FOR 122 SCIENTIFIC CRIMINAL EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

3, 3/0

Scientific techniques that have been adapted and applied to the detection and investigation of crimes. Collection techniques, analytical processes, and value of scientific evidence from the point of view of forensic scientists. Different disciplines, specialties, and careers available in forensic science. Offered spring only.

FOR 189 TOPIC COURSE

1-3, 1/0

Current topics in Forensic Science. Offered occasionally.

FOR 295 INTRODUCTORY RESEARCH IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

1-3, 0/0

Prerequisite: Instructor Permission. Scholarship or creative work conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered occasionally.

FOR 312 CHEMISTRY AND CRIMINALISTICS

4, 3/3

Prerequisites: FOR 122, MAT 311 and CHE 201. Chemistry as an investigative aid in the process of criminal justice. Basic chemical, physical, and microscopic techniques used in criminal investigations. Relevant laws and legal issues that impact on scientific evidence. Professional practice and ethics in the field of forensic science. The overall function of the criminalist from the gathering of evidence to the final presentation of expert testimony. Offered fall only.

FOR 389 TOPIC COURSE

1-3, 1/0

Current advanced topics in Forensic Science. Offered occasionally.

FOR 410 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

3, 3/0

Prerequisite: FOR 312. Examination of aspects of forensic lab practice required for a successful career as a forensic scientist. Introduction to the working environment of forensic laboratories; management’s expectations regarding professional and ethical behavior; time management; workflow processes; court testimony. Offered every other spring.

FOR 412 INTERNSHIP IN CRIMINALISTICS

3, 0/0

Prerequisites: FOR 312, CHE 403, permission of instructor, and senior status. Field experience in a forensic laboratory involving routine and research work in forensic chemistry. Note: Police laboratories sometimes require background checks and/or drug screens prior to placement. While not required by the college, these can affect students' abilities to complete the program. Offered every semester.

FOR 414 FORENSIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

3, 2/3

Prerequisites: FOR 312, CHE 403 and CHE 404; BIO 303 or BIO 350 (or concurrently). Instruction and laboratory experiences in a wide range of forensic chemistry topics, including experiments in DNA for human identification, identification of illicit drugs, determination of blood alcohol, materials analysis, and arson. Students also receive instruction on the practice of presenting scientific evidence in a courtroom setting. Offered spring only.

FOR 416 CHEMICAL MICROSCOPY

3, 2/3

Prerequisites: FOR 312 and PHY 112. Introductory optical and chemical microscopy for forensic analysis; fundamental theory of microscopy; physical properties of materials; basic topics in optics; operation, varieties, and capabilities of optical and chemical microscopes; applications in analysis of physical features and chemical compositions of trace evidence. Offered every other spring.

FOR 475 CAPSTONE RESEARCH IN FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

3, 1/6

Prerequisites: FOR 312 and CHE 404. Forensic chemistry research on a topic agreed upon by the faculty and student. Creation of a written research plan for investigation of the topic through either laboratory or field research methods. Collection, documentation, and analysis of research data. Preparation of a formal research report and presentation at a conference or seminar. Offered occasionally.

FOR 495 SPECIAL PROJECT

1-3, 0/0

Prerequisite: Faculty project adviser permission. Offered every semester.

FOR 497 FORENSIC MICROCOURSE

1-3, 1/0

Examination of significant disciplinary issues, topics, or practices. Offered occasionally.

Equivalent Course: CHE 497

FOR 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY

3-12, 0/0

Prerequisite: Faculty project adviser permission. Offered every semester.