Electives
Pattern Evidence Analysis (FS 706, 2 credits)
This combination lecture and lab-based course will provide students with overview of various types of pattern evidence with an emphasis on the systematic approaches to pattern evidence comparison and analysis. The history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint processing and comparison techniques, footwear and tire impression analysis, toolmark analysis, and the importance of photography in pattern evidence documentation will be discussed. Development of pattern evidence using mechanical, chemical and visual techniques is incorporated. Prerequisite: Crime Scene Investigation
Medicolegal Death Investigation (FS 709, 2 Credits)
This lecture-based course will provide the student with an overview of the basic practices and principles of medicolegal death investigations. Specific lectures will cover the procedures and skills necessary to conduct a thorough medicolegal investigation of death, knowledge of various types of traumatic injuries, the knowledge necessary to understand the characteristics that differentiate the manners of death and the skills to conduct an appropriately directed investigation. The curriculum will prepare the students to take the national certification examinations offered by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. A general knowledge of anatomy is recommended prior to enrollment.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (FS 713, 2 credits)
This lecture and lab-based course will provide students with fundamental knowledge in the area of bloodstain pattern analysis including the scientific principles and practical applications of bloodstain pattern analysis to forensic casework. The procedures and methods for recognition, documentation and evaluation of bloodstain patterns will be covered. Additionally, the principles of physics, blood dynamics and the geometric significance of bloodstain patterns will be explored. Prerequisite: Crime Scene Investigation.
Homicide Investigation (FS 716, 2 credits)
This lecture-based course will provide the student with an overview of the art and science of homicide investigation, with an emphasis on the “art”. An actual murder investigation and subsequent trial will be used to highlight the investigatory and legal issues an investigator may face, as well as the social and political context in which homicide investigations take place.
Techniques in Firearms Investigation (FS 718, 2 credits)
This hands-on and lecture-based course will provide students with an overview of the analytical methods and underlying theories related to specialized aspects of the investigation of firearms related crimes. Topics covered will include basic construction and operation of firearms/ammunition, bullet trajectory analysis, toolmark comparisons, chemical analysis of primers/propellants, muzzle to target distance determination and serial number restoration.
Advanced Topics in DNA Analysis (FS 730, 2 credits)
This course will build on topics presented in the Forensic DNA Analysis course and laboratory. Students will gain experience interpreting STR data from compromised and mixed sourse samples, and will understand the theory behind DNA profile frequency calculations. An in-depth review of techniques and methodology used in a forensic DNA laboratory and the roles that accreditation, validation and quality assurance play will be discussed. Prerequisite: Forensic DNA Analysis.
Analysis of Ignitable Liquids and Explosives (FS 735, 2 credits)
This course will expose students to an in-depth treatment of the analysis of ignitable liquids and explosives. Practical and theoretical aspects of qualitative and quantitative measurements using current methodolgies such as GC/MS and UV-VIS will be discussed. Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry
Analysis of Controlled Substances (FS 740, 2 credits)
This lecture-based course will provide information on the important methods of analysis of most commonly abused illicit substances including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens and amphetamines. Additionally, the production, distribution and history of these commonly abused drugs will be covered. Laboratory accreditation requirements will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry
Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry (FS 803, 2 credits)
This lecture-based course will provide students with an understanding of advanced analytical techniques utilized by modern state and national forensic laboratories. Lecture topics will include: Tandem techniques such as GC/MS-MS and LC/MS-MS, high-resolution techniques such as FT-MS and ICP-MS, Raman, Ion Mobility, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-Ray Fluorescence. Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry.
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation (FS 806, 2 credits)
This hands-on and lecture-based course will provide students with methods and underlying theories related to specialized aspects of crime scene processing. Topics covered will include techniques and principles utilized in search and recovery of human remains. Forensic entomology, mechanisms of human decomposition, use of ground penetrating radar, soil composition, excavation, telltale disturbances in flora and the presence of animal activity will be examined. A semester-long practical exercise will include the search and recovery of mock remains and the reconstruction of events. Prerequisite: Crime Scene Investigation.
Forensic Toxicology (FS 830, 2 credits)
This lecture-based course will provide an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of common drugs of interest to the forensic toxicologist. An emphasis will be placed on applying the principles of pharmacokinetics to the interpretation of drug blood and urine levels, and on developing an understanding of how drugs (including ethanol) interact with the biology and physiology of the human body. Students will also acquire knowledge of the chemical structure of common drugs. Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry.
Internship in Biomedical Forensic Sciencs (FS 871, 2 credits)
An internship in a forensic setting is encouraged, and may be approved for academic credit depending on the number of hours and the nature of the work completed during the internship. With prior approval from the student’s thesis advisors and the internship site supervisor, work completed at an internship may be used as the basis of the student’s thesis. A completed evaluation from the internship supervisor describing the nature of the work completed and the quality of the student’s performance will be required. In addition, the student will be required to write a summary of his/her internship experiences and responsibilities.
Other Approved Courses
Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of the BMFS program of study. Unless indicated, only BMFS program advisor approval is required. Approved courses include:
Fall Semester
Biochemistry A and B (GMS BI 755/756, 4 credits)
This two-semester course provides the biochemical foundation for advanced studies in basic and clinical sciences. Topics presented in the first semester include the structure and function of macromolecules, the mechanisms of enzyme action, the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, as well as bioenergetics. The second semester continues with the metabolism of lipids, amino acids and nucleotides, the control of metabolic processes, the function of hormones, biochemical genetics, and transcriptional and translational events. Prereq: organic chemistry or equivalent.
Please note that Biochemistry A is in the fall semester and must be followed by Biochemistry B in the spring semester.
Biostatistics with Computer (GMS CI 670, 4 credits)
This lecture and laboratory course is designed for students with no prior experience with statistics who want to utilize computer software in performing statistical analysis. Topics include the collection, classification, and presentation of descriptive data; the rationale of hypothesis testing; experimental design; t-tests; correlation and regression analysis; and analysis of contingency tables.
Biochemistry/Cell Biology (GMS BI 751, 6 credits)
Basic principles and concepts of medical school-level Biochemistry and Cell Biology in a one-semester course. Topics include protein structure and function; mechanisms of enzyme action; nutrition and metabolism; membrane structure and receptor signaling; cell cycle regulation; DNA and RNA structure and function; regulation of gene expression and techniques in Molecular Medicine. Clinical correlations are provided throughout the course.
Medical Histology A and B (GMS AN 705 and 706, 6 credits)
Medical Histology A consists of the study of basic cells and tissues followed by study of the histology of circulatory system and the gastrointestinal system and its associated glands. Emphasis is on functional morphology at the light and electron microscope levels. Computer-based virtual microscopy in laboratory exercises and discussions supplements companion lectures.
Medical Histology A is followed by Medical Histology B which includes study of the histology of respiratory, lymphoid, and renal systems, male and female reproductive systems, integument, cartilage and bone, and endocrine organs. Emphasis is on functional morphology at the light and electron microscope levels. Computer-based virtual microscopy in laboratory exercises and discussions supplements companion lectures.
Please note that Medical Histology A is in the fall semester and must be followed by Medical Histology B in the spring semester.
Spring Semester
Medical Histology (GMS AN 700, 6 credits)
This course combines Medical Histology A and B into one semester. Medical Histology A consists of the study of basic cells and tissues followed by study of the histology of circulatory system and the gastrointestinal system and its associated glands. Emphasis is on functional morphology at the light and electron microscope levels. Computer-based virtual microscopy in laboratory exercises and discussions supplements companion lectures. Medical Histology B includes study of the histology of respiratory, lymphoid, and renal systems, male and female reproductive systems, integument, cartilage and bone, and endocrine organs. Emphasis is on functional morphology at the light and electron microscope levels.
Experimental Design and Statistical Methods (GMS AN 704, 2 credits)
This course provides a working understanding of experimental design and statistical analyses. Each class consists of lectures, examples of problems and discussion of theoretical issues underlying a particular experimental design. Both parametric and non-parametric approaches to data analysis will be explored.
Elementary Biostatistics (GMS MS 700, 2 credits)
This is an introductory course in statistics and provides a foundation for statistical analyses and data interpretation.
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Systems Science: Dynamic Modeling (GMS AN 820, 2 credits)
This course in interdisciplinary science will provide students with a hands-on experience in the development and use of systems dynamic and computer based models to study biological systems.
Molecular Biology (GMS BI 782, 4 credits)
This course focuses on advanced molecular biology using the current literature as a source of information. Emphasis is also placed on relevant research techniques. Topics include structure and function of nucleic acids, recombinant DNA research, molecular biology of important cellular processes, and regulation of gene expression emphasizing control mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. Please note this is considered an advanced class and is recommended for BMFS students with a strong Biochemistry/Molecular Biology undergraduate background. Pre-req: Biochemistry and consent from the course director.
Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics and Functional Genomics (GMS BI 793, 2 credits)
This course gives investigators the background necessary to effectively design mass spectrometric (MS) experiments and interpret data. Instrumentation is described at a level appropriate to graduate students in biochemistry; the structure of biological macromolecules is addressed as it applies to MS. Students gain a full understanding of modern MS and its effective use in their research. Lectures are devoted to instrumentation, ionization methods and applications to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, glycoconjugates, nucleic acids and uses of the technology in proteomics, biotechnology and medicine. Pre-req: Biochemistry and consent from the course director.
