Current Course Descriptions
FOR 301 Introduction to Forensic Science. (3) A. Introduction to the application of scientific methods for the examination of physical evidence in the criminal justice system; an overview of the forensic analysis of firearms, fingerprints, drugs, blood, hair, fibers, paint, glass, arson debris, etc.
FOR 411 Analytical Methods in Forensic Science I. (4) A. Prerequisites: CHE 362, CHE 367, PHY 131, 132, MAT 124 (or 261), BIO 121 with at least a "C" (2.0) or better in each course. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHE 325. Application of instrumental methods of analysis to the classification of physical evidence. Principles and application of ultra-violet, visible, infrared, and fluorescence spectrophotometry; chromatography; and electrophoresis. 3 Lec/3 Lab.
FOR 412 Analytical Methods in Forensic Science II. (4) A. Prerequisite: FOR 411 with a grade of "C" or better. Continuation of FOR 411. Application of chemical instrumentation to the separation, identification, and comparison of drugs, paint, glass, fibers, arson evidence, and other materials commonly encountered in the crime laboratory. 2 Lec/6 Lab. FOR 430 Analytical Toxicology. (3) A. Prerequisites: FOR 411 and 412; or instructor approval. Study of the biochemical activity of poisons and drugs; isolation and identification of barbiturates, amphetamines, tranquilizers, and other drugs of forensic interest. 2 Lec/3 Lab.
FOR 451 Forensic Microscopic Analysis. (3) A. Prerequisites: CHE 367, PHY 131 (or 201), 132 (or 202), MAT 124 (or 261), BIO 121 with at least a "C" or better in each course. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHE 325. Introduction to microscopic analysis; identification and characterization of materials, such as glass, hair, fiber, paint, and soil. 2 Lec/3 Lab.
FOR 460 Selected Topics in Forensic Science. (1-3) A. Prerequisite: instructor approval. Topics will be chosen from areas of current interest and may be retaken for credit when new topics are offered. Topics and credit will be announced prior to each offering.
| Fingerprint Techniques | Chemometrics |
| Blood Stain Pattern Analysis | Elemental Analysis |
| Advanced Analytical Separations | Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis |
FOR 465 Expert Witness Testimony. (2) A. Prerequisite: FOR 411 with a "C" or better or departmental approval. Topics include ethical issues relating to expert witness; qualifications of scientific experts; elements of courtroom testimony relating to expert witness. Videotaping of testifying in mock courtroom situations also included.
FOR 475 Mass Spectrometry. (3) A. Prerequisite: CHE 362. Topics include types of mass spectrometers, qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry, different ionization processes, sample inlet systems, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and interpretation of mass spectral data.
FOR 490 Introduction to Research. (1-3) A. Prerequisite: FOR 411 or departmental approval. Instruction to laboratory research in one of the areas of forensic science. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours, but only three hours may be counted toward the major requirements. Student must have the independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment.
FOR 495 Internship. (3,6,9,12) A. Prerequisites: FOR 411 and 465 with a "C" (2.0) or better and departmental approval. Final year. Independent laboratory work and study at an affiliated crime laboratory. May be retaken to a maximum of 12 hours, but only six hours may be counted toward the major requirements. Four to 16 weeks.
