FOSC 301: Survey of the Forensic Sciences (GE)
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: (3)
Designed for students new to the Forensic Science Minor or those interested in the
discipline, this course provides an overview of current and innovative concepts, methods,
and controversies in the applied Forensic Sciences, including Forensic Anthropology,
Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Criminalistics, and Digital Forensics. Topics
include the nature of scientific inquiry, testing, and interpretation of evidence
in the Forensic Sciences. Students learn the applied nature of forensic science by
participating in mock scientific investigations from initial field search and recovery
to final laboratory analyses of human remains and associated evidence.
Note(s): General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course. Students cannot receive credit for both FOSC 201 and FOSC 301.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Major topics covered in this course include:
• The major subfields in the discipline (e.g., Forensic Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology,
Archaeology, ITEC), their connections, and their contributions to the Forensic Sciences
in general;
• The value of the Forensic Science Minor in terms of a career and the skills, knowledge,
and perspectives Forensic Science Minors bring to the workplace;
• Exposure to the major historical, theoretical, methodological, and controversial
aspects of working in a medicolegal forensic setting;
• The nature of scientific inquiry in the Forensic Sciences, including the interpretation
of statistical measures of scientific validity;
• Prominent approaches to Forensic Science research and the links between theory,
methodology, and research;
• Differences between scientific, popular science, and common-sense approaches to
the understanding of forensic events and evidence;
• Participation in mock scientific forensic investigations from initial search, recovery,
and excavation carried through to laboratory analyses of human remains and associated
evidence;
• The links between forensic science issues, students’ lives, and the world in which
they live.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will be taught primarily in a traditional lecture format. These lectures
will come both from the instructor as well as numerous guest lecturers (e.g., Forensic
Chemists, Biologists, Anthropologists) working in the scientific fields of Forensic
Science. In addition to these lectures, field and laboratory exercises will also be
incorporated into the course, providing students the opportunity to participate in
mock scientific forensic investigations from initial search and recovery to final
laboratory analyses of human remains and associated evidence.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major subfields in the discipline (e.g., Forensic
Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology, Archaeology, ITEC), their connections, and their
contributions to the Forensic Sciences in general;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of the Forensic Sciences Minor in terms
of a career and the skills, knowledge, and perspectives Forensic Sciences minors bring
to the workplace;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major historical, theoretical, methodological,
and controversial aspects of working in a medicolegal forensic setting;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Forensic Science as a science, including the
nature of scientific inquiry in the Forensic Sciences and the interpretation of statistical
measures of scientific validity;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major approaches to Forensic Science research
and the links between theory, methodology, and research;
• Differentiate between scientific, popular science, and common-sense approaches to
the understanding of forensic events and evidence;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of scientific forensic investigation
from initial field search and recovery through final laboratory analyses of human
remains and associated evidence;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the links between forensic science issues, students’
lives, and the world in which they live.
Assessment Measures
A variety of assessment measures will be used. These will include frequent writing
assignments (e.g., research article reviews and summaries), exams, and class participation
in field and laboratory exercises and class discussions.
Other Course Information
Readings will be derived from the major journals in Forensic Science (e.g., Journal
of Forensic Science) as well as selections from designated recent texts in the discipline—see
bibliographic listing from which these readings may be selected in the library section
of this proposal (4d). Use will also be made of field and laboratory supplies and
equipment already held within CSAT and RUFSI.
Review and Approval
February 14, 2018
04/2011
March 01, 2021