Introduction

What is Forensic Science?  Forensic science describes the science of linking people, places, and things that are involved in criminal activity.  It can be seen as bringing science and law together.  The forensic science disciplines assist in the investigations and adjudications of criminal and civil cases.

Background

“Forensic” is derived from the Latin term forum which means “public.”  Over the years, it has been associated with discussion and debate in a public or legal setting.  “Science” is the compilation of systematic methodologies used to understand the physical world through observation and experimentation.  The combination of forensic science aptly describes the profession of scientists whose work answers the questions for the courts through their reporting and testimony.

Objectives

Course Goal

The goal of this online course is to provide the student with a basic, introductory overview of forensic science.  The student will learn the fundamentals of the different disciplines that encompass the field of forensic science.  The student will learn a variety of topics from what is necessary to become a forensic scientist to working a crime scene to working in the lab to testifying in court.  The materials in this course have been gathered to assist the student in learning the preliminaries and are in no way meant to be a complete forensic science course.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define forensic science.
• List disciplines within forensic science.
• Describe the procedures of crime scene investigation.
• Discuss the importance of safety procedures and evidence handling at the crime scene and/or at the laboratory.
• Describe the different types of physical evidence.
• Describe the different types, parts, and forensic applications of the microscope.
• Discuss the processes of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
• Describe the different types of pattern evidence.
• List and recognize the different fingerprint pattern types and characteristics.
• Define forensic chemistry and the disciplines within that section.
• Define forensic biology and the disciplines within that section.
• Define trace evidence and discuss the different types of trace evidence.
• Discuss the role of forensic expert witnesses, the rules of evidence, and the importance of Frye and Daubert court cases.
• Describe quality assurance and know its importance.

Overview

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 3.04 ILUs.  Average completion time for the course is 40 hours. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required.  The course cost is $199 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• Introduction
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Basics of Evidence
• Microscopy
• Spectroscopic Techniques & Separation Methods
• Pattern Evidence
• Friction Ridge Examination
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Biology
• Trace Evidence
• Other Areas of Forensic Science
• Science and Law
• Forensic Laboratory Quality Assurance

Requirements

Prerequisite(s)
No prerequisites or course materials are required for the course.

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Quicktime
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.).  The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

FAQs

Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.
Q: Do I need to be technically savvy?As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete the course?On average, the course can be completed in approximately 40 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session.  The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
Q: What level is this course geared toward?This course is at an introductory level. It is a useful tool for anyone who is new to the field or those who would like to learn more about forensic science.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?Instructor: Samantha.Neal@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5836

Registration Information

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning.  You will be given class access by email within five working days.  Call 1-800-2Learn2, or mail WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions.  Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy

For all students:  A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.

All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing.  Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student.  Mail to:  WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu