Course Overview
In this course, you will learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to crime and intelligence data. It covers topics such as measuring variables, assessing the reliability and validity of acquired intelligence, data preparation and coding, and statistical analysis of quantitative data. You will apply these methodologies and perform a number of simple, though powerful, analyses to describe data and reach conclusions based on these data. This course aims to develop your analytical skills to be a more knowledgeable practitioner, consumer, and evaluator of quantitative and qualitative social science data. These analytical methods will be instructed in the context of the COMPSTAT method of crime analysis as used in contemporary Canadian policing.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$834.47 - $867.46 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
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 the course, the student will be able to:
- Manage large and small data sets for crime and intelligence analysis purposes.
- Evaluate the integrity of large and small data sets.
- Determine which statistics best portray the data.
- Apply methodologies, including COMPSTAT, to problem-solving and data-driven decision-making through proper data collection and research design.
- Present findings verbally and in written format.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Applied Research Methods & Statistics in Crime Analysis (FSCT 8431) 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
- Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 8431 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 34451
Dates
Sep 19 - Oct 24 Loading
- CRN 34451
- $834.47 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19 - Oct 24 | Sat | 08:00 - 17:00 | Online |
Duration
5 weeks
Instructor
Michelle Brander
Course outline
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 course is synchronous and online attendance during scheduled Saturday class hours are required. No class Oct 10th, 2026 (Thanksgiving weekend). There is no required textbook. 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 at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
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.
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of FSCT 8431 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 79197
Dates
Jan 16 - Feb 13 Loading
- CRN 79197
- $867.46 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16 - Feb 13 | Sat | 08:00 - 17:00 | Online |
Duration
5 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 course will be offered ONLINE and classes will be taught LIVE every Saturday for 5 weeks from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Attendance is mandatory and there are no required textbooks. Your instructor will email you before the start of this course with further details. Course information will be found in the Learning Hub. 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 at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
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.