Forensic Science And Psychological Profiling –

cja590

(3 credits)

This course provides the student with a fundamental understanding of forensic science and technology, psychological profiling, and the application of scientific methodologies to the investigative process.

This graduate-level course is 6 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

Overview of Forensic Science
- Examine the history, evolution, and contemporary applications of forensic science including its relationship to other scientific disciplines.
- Evaluate the education, training, and experience required for forensic scientists.
- Discuss the functions of a modern day crime lab and as well as the cost-benefit analysis of the lab depending upon jurisdictional size.
- Assess evidence collection procedures including the significance of the chain of custody.
Principles of Scientific Methodology
- Examine the objectives of the natural and social sciences.
- Discuss the importance of critical thinking skills as it relates to the empirical process and criminal investigations.
- Compare different types of evidence and evaluate their level of acceptance in a judicial setting.
- Evaluate the research process from hypothesis testing to analysis of results.
Policies and Procedures for Forensic Science and Technology
- Analyze policies and procedures associated with the forensic sciences including development and implementation.
- Evaluate the importance of written documentation in reference to evidence collection and analysis.
- Explain the functions of crime laboratory instruments and discuss the significance of laboratory certification and equipment calibration as it relates to the analysis of evidence.
Psychological Profiling
- Review the history and development of psychological profiling and the value of the behavioral sciences in criminal investigations.
- Evaluate the purpose and application of psychological profiling and determine what information is required to develop a psychological profile.
- Explain the identification and significance of modus operandi and signatures as they relate to the development of a psychological profile.
- Evaluate historical criminal cases and the value of psychological profiling as it relates to investigative efforts and to the judicial process.
Science, Technology, and the Courts
- Explain the value of the behavioral sciences to a criminal investigation.
- Identify the requirements necessary to obtain expert witness designation.
- Evaluate court rules regarding evidence collection and analysis, the acceptance of expert witness testimony, and the acceptance of evidence and testimony related to the behavioral sciences in judicial proceedings.
- Identify the areas of forensic science and psychological profiling that may be vulnerable to challenge in judicial proceedings.
- Critique Supreme Court decisions regarding forensic science and psychological profiling.
Case Studies in Psychological Profiling
- Analyze specific criminal cases in terms of the application of the natural and behavioral sciences as they relate to real or hypothetical investigative efforts.
- Evaluate the role of crime scene reconstruction, wound pattern analysis, and victimology to the development of a psychological profile.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Forensic Science And Psychological Profiling –

cja590

Overview of Forensic Science

Principles of Scientific Methodology

Policies and Procedures for Forensic Science and Technology

Psychological Profiling

Science, Technology, and the Courts

Case Studies in Psychological Profiling

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