Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Application of the principles of forensic science in evaluating physical evidence, with emphasis on its role in criminal investigation. Class experiences may include guest lectures and field trips. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered Fall/Spring Does not satisfy University Natural Science requirement.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: FS 303 and FS L303 or instructor's permission

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course covers the examination of trace materials, other than DNA sources, by visual microscopic analysis through advanced instrumental analysis. The collection, preservation, analysis, report preparation, and evidential significance for court testimony are described. Examples of common materials, such as textile fibers, paints and glass are used to describe the process of comparison and chemical identification of a known versus a questioned specimen(s) suspect of being associated with a crime scene. Instrumental demonstrations are provided. Prerequisites: CHEM 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and FS L303 or instructor's permission. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered in alternate years.

Term Offered

Alternates Fall & Spring

Prerequisites

Instructor's permission is required for registration

Course Credits

1.00- 4.00

Description

The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

Instructor's permission is required for registration

Course Credits

1.00- 4.00

Description

The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.

Term Offered

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

Permission of the Forensic Science Advisory Committee

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This weeklong course, divided between lectures and laboratory exercises, teaches the fundamental principles of the discipline through theory and practice. The laboratory exercises allow students the opportunity to experiment with how blood reacts under known conditions. This course will not make 'instant experts' of the students, but it does give a firm foundation on which they can build expert qualifications. Offered occasionally - Most recently offered Summer 2010.

Term Offered

Occasional

Prerequisites

FS 303 and a signature from the Forensic Science Advising Committee.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Provides forensic scientists with legal and practical information concerning courtroom testimony. Topics include: Rules of Evidence of significance to forensic experts; the requirement of scientific reliability as a prerequisite to testimony; ethical considerations; preparation and relationship with the attorney calling an expert; persuasive courtroom behaviors and strategies; basic Fourth Amendment issues for experts; civil liability for forensic experts. Classes include lectures, discussions and simulations and are held in a courtroom. Offered occasionally; most recently offered summer 2006.

Term Offered

Occasional

Prerequisites

FS 303 concurrently and instructor's permission

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Laboratory experiences related to the collection and analysis of physical evidence as performed by forensic science professionals. Experiments may include forensic microscopy, drug analysis, forensic serology, physical patterns, fingerprint and firearm evidence analysis techniques. 3-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall/Spring.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Prerequisites

Chem 314 & L314; FS 303 & L303 or instructor's consent

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This class complements FS 403, Trace Evidence, and consists of lectures and laboratory exercises using microscopical analysis. An emphasis is placed on visual light microscope theory and usage. Stereoscopic and polarized light microscopes (PLMs) are located at individual student workstaions. A comparison microscope is also available. Additionally, microscopes utilizing spectroscopic detection are studied and used. Infrared microscopy experiments are conducted on trace materials such as fibers, paint and glass. Prerequisites: Chem 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and L303 or instructor's permission. Student must be concurrently enrolled in FS 403. 3-hour laboratory. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered in alternate years.

Term Offered

Alternates Fall & Spring