CRJ 245 - Scientific Investigation Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Open
An in-depth study into forensic science examinations and analysis techniques with a focus on the crime laboratory.
Competencies
1. Examine the history and scope of forensic science.
1. Define forensics and criminalistics and describe their functions.
2. Describe the history and development of forensic science.
3. Explain the organization of a crime laboratory
2. Assess the services provided by a crime laboratory.
1. Identify evidence associated with each discipline.
2. Examine forensic biology, controlled substances, trace analysis, toxicology, latent fingerprints, questioned documents, fire debris, firearms and tool marks, and digital evidence.
3. Evaluate physical evidence.
1. Describe the common types and nature of physical evidence.
2. Identify the proper processes and procedures related to searches for evidence, as well as the documentation, handling and collection of located evidence.
4. Assess proper analytical techniques.
1. Examine Chromatography: Gas Chromatography, HPLC, TLC, Ion Chromatography
2. Differentiate Spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry
3. Explain Emissions, continuous, and Line Spectrum
5. Analyze forensic anthropology and entomology.
1. Define anthropology.
2. Describe locating and properly recovering remains.
3. List the criteria used in the identification of remains.
4. Identify the factors taken into consideration when estimating the time of death.
5. Discuss the uses for insects in death investigation.
6. Evaluate blood and body fluids.
1. Describe the identification and testing of blood.
2. Discuss the identification and testing of seminal fluid.
3. Explain the identification and testing of saliva and other body fluids.
7. Evaluate DNA typing.
1. Identify DNA characteristics.
2. Discuss DNA admission into court evidence.
3. Assess the types of DNA typing and testing, to include PCR, STR, mitochondrial, and touch.
8. Analyze toxicology and seized drug testing.
1. Identify the applications of forensic toxicology.
2. Describe the type of poison and drug testing, along with the methods of testing.
3. Examine Describe the screening and confirmatory testing.
4. Identify drug types and describe the Controlled Substances Act.
5. Illustrate the analysis of plant matter.
6. Identify and discuss the types of chemical examination.
9. Examine arson and explosives investigations.
1. Describe the chemistry of fire.
2. Discuss a fire scene search for evidence.
3. Explain the testing of flammable residues and materials.
4. Describe various types of explosives.
5. Describe explosives scene protocols
10. Assess firearms and their related tool marks.
1. Explain bullet comparisons.
2. Discuss weapons and cartridge cases and how they function.
3. Evaluate gunpowder residue and residue testing.
4. Explain serial number restoration.
5. Discuss impression evidence analysis, to include footwear, tire, bite mark, tool, and other types of impressions.
11. Evaluate trace evidence.
1. Identify instruments of microanalysis and sample types.
2. Identify the types and functions of various microscopes.
3. Analyze microscopic evidence, to include glass, hairs, fibers, pain, soils, and gunshot residue.
12. Appraise questioned documents.
1. Explain handwriting and ink impressions.
2. Describe photocopy and photocopier comparison.
3. Discuss paper and watermark comparison.
13. Apply ethics in forensic science.
1. Describe the Code of Professional Ethics.
2. Describe conflict of interest.
3. Define professional integrity.
4. Discuss objectivity.
5. List professional obligation
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