Courses in Forensics

Forensics is the sciences used to investigate crimes. The scientific testing and the scientific techniques used during the examination of the crime is the basis for forensic science. The courses depend on the type of forensics, such as computer forensics, DNA forensics, firearm forensics, explosives forensics, body forensics and crime scene investigation. Forensic science is the most common course of study among them.

Fundamental Concepts of Forensic Science

One of the courses taken when majoring in forensic science once all the general education courses are accomplished is the fundamental concepts of forensic science. The University of California at Davis, the forensic college of the University of California, explains that this course is an overview of forensic science with problem definition, history of forensic science and forensic analytical tools used. This course is one of many courses required to achieve a degree in forensic science and begin work as a crime scene investigator. The course teaches the collection of evidence, evidence interpretations and many other basics used in forensic science.

Toxicology

Toxicology is the study of components used in poisons such as chemicals and medicines as well as the adverse effects on the body. The University of Wisconsin has a certificate programs specifically designed for toxicologist that work in forensics. The certificate requires the student to complete a host of courses, including analytical chemistry, pharmacology, forensic anthropology and other courses concentrating on the investigation of harmful chemicals used on living organisms. This certificate qualifies the student for the examination given by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. The Ames Laboratory also gives a symposium on toxicology each year to all levels of forensic toxicologists to update the scientists on new and developing techniques.

Trace Evidence

A lot of forensic courses are spent in a laboratory environment, such as the trace evidence course given at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This course trains the student in the techniques used to find trace evidence in all materials. Trace evidence courses at different colleges or universities prepare the student to use the laboratory to find evidence or exclude evidence brought from the crime scene. This training is done by providing the forensic student with actual hands-on experience where passing and failing the course is based on how she identifies the evidence.

Latent Fingerprints

All forensic science schools have courses in latent fingerprints. This course is designed to train the student in the proper techniques used to collect fingerprints and the techniques used to identify fingerprints. The course at Duquesne University trains the student in collecting latent fingerprints from edges of materials and preserving those latent fingerprints until the fingerprints can be compared to others on file through a national database. This course also discusses the purpose and role of fingerprints in forensics.

References

• University of California at Davis: Forensic Science Courses
• Florida State University: Advice About a Career in Forensic Science
• Office of Justice Programs: Forensics Training
• The Ames Laboratory: Toxicology Symposium
• University of Wisconsin: Center for Forensic Science
• Duquense University: Forensic Science Course Description