Course Overview
Through a practical exploration of the stages of a mock investigation and consequent trial, this course illuminates the vital role forensic evidence plays in criminal proceedings. The course will put particular emphasis on issues relating to the admissibility of forensic evidence and the evidentiary weight that results from the manner of identification, isolation, collection, and analysis of such evidence. Students working as members of an investigative team will locate and gather evidence, interview witnesses, identify a suspect, and formulate a theory of culpability. At a subsequent mock trial, each student will be examined by Crown and defence counsel on their role in the investigation.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in FSCT 7002
Credits
1.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$680.20
International fees are typically 3.25 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:
- 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 of 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.
- Explain 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) to demonstrate the qualification of a professional witness.
- Demonstrate effective, honest, and fair testimony on the witness stand in relation to your involvement in the investigation (expert or otherwise).
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Introducing Forensic Evidence at Trial (FSCT 7005) 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)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 7005 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 60322
Dates
Apr 15 - May 27 Loading
- CRN 60322
- $680.20 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
6 weeks
Instructor
Brian Brown
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
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.
- Co-Instructors are Gerri-Lyn Nelson and Brent Bagnall. This course will be at the Burnaby campus for the Spring/Summer 2026 term. Dates: Apr 15 - May 27, 2026 (6 weeks) there is no class on May 20, 2026. The Crime Scene event will be on April 22, 2026 and mock trials will be on May 27, 2026, 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 timeline, attendance and participation in all classes is of extreme importance for success in the course. 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 ALSO passed both FSCT 7001 and FSCT 7002 with 60% or more, may register without any further approvals if they have met the prerequisites.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
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.