Course Overview
This course provides instruction in evidence search and collection for the purposes of submitting samples for forensic DNA typing within an accredited laboratory environment. Evidence searching (including alternate light sources) is followed by screening of evidence with presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to identify the source of biological evidence including blood, semen, saliva, and urine. Students will also learn about microscopy principles and techniques to search for and identify biological and trace chemical evidence. Practical laboratory exercises teach the decision-making process for initiating complex searches with the proper methods for collecting and preserving wet and dry biological evidence, proper evidence storage, and maintenance of the chain of custody and evidence tracking. In addition, biological hazards and best safety procedures are covered.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in FSCT 8150
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$929.75
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:
- Identify the difference between biological evidence and non-biological evidence.
- Outline common locations and source of biological evidence.
- Use UV and alternate light sources to locate biological evidence.
- Describe the underlying process of how presumptive and confirmatory tests work in identifying biological fluids.
- Use presumptive and/or confirmatory tests and correctly interpret the results to identify various types of biological fluids (blood, semen, saliva, urine).
- Search a variety of types of evidence including mapping of large pieces of evidence.
- Explain the underlying principles of microscopy including Kohler illumination, phase contrast microscopy, other techniques and limitations.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively search for biological evidence using microscopy.
- Practice proper safety procedures to handle potential health hazards when dealing with biological evidence.
- Demonstrate proper techniques to package and store wet and dry evidence in order to preserve DNA.
- Identify proper methods for storing various types of biological evidence.
- Describe the components and importance of chain of custody and evidence tracking while working in an accredited forensic laboratory.
Effective as of Fall 2018
Related Programs
Forensic Biology: Evidence Recovery (FSCT 8155) 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 8155 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 87305
Dates
Jan 04 - Mar 10 Loading
- CRN 87305
- $929.75 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
13 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.
- Course runs January 4–March 10, 2027. In-person labs are scheduled for January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 24 and March 03. Live online classes are scheduled for February 3 and 17. The online midterm is February 10, and the online final examination is March 10. Asynchronous course activities include recorded lecture content, discussions, quizzes, independent lab exercise homework and case-study preparation. In-person attendance is expected Wednesdays for success every week, as per the course outline. There is no required textbook. For more information, please contact one of the Program Assistants at BCIT_Forensics@BCIT.ca or the Forensic Science & Technology website at bcit.ca/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.