BIO 120 - Introduction to Forensic Science

This course introduces the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigation. Students will become familiar with select topics in forensic science as well as some of the physical, chemical, and instrumental methods used by forensic scientists to investigate evidence at the crime scene or in the laboratory. Students will learn the methods of collection, preservation and documentation of physical evidence, as well as become familiar with forensic investigative techniques, and physical, chemical, and instrumental methods of analyzing evidence. Hands-on activities involving reconstruction of a crime scene, fingerprint detection and recovery, microscopic, spectroscopic, and non-instrumental methods of analysis will acquaint students with some of the fundamental techniques used in the evaluation and characterization of physical evidence. Using examples taken from adjudicated cases, the capabilities and limitations of the forensic sciences will be illustrated. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week.
Lecture
Credits: 4
Offered in Fall & Spring