- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
Forensic entomology is the study of insects associated with a human corpse, usually a homicide victim, to determine elapsed time since death. It can also be used to determine whether the body has been moved, disturbed after death, used drugs prior to death, etc. It is the most accurate and frequently the only method of determining elapsed time since death after 72 hours. The course provides the students with an overall understanding of entomology and its applications to criminal investigations, collecting insect evidence at a crime scene in a manner defensible in court, and the value of insect evidence and the results which can be expected from an entomologist.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$846.07
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the application of entomology to criminal investigations
- Identify insect groups (especially carrion groups) and insect rearing cycles
- Demonstrate proper handling, collection and preservation of insect evidence at crime scenes
- Explain scientific principles behind the use of insects in homicide investigations
- Identify where an when forensic entomology is important, and show the limitations of the technique and how they can be overcome
- Describe the effects of habitat on insect evidence
Effective as of Fall 2007
Related Programs
Forensic Entomology (FSCT 8140) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2025
Below is one offering of FSCT 8140 for the Spring/Summer 2025 term.
CRN 52565
Dates
Jun 09 - Jul 26 Seats Available
- CRN 52565
- $846.07 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
7 weeks
Instructor
Gail Anderson
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This is a hybrid offering. Attendance for the day at the woodlot on Friday, July 18th is required. For the online portion, complete at your own pace through weekly modules. Students will have from July 18 – July 26, 2025 to complete their final exam online (within a 3 hour window only). Your instructor will give you more details at the start of the course. For the required textbook, please check: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/buy_textbooks.asp? (FSCT) for more 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 at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Status
Seats Available
2 seats remaining as of Sun March 16, 2025 at 9:06 pm (PDT). Availability may change at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.