CJFS 3570 - Special Topics: Laboratory Techniques in the Forensic Sciences

Goals: To develop skills in applying the analytical techniques used by forensic scientists to evaluate evidence, to become proficient in relevant instrumentation and microscopy, and to understand the role of science in medico-legal and forensic contexts.

Content: Course content will focus on the role of a particular area of forensic science in civil and criminal cases. Content specific to each forensic science taught will include properties of evidence, admissibility of evidence and expert testimony, evidence collection procedures, methods of evidence analyses, instrumental techniques, and interpretation and communication of results.

Taught: Two or three special topics courses will be taught annually.

Prerequisites: Will vary depending on topic of courses; generally CJFS 3560 or permission of instructor; Forensic Biology requires completion of CJFS 3560, BIOL 3050, and BIOL 3060.

Credits: 2 credits