Course Overview
This course is designed for individuals interested in death scene investigations. Participants will learn about identification of corpses and the external appearance in both violent and natural death. An understanding of the death scene approach and the role of the investigator in sudden death scenarios will be explored. Students will learn how to use a standardized approach when investigating sudden deaths, and to recognize the features of each specific death type and there causation. The student will gain an understanding regarding the critical relationship between the surrounding environment and evidence discovered at the scene, and how this can assist in determining the causation of death. This course outlines the interdisciplinary approach to death investigation by highlighting the roles of the coroner (medical examiner), pathologist, police & forensic scientists.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Explain laws relating to death in Canada and the foundational principles of both the coroner and medical examiner systems.
- Explain the various classification of types of death and how they apply to sudden death investigation.
- Demonstrate how to evaluate a sudden death scene including the recognition of indications of violence, hazards, and how to differentiate between non-suspicious and suspicious scenes.
- Demonstrate how an external body examination of a deceased person is conducted for investigative purposes.
- Assess and demonstrate the proper evidence collection requirements for a sudden death scene.
- Demonstrate how to effectively interview witnesses and family members of the decedent.
- Explain the proper protocol and procedures that are required when examining a scene containing multiple fatalities.
Effective as of Winter 2024
Related Programs
Introduction to Death Investigation (FSCT 8102) 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 (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.