Course Overview
This course provides on overview of the fundamental principles of forensic science and its origins. Techniques and instrumentation employed by forensic experts and methodology used to maintain continuity and integrity of evidence are examined. The role of physical evidence in civil and criminal trials is also discussed.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$876.77
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:
- Describe the principles of scientific methodology, comparison, and identification.
- Describe the techniques used by the forensic identification specialist to document the crime scene.
- Describe the techniques used by the forensic identification specialist to detect, recover, and analyze evidence.
- Explain the methods used by the forensic identification specialist to minimize the impact on the crime scene and maintain continuity and integrity of evidence.
- Identify biological evidence suitable for forensic DNA analysis.
- Explain the overview of forensic DNA analysis.
- Describe the methods used by the forensic entomologist to determine time since death.
- Describe features of the human skeletal system used by the forensic anthropologist to determine sex, age, stature, and race.
- Describe unique features of the human skeletal system used by the forensic anthropologist to aid in the identification of human skeletal remains.
- Discuss the applications of trace chemical evidence.
- Describe the classification and identification methods used by the trace chemical evidence expert.
- Describe the principles and procedures in making firearm and tool mark identifications.
- Explain the responsibilities of the BC Coroners Service.
- Describe the principle of facial recognition and the use of facial reconstruction as an investigative tool.
- Describe the fingerprint Henry Classification System, levels of friction ridge detail, and the philosophy of fiction ridge individualization.
- Describe the methods and techniques used by the forensic video analysis expert for the scientific examination, comparison and/or evaluation.
- Describe the methods and techniques used by the forensic toxicologist to analyze and interpret the presence of drugs/poisons from biological fluids and tissues.
Effective as of Winter 2012
Related Programs
Introduction to Forensic Science (FSCT 7320) 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
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of FSCT 7320 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 32936
Dates
Sep 15 - Dec 15 Loading
- CRN 32936
- $876.77 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15 - Dec 15 | Tue | 18:15 - 21:45 | Burnaby SW01 |
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
Eva Ip
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.
- The co-instructor for this in-person (F2F) offering is Brooke Ouwerkerk. Class presentation/debate and participation will be held/marked live, so attendance is strongly recommended for success in the course. There will be no class on Nov 10, 2026. There is no required textbook. The instructors will distribute any course material on the Learning Hub. 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.
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.