{"id":27700,"date":"2013-03-11T10:30:05","date_gmt":"2013-03-11T14:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=27700"},"modified":"2026-01-21T10:06:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:06:36","slug":"electives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/bmfs\/curriculum\/electives\/","title":{"rendered":"Electives"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>The BMFS program offers optional concentrations in the following subjects:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Forensic Biology-DNA Analysis<\/li>\n<li>Forensic Chemistry-Toxicology<\/li>\n<li>Forensic Medicine-Death Investigation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Interested students may concentrate in a particular area of forensic\u00a0sciences by choosing elective courses, lab courses and research activities within that specialty.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Pattern Evidence Analysis (FS 706, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThis lecture and lab-based course provides students with an overview of various\u00a0types of pattern evidence emphasizing the systematic approaches to pattern evidence comparison and analysis. The course covers the history of fingerprint identification, processing and comparison techniques, footwear and tire impression\u00a0analysis, toolmark analysis, and the importance of photography in pattern evidence documentation. It also incorporates\u00a0the development of pattern evidence using mechanical, chemical and visual techniques.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation (FS 715, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<h5>Approved Forensic Medicine\/Death Investigation Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This class teaches\u00a0students about\u00a0the role of the medical examiner and the basic principles of medicolegal death investigations. Specific lectures cover autopsy procedures in the investigation of gun shot wounds, sharp and blunt trauma, drowning, asphyxia, child deaths, motor vehicle accidents and time since death determination. A general knowledge of anatomy is recommended prior to enrollment.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Advanced Topics in DNA Analysis (FS 730, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This course builds on topics presented in the Forensic DNA Analysis course and laboratory. Students learn to\u00a0interpret STR data from compromised and mixed source samples to aid in understanding 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\u00a0are discussed.<br \/>\n<em>Prerequisites: Molecular Biology of Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Case Practicum in Forensic Biology-DNA (FS 840, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This lab course gives\u00a0students an opportunity to independently perform evidence assessment and test for various types of biological evidence, as well as conduct a peer review in a mock forensic case setting. \u00a0Students learn advanced biological screening and techniques used in the analysis of complex DNA profiles.<br \/>\n<em>Prerequisites: Molecular Biology of Forensic DNA Analysis, Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory, Forensic Biology and Forensic Biology Laboratory and Advanced Topics in DNA Analysis<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Analysis of Controlled Substances (FS 740, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Chemistry\/Toxicology Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This lecture-based course covers\u00a0the most relevant methods of analysis of the most commonly abused substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens and amphetamines. Also covered is the production, distribution and history of these commonly abused drugs as well as\u00a0laboratory accreditation requirements.<br \/>\n<em>Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry (FS 803, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Chemistry\/Toxicology Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>In this course students gain\u00a0an understanding of advanced analytical techniques. Lecture topics include experimental design, measuring analytical uncertainty, chromatographic and spectral interpretations, and method validation.<br \/>\n<em>Prerequisites: Forensic Chemistry and (undergraduate) physical chemistry<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (FS 713, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Medicine\/Death Investigation Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This lecture and lab-based course provides students with fundamental knowledge in bloodstain pattern analysis, including its\u00a0scientific principles and practical applications to forensic casework. The course covers procedures and methods for recognition, documentation and evaluation of bloodstain patterns as well as the\u00a0principles of physics, blood dynamics and the geometric significance of bloodstain patterns.<br \/>\n<em> Prerequisite (suggested): Crime Scene Investigation<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Advanced Topics in Crime Scene Investigation (FS 806, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Medicine\/Death Investigation Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This hands-on and lecture-based course will provide students with methods and underlying theories related to specialized aspects of crime scene processing. Topics include techniques and principles utilized in search and recovery of human remains, major crime scene management and processing of mass disaster investigations. \u00a0Students will gain experience collecting fingerprint exemplars from cadavers and processing a realistic mock crime scene.<br \/>\n<i>Prerequisites: Crime\u00a0Scene Investigation<\/i><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Analysis of Ignitable Liquids and Explosives (FS 735, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Chemistry\/Toxicology Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This lecture and lab-based 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 methodologies such as GC\/MS and UV-VIS will be discussed.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prerequisite: Forensic Chemistry<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Internship in Biomedical Forensic Sciences (FS 871, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nAn internship in a forensic setting is encouraged and can\u00a0be approved for credit depending on the nature of the internship and the number of hours of work completed. With prior approval from the student&#8217;s thesis advisors and the site supervisor, work completed at an internship may be used as a\u00a0basis for\u00a0the student&#8217;s thesis. A completed evaluation from the internship supervisor describing the nature of the work and the quality of the student&#8217;s performance is\u00a0required. In addition, the student is\u00a0required to write a summary of his\/her internship experiences and responsibilities. <strong>Note: The student may count their internship towards completion of a track given the internship is within the proposed speciality.<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Other Approved Courses<\/h2>\n<p>Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of the BMFS program. Unless indicated, only BMFS program advisor approval is required. Approved courses include:<\/p>\n<h3>Fall Semester<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Biostatistics with Computer (GMS CI 670, 4 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This lecture and laboratory course is for students with no prior statistics experience who want to utilize computer software (i.e. SAS) 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.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Clinical Applications in Human Genetics (GMS GC 605, 4 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This course introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of human genetics and related\u00a0clinical applications. Topics include the chromosomal, molecular and biochemical basis of disease as well as introduction to prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling, the use of bioinformatics in medicine, and the etiology of congenital anomalies. Additionally, the course includes discussions about the legal, ethical, and social issues in applied human genetics.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Biochemistry\/Cell Biology (GMS BI 751, 6 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This one-semester course covers the basic principles and concepts of advanced Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 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.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Cellular Organization of Tissues (GMS AN 722, 4 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThis course studies\u00a0the basic types of tissues, the cellular organization of organs, and the anatomical basis of organ function. Emphasis is on functional morphology at light and electron microscope levels. Basic concepts in embryology and pathology are introduced where relevant. Laboratory exercises in computer-based virtual microscopy and discussions supplement lectures. This course is an introductory version of MS 123 Medical Histology, designed to complement GMS curricula. All students are required to have a laptop computer that meets BUSM standards.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h3>Spring Semester<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Elementary Biostatistics (GMS MS 700, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<h5>Approved <strong>Forensic Chemistry\/Toxicology <\/strong>and Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This introductory course in statistics provides a foundation for statistical analyses and data interpretation. The course provides a working understanding of experimental design and statistical analyses appropriate for various types of biology and neuroscience based experiments. This course benefits students who have little to no experience with statistics and want\u00a0learn more about experimental design, probability and hypothesis testing.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Introduction to Interdisciplinary Systems Science: Dynamic Modeling (GMS AN 820, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>This course in interdisciplinary science provides a hands-on experience in the development and use of systems dynamic and computer based models to study biological systems.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics and Functional Genomics (GMS BI 793, 2 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Chemistry\/Toxicology and Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>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 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.<br \/>\n<em>Prerequisite: Biochemistry and consent from the course director and BMFS program advisor. This is an advanced course intended for BMFS students who have a strong background Biochemistry and\/or organic chemistry.<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Introduction to Pathology and Pathophysiology of Disease (GMS PA 600, 4 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThis course consists of lectures and discussions on\u00a0the basic morphologic and functional changes of major disease processes, including: cell injury and death, inflammation, cell and tissue response to microbial organisms, atherosclerosis and cancer.<br \/>\n<em>Prerequisite: Histology and consent from BMFS program advisor.<\/em><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h3>Summer Semester<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Clinical Laboratory Genetics I: Cytogenetics (GMS MS 506, 4 credits)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>Approved Forensic Biology\/DNA Analysis Track Elective<\/h5>\n<p>Advanced course designed for those considering a clinical or research career in human genetics. Emphasis is on clinical cytogenetics (chromosome testing). The course covers types of chromosome abnormalities, methodology, nomenclature and clinical significance in pregnancy, birth defects, and cancer. Laboratory work includes basic blood culture, chromosome preparation, banding, identification, and karyotyping. Course provides an updated review of latest cytogenetic methodology and applications, such as FISH, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and array CGH.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The BMFS program offers optional concentrations in the following subjects: Forensic Biology-DNA Analysis Forensic Chemistry-Toxicology Forensic Medicine-Death Investigation Interested students may concentrate in a particular area of forensic\u00a0sciences by choosing elective courses, lab courses and research activities within that specialty. Other Approved Courses Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of the BMFS program. 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