross Anatomy (6) Human regional gross anatomy with clinical correlations using prosections, cross-sections, medical imaging, multimedia and hypermedia. (Fall)

CJ 805 – Survey in Forensic Science (3) Scientific analysis of physical evidence. The course will cover four major aspects of physical evidence using real criminal and civil cases: generation of physical evidence by criminal activity; collection and preservation of physical evidence; analysis of physical evidence by forensic science laboratory; presentation of scientific expert testimony in court. (Fall)

FRS 899 – Master’s Thesis Research (1-6) Planned research and writing directed by student’s thesis committee. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Forensic Biology

BMB 801 – Molecular Biology (3 credits) Organization of genes. Regulation of gene expression, replication and recombination. (offered Fall semester)

CJ 805 – Survey in Forensic Science (3) Scientific analysis of physical evidence. The course will cover four major aspects of physical evidence using real criminal and civil cases: generation of physical evidence by criminal activity; collection and preservation of physical evidence; analysis of physical evidence by forensic science laboratory; presentation of scientific expert testimony in court. (Fall)

CJ 817 – Law and Forensic Science (2) Course covers the legal aspects of forensic science including the adjudicative process, admissibility of scientific evidence, laboratory reports, hearsay, relevant course materials and expert testimony. (Spring)

CJ 820 – Forensic Chemistry and Microscopic Evidence (3) Analysis of trace evidence including hairs and fibers, paints and coatings, explosives and fire residues, glass and soil. (Spring)

CJ 824 – Forensic Serology (3) Lectures and laboratory exercises in the identification of body fluids of forensic interest, including blood, semen, and saliva. Sources of false positive and negative results will also be examined. (Fall)

CJ 825 – DNA Profiling (3) Lectures and laboratory exercises in DNA profiling. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis of blood, semen, hair, saliva, and other tissues of forensic interest. (Spring)

FRS 899 – Master’s Thesis Research (1-6) Planned research and writing directed by student’s thesis committee. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

FW 828 – Conservation and Genetics (3) Population and evolutionary genetic principles applied to ecology, conservation, and management of species at the individual, population, and species level. May be taken in lieu of FOR 842. (Fall of even years)

GEN 842 (FOR 842) – Population Genetics (3) Population genetic processes underlying patterns of molecular genetic variation. Genealogical approaches to the study of genomic diversity, phylogenetic reconstruction, and molecular ecology. May be taken in lieu of FW 828. (Fall)

STT 464 – Statistics for Biologists I (3) Biological random variables. Estimation of population parameters. Testing hypotheses. Linear correlation and regression (prediction). Analyses of counted and measured data to compare several biological groups (contingency tables and analysis of variance). (Fall)

Forensic Chemistry

CEM 835 – Advanced Analytical Chemistry II (3 credits) Separations, molecular spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. (offered Spring semester)

CJ 805 – Survey in Forensic Science (3) Scientific analysis of physical evidence. The course will cover four major aspects of physical evidence using real criminal and civil cases: generation of physical evidence by criminal activity; collection and preservation of physical evidence; analysis of physical evidence by forensic science laboratory; presentation of scientific expert testimony in court. (Fall)

CJ 817 – Law and Forensic Science (2) Course covers the legal aspects of forensic science including the adjudicative process, admissibility of scientific evidence, laboratory reports, hearsay, relevant case materials and expert testimony. (Spring)

CJ 819 – Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Alcohol (3) Techniques and processes in analysis of physical evidence including spectrosopy, chromatography, microscopy. Emphasis on controlled substances. (Fall)

CJ 820 – Forensic Chemistry and Microscopic Evidence (3) Continuation of CJ 819. Analysis of trace evidence including hairs and fibers, paints and coatings, explosives and fire residues, glass and soil. (Spring)

FRS 899 – Master’s Thesis Research (1-6) Planned research and writing directed by student’s thesis committee. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

NSC 820 – Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (3) Use of scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis. Machine variables, artifacts, quantitative analysis, specimen preparation, darkroom procedures. (Fall, Spring)

PHM 431 – Pharmacology of Drug Addiction (3) Introduction to pharmacology and neuropharmacology. Understanding of the biological basis for drug abuse and addiction. (Fall)