Forensic Science 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