7 courses with the subject FSC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
FSC 101Survey of Forensic Science –3-4
Students will develop a fundamental appreciation of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and how each of these disciplines impact Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation. Students will learn how to use the scientific method and apply analytical data typical of the natural sciences to form proper conclusions in the analysis of physical evidence. Case studies will be discussed. . . Students can take the lecture component only (3 credits) orwith the laboratory component (4 credits). The laboratory component is described below. This course fulfills the Natural Science requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum and there are no course prerequisites. Through laboratory exercises, students will be introduced to fundamental aspects, concepts, and applications of forensic science. This course is intended to engage students in the use of the scientific method, techniques, and technologies involved in forensic science to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students will be introduced to basic concepts in criminalistics, such as identification and individualization. Among the topics for lecture and laboratory instruction are proper crime scene documentation, imprint and impression enhancement and analysis, tool mark and firearm analysis, and handwriting analysis. Students are introduced to physical patterns such as bloodstain pattern analysis, bullet trajectory, and glass fracture typically found at crime scenes. Emphasis is also placed on the proper handling, packaging, and transport of physical evidence from crime scenes. Throughout the course students will gain a better understanding of the importance of minimizing bias and developing critical thinking skills during the analysis of patt FSC/CHE 302 Chemical and Forensic Instrumental Analysis – 4 credits A study of the principles, applications, and theories of modern instrumental analysis methods, including signal/noise ratios, and the fundamentals of spectroscopy and chromatography. The components of a wide variety of instruments are examined in detail. Laboratory provides hands-on experience with modern analytical instrumentation, including gas and liquid chromatography, absorption and fluorescence, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, Fourier transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Lecture and lab must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: completion of CHE 206 and CHE 230 with a grade of C- or better or instructor approval. Pre or Corequisite: PHY 105.
This course will present an overview of forensic chemical principles. Topics will include the chemical fundamentals used in the area of forensic science including chemical data evaluation, quality and traceability, sampling, and uncertainty of quantitative data. Different types of forensic evidence, such as controlled substances, fire debris, explosives, gunshot residue and paint will be described as well as how to analyze such evidence will be discussed. The ethical analysis of forensic chemical evidence will be emphasized. Prerequisites: completion of CHE 206 and CHE 230 with a grade of C or better, and CHE 302 (concurrent) or permission of instructor.
Lecture and laboratory instruction are given in the analysis of trace evidence typically found in forensic investigations such as hair, fiber, soil, glass and paint. The course focuses on the use of the light microscope, polarized light microscope, scanning electron microscope, Raman microscope, and the micro-FTIR as analytical tools. Students will also receive instruction in instrumental and wet chemical methods for the analysis of trace evidence, inorganic ions and drugs. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours (students should be advised that the laboratory portion of the course may require more than the three hours per week). Prerequisites: completion of CHE 111, CHE 112, and FSC 241 with a grade of C or better or permission of
Lecture and laboratory instruction are given in body fluid stain identification and modern DNA typing methods used in forensic biology. The process of DNA analysis is covered with emphasis placed on PCR technology and STR fragment analysis. Students are also introduced to mitochondrial DNA typing methods, Y-Chromosome typing methods as well as future forensic DNA methodologies. The use and calculation of population statistics used in forensic DNA testing is also discussed. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours (students should be advised that the laboratory portion of the course may require more than the three hours per week). Prerequisite: BIO 231.
FSC 349Professional Issues in Forensic Science(Capstone) –3
One of the distinguishing factors of forensic science is the law/science interface unequaled by other scientific disciplines. Since forensic science plays a critical role in prosecutorial and investigative aspects of the criminal justice system, forensic scientists have to be well versed in the similarities and differences between law and science. Maneuvering between both words often presents ethical dilemmas to the forensic scientists who often have to take into consideration both disciplines before choosing a course of action. This course will, in part, deal with the legal aspects of forensic science as well as the ethical problems typically presented to a scientist working so closely in the legal realm. Aspects such as discovery, cou The course will also focus on the practical application of forensic science laboratory management and professional issues such as accreditation, certification, and oversight, as well as the evolution of the discipline from a historical perspective.
This course will cover evidence collection, preservation, and documentation by the forensic nurse. Students will learn the proper techniques for collecting, photographing, sketching, note-taking and following the chain of custody of forensic evidence. Legal aspects include documentation, framework of the legal system, process of the criminal trial, admissibility rules and courtroom testimony. Students will testify in a deposition and moot court. Ethical theories applied to forensic nursing practice will be discussed. FSC/CHE 391 Advanced Laboratory and Research – 2 credits each term Study of original research problems under the direction of a faculty member. Students will be involved in all aspects of the research project including framing hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Students are expected to learn how to work independently and to provide the self-motivation to make a significant contribution to the research project. Students will write a final paper on their research and will present their results in an oral seminar (CHE 352). Two 2-credit semesters of research are required. Only credits taken in junior/senior year can be applied to the requirements of the major. An approved research-based internship may substitute for one or both semesters. Research opportunities rel
