Skip to main content

Introducing Forensic Evidence at Trial FSCT 7005

Forensic Investigation Course

Course details

Through a practical exploration of the stages of a mock investigation and consequent trial, this course illuminates the vital role forensic evidence can play in criminal proceedings. The course will put particular emphasis on issues relating to the admissibility of forensic evidence and the evidentiary weight which results from the manner of identification, isolation, collection and analysis of such evidence. Each student will gather evidence, and generate notes and a written report relating to that evidence. Subsequently each student will undergo a simulated interview by Crown counsel followed by giving evidence relating to their role in the investigation at a mock trial.

Prerequisite(s)

Credits

1.0

Cost

$626.31

Course offerings

Spring/Summer 2023

Below is one offering of FSCT 7005 for the Spring/Summer 2023 term.

CRN 60322

Duration

Wed May 03 - Wed Jun 07 (6 weeks)

  • 6 weeks
  • CRN 60322
  • $626.31
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
May 03 - Jun 07 Wed 18:00 - 21:30 Burnaby SE42 Rm. 110
May 10 Wed 18:00 - 21:30 Burnaby SE42 Rm. 260
May 10 Wed 18:00 - 21:30 Burnaby SE42 Rm. 190
May 10 Wed 18:00 - 21:30 Burnaby SE42 Rm. 130
May 10 Wed 18:00 - 21:30 Burnaby SE42 Rm. 160
Instructor

Brent Bagnall

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Cost

$626.31

Important information
  1. Departmental approval needed
  2. Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
  3. Co-Instructors are BJ Brown and Gerri-Lyn Nelson. This course will be in person for the Spring/Summer 202320 term. Crime Scene event will be on May 10th, 2023 and mock trials will be on June 7, 2023 at the Vancouver downtown law courts. More detail on these dates will be provided by the instructors. Because of the nature of the course (team investigation), and the compressed time line, please note that there is MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR ALL CLASSES. Start and end times of each class will vary. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix, and who have passed both FSCT 7001 and FSCT 7002 with 60% or more, may register without any further approvals if they have met the aforementioned prerequisites. 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

In Progress

This course offering is in progress. Please check back next term, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Assess the factors that relate to the admissibility and evidentiary weight given to forensic evidence in a criminal trial.
  • Demonstrate the essential features of note-taking at a crime scene and in handling and analyzing exhibits.
  • Demonstrate the essential features of a written report relating to the gathering and analysis of forensic evidence and any expert opinion derived from that evidence.
  • Outline the importance of a pre-hearing interview and the extent of preparedness required of an investigator or expert witness for trial.
  • Write an effective curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Demonstrate effective testimony on the witness stand.
  • Justify ones actions on the stand in order to demonstrate the importance of giving honest and fair testimony at a criminal proceeding in relation to his or her involvement in the investigation (expert or otherwise).

Effective as of Spring/Summer 2011

Related Programs

Introducing Forensic Evidence at Trial (FSCT 7005) is offered as a part of the following programs:

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Forensic Investigation (Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  3. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

Contact Us

If you have a question or comment about this course, please complete and submit the form below.

  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond to your request for BCIT program information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe

Interested in being notified about future offerings of Introducing Forensic Evidence at Trial (FSCT 7005)? If so, fill out the information below and we'll notify you by email when courses for each new term are displayed here.

  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.