CJS/215
Introduction to Forensics
Online
Format
$1194
Estimated Tuition
3 credits
Total credits
5 weeks
Course length
Start when you're ready
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Course level: Undergraduate
This course provides an introduction to forensic science. This survey course is developed specifically for non-science majors to familiarize them with the different forensic science disciplines, the types of examinations crime laboratories conduct, and how forensic science is applied in current American criminal justice systems. Students gain a basic understanding of the principles of science, specifically the scientific method and its application.
Prerequisites
- CJS/201 – Introduction to Criminal Justice or equivalent
What you'll learn
Course skills and outcomes
Week 1
- Identify forensic science disciplines and their capabilities.
- Describe the history and development of forensic science.
Week 2
- Explain the procedures for collecting crime scene evidence.
- Identify methods for safely securing and recording the crime scene.
Week 3
- Identify types of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes.
- Describe the collection and preservation of firearms evidence, latent prints, and drug evidence.
Week 4
- Identify the various types of biological evidence.
- Describe the collection and preservation of biological evidence.
- Explain the use of biological specimens in forensic toxicology.
Week 5
- Analyze the importance of computer forensics.
- Describe the roles of the forensic pathologist, forensic anthropologist, and forensic entomologist in death investigation.