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FOSC 302

FOSC 302
Forensic Science Instrumentation

1. Catalog Entry

FOSC 302
Forensic Science Instrumentation

Credit hours (2)
Prerequisites: FOSC 301

This class is an introduction to the use of instrumentation in forensic science, including instruments used in biological fluid, tissue, firearm, toolmark, trace evidence, and digital examinations.  It also serves as an introduction to microscopy.  Students will gain hands-on experience using comparison and polarized light microscopes as well as radiological, XRF, and other equipment.  A focus will be the use of this instrumentation in the analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence.
 
2. Detailed Description of Course

Course content includes the following:
    1) An introduction to the use of basic forensic science instrumentation;
    2) An introduction to microscopy;
    3) Experience using digital comparison and other microscopes for forensic evidence
       comparisons;
    4) An introduction to the instrumentation used in analysis of biological tissues (hard
       and soft anatomy);
    5) An introduction to the instrumentation involved in forensic DNA analysis;
    6) An introduction to the instrumentation involved in chemical analysis of forensic
       evidence;
    7) An introduction to instrumentation involved in Digital Forensic evidence
       examination;
    8) The role of instrumentation in relation to laboratory accreditation and ISO/IEC
       17025 standards;
    9) The importance of accurate and appropriate use of instrumentation in court
       testimony.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instructional strategies for this course include the following:
    1) Traditional lecture-based format for background educational content and historical
       and theoretical context relating to the nature of instrumental methods in
       forensic science;
    2) Class discussions centered on issues and controversies in the theoretical
       and methodological use of instrumental methods in forensic science research;
    3) Weekly class discussions as well as both in-and out-of-class writings evaluating
       instrumental methods employed in primary published forensic and biomedical
       science research literature in the Journal of Forensic Sciences and other
       journals;
    4) Class discussion of forensic science casework in terms of  the role and
       appropriateness of instrumental methods and their presentation in court;
    5) Laboratory exercises aimed at teaching hands-on approaches to basic instrumental
       methods for analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence.
 
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to:
    1) Demonstrate familiarity of basic forensic biology, chemistry, and criminalistics
       laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (i.e., immunoassay, HPLC,
       GC/MS, GC/FID and GC/NPD, comparison microscopes);
    2) Demonstrate an understanding of the basics of microscopy;
    3) Demonstrate beginning competency in the use of various microscopic and physical
       methods of analysis of forensic evidence;
    4) Demonstrate an understanding of trace evidence pattern comparisons using digital
       comparison microscopes;
    5) Demonstrate an understanding of basic instrumentation used for Digital Forensic
       evidence examination;
    6) Demonstrate an understanding of instrumentation as it relates to laboratory
       accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards;
    7) Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of accurate and appropriate use
       of instrumentation in court cases.

5. Assessment Measures

Student learning outcomes will be assessed through a variety of methodologies.  Within the course, learning may be assessed through some or all of the following:
    1) Written course assignments (both inside and out of class) on course content and
       research articles employing forensic science instrumentation;
    2) In-class examinations (using both essay and objective formats) on major topics
       in instrumentation in forensic and biomedical science;
    3) Participation in class discussions about appropriate instrumental methods for
       analysis of forensic data;
    4) Participation in laboratory exercises involving instrumental analysis of forensic data;
    5) Evaluation of beginning competency in using instrumental-based methods in
       forensic casework and research.

6. 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. Use will also be made of field and laboratory supplies and equipment already held within CSAT and RUFSI.

Review and Approval