Course Overview
The course covers the major areas of crime and incident scene examination, in order to give an in-depth understanding in theories of searching and in dealing with the entire range of physical evidence located during the various types of crime and incident scene searches. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of processing various scenes from start to finish, including in-depth knowledge regarding the theory of scene searching, and in dealing with the entire range of scene specific evidence that can be located and recovered. Students will learn how to forensically photograph, and document scene exhibits and will be exposed to the practice of proper evidence detection, collection and documentation.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$888.77
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the various types of physical and biological evidence that might be present at both an indoor and outdoor crime or incident scenes.
- Explain the various means of scene documentation available and the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- Demonstrate the proper detection, collection, and preservation of physical and biological evidence at a scene.
- Explain the value of using an alternate light source at a scene and demonstrate their use.
- Demonstrate proper scene security and management techniques
- Explain the personal safety considerations applicable to each technique considered or situation encountered.
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
Crime and Incident Scene Investigation (FSCT 7310) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science Full-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of FSCT 7310 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 47547
Dates
Jan 04 - Mar 07 Loading
- CRN 47547
- $888.77 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
9 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This is a hybrid course. Due to the interactive nature of this offering, it will be ONLINE Jan 4 – Mar 7, 2027 asynchronous, and face-to-face (F2F) for 2 days (Feb 28 & Mar 7, 2027). The online portion is not live and can be accessed at students’ discretion. Each week allows access to a new module. There are no textbooks required and the instructor will distribute the course material in class and online, however, they will email you before the start with further details. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval @ BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on any Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.