Course Details

Course Description

Fingerprints. Blood spatter. DNA analysis. The world of law enforcement is increasingly making use of the techniques and knowledge from the sciences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for the crimes. Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime scene investigation (CSI). Starting with how clues and data are recorded and preserved, the student will follow evidence trails until the CSI goes to trial, examining how various elements of the crime scene are analyzed and processed. Although the crime scene represents the first step in solving crimes through forensic science, the crime laboratory plays a critical role in the analysis of evidence. This course focuses on the analysis of evidence and testing that takes place within this setting. We will examine some of the basic scientific principles and knowledge that guides forensic laboratory processes, such as those testing DNA, toxicology, and material analysis. Techniques such as microscopy, chromatography, odontology, entomology, mineralogy, and spectroscopy will be examined.

Syllabus

Credits Offered

Semester

• Semester A (0.5)

• Semester B (0.5)

Quarter

• Quarter A (0.25)

• Quarter B (0.25)

• Quarter C (0.25)

• Quarter D (0.25)

Trimester

• Trimester A (0.33)

• Trimester B (0.33)

• Trimester C (0.33)

Any credit can be taken at any point in the school year. (See NSO Terms & Dates for more information).

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