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Course Syllabus

CJ 1350 Introduction to Forensic Science

  • Division: Social and Behavioral Science
  • Department: Behavioral Science
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2024
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2029
  • End Semester: Fall 2029
  • Optimum Class Size: 40
  • Maximum Class Size: 40

Course Description

This course will explore the history, evolution and modern-day processes of the techniques employed in scientific criminal investigation. This course is offered as in-class and online.

Justification

This course is part of the Criminal Justice curriculum and similar courses are designed to transfer to all USHE institutions. CJ 1350 is part of the lower division course for a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Evaluate contemporary and/or historical problems using appropriate Criminal Justice Forensic Science research methodology.
  2. Describe and analytically compare Criminal Justice Forensic Science's different social, political, economic, cultural, geographical, or historical settings and processes.
  3. Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical or social context of the Criminal Justice field and Forensic Science.
  4. Write and/or demonstrate effectively within the Criminal Justice discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena.

Course Content

This course will explore the history, evolution and modern-day processes of the techniques employed in scientific criminal investigation. Furthermore, it will explore the integration of forensic methods with criminal investigation. It seeks to understand the legal and scientific philosophies which provide the foundation for scientific criminal investigation. It is designed to understand the law as it applies to scientific criminal investigation. Moreover, students will become familiar with the procedures and protocols that guide the forensic investigator in the laboratory and in the field. Students must understand the dynamic nature of the crime scene and the identification, documentation, collection and preservation of physical evidence. Additionally, students will be instructed to understand the use of scientific/forensic investigative work product in the criminal prosecution process including trial. All of these varying methods of instruction will be looked at through a lens of assisting students from various backgrounds where they can flourish in a setting that is designed to assist them in their learning.