CJ& 240 - Introduction to Forensic Science

Credits: 5
A multidisciplinary approach to the crime scene investigations and the applications of forensic science. Proper crime scene management, focusing on the ability to identify, process, collect and preserve physical evidence. To include the proper documentation of evidence and its analysis, chain of custody and courtroom presentation of expert witness scientific testimony.
 

Enrollment Requirement: CJ& 101  and ENGL& 101  or higher; or instructor consent.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science
Course Fee: $10.00

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

1. Identify and perform crime scene management and preservation of evidence.
2. Describe the various forms of evidence.
3. Practice the proper process in identifying, collecting, and preserving physical evidence, while following chain of custody and rules of evidence.
4. Discuss the various types of lab equipment and personnel utilized in forensic labs.
5. Practice the importance of crime scene documentation, including developing crime scene sketches as it relates to the ability to reconstruct crime scenes for the purpose of investigation and courtroom presentation.
6. Discuss the impact of bias and lack of diversity in the Forensic Sciences.

1. Give reasons for conclusions, assumptions, beliefs and hypotheses.
2. Meet obligations necessary to complete individual and group tasks.

• Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
• Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.

• Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.

• Diversity and Equity - In order to advance equity and social justice, students will be able to examine their own and others’ identities, behaviors, and/or cultural perspectives as they connect to power, privilege, and/or resistance.