Forensic Laboratory Courses
Each student is required to complete 4 credits of laboratory. The BMFS program offers the following laboratory courses throughout the year.
Forensic Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (FS 708, 2 credits)
This course provides an introduction to a variety of instrumentation and equipment utilized in the forensic laboratory and details methods for chemical and trace evidence analysis. Sample preparation and analysis methods used by forensic scientists will focus on fire debris, ignitable liquids, explosive residues, biological samples and seized drugs. Concurrent/Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry or strong undergraduate background in Chemistry.
Forensic Biology Laboratory (FS 704, 2 credits)
In this laboratory course students apply the principles of criminalistics and forensic biology to actual samples. Techniques utilized include ALS detection, screening tests, methods used to confirm the presence of specific biological material(s), microcrystalline tests, catalytic color tests, antigen-antibody interactions, gel diffusion and microscopic identification of cellular material. Concurrent/Prerequisite: Forensic Biology.
Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory (FS 721, 2 credits)
This course provides theory and practice in procedures used in forensic DNA analysis. Sessions include use of various DNA extraction techniques, cleaning technique for contamination prevention, real time PCR for human DNA quantitation, PCR amplification of STR loci and DNA profile analysis. Concurrent/Prerequisite: Forensic DNA Analysis.
Forensic Toxicology Laboratory (FS 831, 2 credits)
This lab course provides hands-on techniques used in forensic toxicology laboratories including the use of chromatographic and mass spectrometry for the identification and quantitation of small molecules in biological matrices. Students will learn the essential aspects of biological evidence handling and good laboratory practices to prepare samples for toxicological analysis. Students will examine data from forensic toxicological analysis, draw conclusions and prepare reports based on the results obtained. Concurrent/Prerequisite: Forensic Toxicology.