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Introduction to Forensic Science FSCT 7320

Forensic Investigation Course

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International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

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

Domestic fees

$813.07

Course offerings

Fall 2023

Below is one offering of FSCT 7320 for the Fall 2023 term.

CRN 32936

Duration

Tue Sep 12 - Tue Dec 12 (13 weeks)

  • 13 weeks
  • CRN 32936
  • Domestic fees $813.07
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Sep 12 - Dec 12 Tue 18:00 - 21:30 Burnaby SW05 Rm. 1840
Instructor

Adrienne Law

Course outline

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Domestic fees

$813.07

Important information
  1. Departmental approval needed
  2. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  3. The Co-instructor for this in-person (F2F) offering is Eva Ip. There will be no class on October 31, 2023. Class presentation/debate and participation will be held/marked live, so attendance is mandatory. There is no required textbook and the instructors will distribute any course material on the 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. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Status

In Progress and Full

This course offering is in progress and full. 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:

  • 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:

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
    Bachelor of Science Full-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.
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  • 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.

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.