CJFS 3400 - Survey of Forensic Science

Goals: To develop knowledge of how ordinary, everyday objects become evidence and how that evidence is collected, analyzed, and interpreted; to gain experience in examining evidence, to practice providing written and oral reports on laboratory activities, and to develop skills in expert testimony.

Content: Roles and responsibilities of forensic scientists; the nature of physical evidence; evidence collection, analysis and interpretation; admissibility of scientific evidence; the scope, potential, and limitations of forensic science; the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists; and oral and written communication through a mock trial and report writing.

Taught: Annually.

Prerequisites: BIOL 3050, or CHEM 1100 or CHEM 1130.

Corequisite: CJFS 3400 - LAB: Survey of Forensic Science

Credits: 4 credits