Harrisburg University of Science and Technology · Courses
FORS
25 courses with the subject FORS, 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.
GSTC 107 Description: With just-in-time deployment, high resolution sensing capabilities and strategic vantage points, drones have become an indispensable tool for public safety and law enforcement. The forensics applications of drone’s course content will focus on key law enforcement activities tied to evidence collection, documentation, reconstruction, and investigation. Offered as needed.
None Description: Computers are increasingly critical to forensic investigations. This course introduces the student to the basics of computer-stored data and methods of hiding, erasing and recovering data from storage media. It also explores the relationship between computer technology and crime scene investigation. Offered Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
ENGL 105 Description: This course will provide an introduction to legal theory and procedure, legal terms including types of evidence admitted in court, admissibility of expert testimony, and the specialized drafting of an expert report which shall include a review and logical use of the evidence. The student will also experience the art of testifying. Offered Fall semester, annually.
FORS 125 Description: Forensic laboratory accreditation is critical in forensic science. Accreditation standards and recommendations from federal forensic science organizations will be discussed. The student will demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance and quality control procedures that are used within accredited forensic laboratories. Safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), case management, and movement of the evidence through the crime lab will be discussed. Offered Spring semester, annually.
FORS 125 Description: This is a fundamental course in forensic death investigations. The areas of specialized focus include the causes, manner, physical circumstances, and mechanisms of both natural and unnatural deaths. Death scenes are examined and investigations reviewed, with evidence pertaining to how people die. In addition, the course looks at the various legal considerations and methods germane to concluding equivocal death determinations. Offered Fall semester, annually.
BIOL 102 - BIOL 103 and CHEM 151 - CHEM 152 Description: This lecture/laboratory-based course will provide the student with an overview of the principles and concepts of forensic toxicology. The student will be exposed to pharmacology before learning the key topics in forensic toxicology. The lectures will introduce the student to various drug classes including central nervous system depressants, stimulants, and psychotics. The student will learn the use and abuse of these drugs along with their effects on the human body. Offered Spring semester, annually.
BIOL 102 - BIOL 103 and CHEM 151 - CHEM 152 Description: The student will discuss and complete hands-on activities mocking actual casework. Scientific instrumentation and sample preparation will be discussed for a variety of samples commonly analyzed in forensic chemistry and biology. A specific focus will be on the theory, sample considerations, use of instrumentation, controls and standards, limitations, and documentation. Two hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Offered Spring semester, annually.
CHEM 151 - CHEM 152 Description: The student will utilize microscopy, perform chemical analyses, and interpret analytical data to determine the identity and/or probative value of evidence recovered during the commission of a crime. This course will address a variety of evidence, specific instrumentation, and analytical processes. Topics will include gunshot residue analysis, fiber, glass and paint comparisons, low explosive identification and polarized light microscopy. Offered Spring semester, annually.
FORS 125 and FORS 270 Description: This course stresses field work and the application of collected evidence in the sometimes messy real world. The student analyzes several case studies, looking beyond the verdicts or newspaper reports to the actual workings of forensic science’s involvement in the prosecution of criminal cases. Offered Spring semester, annually.
FORS 125 and FORS 270 Description: This course examines the process of profiling during the investigation of a crime. The process of psychological profiling was first institutionally used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but there are now multiple models for criminal profiling. The student studies the various models and how they relate both to expert witness standards and scientific methodologies. The course also examines the differences of these models and their application in case studies. Offered as needed.
FORS 270 and CHEM 151 - CHEM 152 Description: This course is a study of the process known as medico-legal death investigation. The course introduces the student to the legal systems surrounding the investigation of the cause and manner of death. The role of forensic pathology and the application of pathology to law are studied in relation to crime scene investigation. Natural, accidental, homicide and suicide deaths are explored in the perspective of the forensic pathologies. Offered as needed.
Consent of the instructor and academic advisor Description: This course covers topics in forensic science. It is an in-depth study of a selected specialized area and the content varies by semester. Due to the nature of evolving topics, this course may not be eligible for repeat. Offered as needed.
C- or higher in FORS 250 Description: This course offers advanced knowledge in crime scene interpretation and reconstruction of physical evidence and specialized crime scenes. The student will explore concepts, science-based principles, and interpretation considerations for physical evidence that may offer investigative information, scene activity, and/or the sequence of events at a crime scene. Topics will include bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting and accident reconstruction, and fire, explosive, and hazmat investigations. Offered Fall semester, annually.
