GRADUATE CATALOG • 2010-2011

FSC 500 Thesis Prospectus 2 credits

An introduction to scholarly and research manuscript writing, forensic science literature, and documentation styles and techniques. Discussion will center on current research trends within the forensic science community. Each student will write a thesis proposal by the end of the semester and select a thesis committee. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the master’s program in forensic science and completion of all undergraduate prerequisites.

FSC 501 Forensic Science Research I 4 credits

First-half of laboratory research in forensic science subject areas. Data generated from research will form the basis of a master’s thesis needed for degree completion. Prerequisites: Successful completion of FSC 500.

FSC 502 Forensic Science Research I 4 credits

Second-half of laboratory research in forensic science subject areas. Data generated from research will form the basis of a master’s thesis needed for degree completion.  Prerequisites: Successful completion of FSC 500 and FSC 501.

FSC 503 Graduate Seminar I 1 credit

A lecture series involving presentations from students on their master’s thesis research and from invited speakers. Student progress toward the completion of the master’s thesis is monitored. Prerequisites: Successful completion of FSC 500, FSC 501 and FSC 502.

FSC 504 Graduate Seminar II 1 credit

A lecture series involving presentations from students on their master’s thesis research and from invited speakers. Student progress toward the completion of the master’s thesis is monitored. Prerequisites: Successful completion of FSC 500, FSC 501, FSC 502 and FSC 503.

FSC 505 Separations Chemistry 2 credits

An advanced study of the various types of separation methods used in chemistry with attention to specific types of applications to forensic evidence and modern methods of forensic chemical analysis. This course will challenge and advance the students understanding of the analytical separation methods and analyses of forensic science from a fundamental, chemical perspective. Students will learn from a scientific analytical perspective the theoretical and practical aspects in the concepts of separating analytes in forensic evidence. Topics will be presented to include modern separation methods, concepts, and techniques such as sample preparation techniques, extraction methods such as liquid-liquid, solid-phase, and micro-extraction, precipitation separations, ion-exchange separations, electrochemical and gravimetric separation methods, and chromatographic separations such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid and capillary electrophoresis. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 506 Advanced Analytical Spectroscopy 2 credits

An advanced study of the various types of spectroscopy methods used in chemistry with attention to specific types of applications to forensic evidence and modern methods of forensic chemical analysis. This course will challenge and advance the students understanding of the analytical spectroscopy methods and analyses of forensic science from a fundamental, chemical perspective. Students will learn from a scientific analytical perspective the theoretical and practical aspects in the concepts of analyzing specific analytes in forensic evidence through spectroscopy. Topics will be presented to include modern spectroscopy methods, concepts, and techniques such as molecular spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), atomic emission spectroscopy, atomic MS, atomic X-Ray spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), ICP/MS, Raman spectroscopy, and surface characterization by spectroscopy. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 507 Forensic Chemistry 3 credits

A study of the chemistry of certain types of forensic evidence and modern methods of forensic chemical analysis. This course will challenge and advance the students understanding of the analytical methods and analyses of forensic science from a fundamental, chemical perspective. Students will learn from a scientific analytical perspective the analysis of materials such as drugs, glass, paints and plastics, fire debris, explosives, fibers and other types of physical evidence. The student will learn the meaning and significance of analytical data from a fundamental approach. Topics will be presented to include modern reactions, concepts, techniques and instrumentation such as chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 508 Forensic Toxicology 3 credits

The course will introduce students to principles and methods in the area of forensic toxicology. The course will introduce pharmacological and toxicological principles as they pertain to commonly encountered abused and toxic substances. Discussions will focus on the toxicants, their mechanism of action, post-mortem characteristics, methods of collection and methods of preservation and analysis. The course will review basic concepts of analytical chemistry as it applies to drug and body fluid analyses. Specific methods for the analysis of alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and hallucinogens will be presented. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 509 Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction 1 credit

There are various types of analysis a forensic scientist might perform when reconstructing a crime scene, all of which depend on the type of analysis that may be needed in a particular case. For example, reconstruction of violent crimes such as homicides often involves advanced techniques such as bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) which may be accomplished by direct scene examination and/or scene photographs in conjunction with examination of clothing and weapons from the scene. Knowledge of BPA is also crucial to analysts choosing bloodstains from clothing and other items submitted to crime laboratories for serological and DNA testing. Training and experience are essential to properly reconstruct a crime scene. This course will begin with an introduction to basic crime scene investigation as it relates to crime scene reconstruction followed by an in-depth study of specialized techniques such as bloodstain pattern analysis, bullet trajectory analysis, and motor vehicle accident reconstruction. Students will then use this knowledge in hands-on exercises dealing with many of these topics. The course will end with a discussion on report writing and courtroom testimony of reconstruction cases.

FSC 510 Recent Advances in Forensic Biology 3 credits

An advanced forensic biology course that will deal primarily with newer techniques used in body fluid stain identification, DNA extraction, DNA quantitation, PCR, and genotyping. Emphasis will be placed on state-of-the-art technologies and their application to common forensic biological issues such as degradation, sensitivity, specificity, and variation in sample type. Advanced DNA topics including SNPs, microbial DNA, Y-STRs, mitochondrial DNA, and plant and animal DNA will also be discussed. The course will also focus on population statistics used in forensic DNA analysis with an emphasis on statistical interpretation of mixtures.
Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 511 Molecular Biology 3 credits

The course begins with an examination of basic molecular biology including the structure of DNA, methodology of DNA replication, regulation of gene expression, and consequences of DNA mutations. The use of recombinant DNA and its applications in the study of human genetics will be explored as well as the impact of biotechnology on society. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 512 Forensic Science Administration 2 credits

Theoretical and practical applications of forensic science laboratory management. Scenarios of actual issues confronted by forensic science laboratory managers will be discussed as well as economic and business considerations in the administration of a forensic science laboratory. Discussion will also include prioritizing resource allocation, management of personnel, forensic science laboratory facility issues, building relationships with outside agencies, leadership in a crime laboratory, and crisis response. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 513 Advanced Microscopy 3 credits

An advanced study in the theory and practical application of microscopy methods. The course will focus on polarized light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Emphasis will be placed on spectroscopic methods that can be interfaced with microscopy such as micro-FTIR, microspectrophotometry and x-ray microanalysis. Additionally, digital imaging and photomicrography will be discussed. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 514 Legal and Ethical Issues in the Forensic Sciences 2 credits

The role that a forensic scientist plays in the litigation process will be discussed. Students will learn the appropriate guidelines for professionalism and conduct in expert witnessing. All students will participate in a moot court exercise. The course will also address standards of reliability and relevance of scientific evidence in court and the distinction between good science, bad science and junk science. Legal rules regarding the search and seizure of physical evidence and the development and application of professional codes of ethic will also be discussed. Prerequisites: Open to students in their last semester of academic study.

FSC 515 Advanced Forensic Pattern Analysis 2 credits 

This course will concentrate on mathematical methods of analysis of various types of forensic pattern evidence including fingerprints, footwear impressions, tiremarks, and fired bullets and cartridges. The student will be exposed to (1.) digital imaging theory, (2.) data preprocessing and exploitation methodologies (e.g. principle component analysis, frequency filtering, etc.), and (3.) classical and post-classical decision metrics.   Basic digital image processing (DIP) and algorithm development will also be discussed. Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate prerequisites for the program.

FSC 599 Continuing Research 1 credit each semester until completion of thesis

Continuation of summer thesis research into the academic year. Prerequisites: FSC 500, 501 and 502.