Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)

The Canadian criminal justice system is an adversarial system which pits the accused person against the State. The adversarial process follows a well-defined series of procedural steps from initial complaint to verdict and sentencing. This course provides a detailed examination of the legal procedures that govern criminal proceedings in Canada including the tendering of evidence by both Crown and defence, with a particular emphasis on issues applicable to forensic investigators and technicians.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Forensic evidence is subject to all the general rules related to the admissibility of evidence in the criminal trial process and is also subject to certain unique rules of scrutiny. This course examines the fundamental laws of evidence within the adversarial process and provides a context for the expert in their role as witness.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 7001

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):

• 60% in FSCT 7002

The outcome of most investigations usually depends on the information supplied by victims, witnesses and suspects to an investigator. The amount and veracity of this information is of utmost importance. In this course, investigators learn methods and techniques available for interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects to obtain proper, informative and legal statements that will both aid in the investigation and be acceptable to the court.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

The course covers the major areas of crime scene examination, in order to give an in-depth understanding in theories of searching and in dealing with the entire range of physical evidence located during the various types of crime scene searches.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

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.

This course is designed to provide the forensic investigator the concepts of case management and the application of case management methods in organizing investigative teams, planning investigative actions and analyzing evidence and intelligence.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

There are two management concepts that when applied to any endeavor - including conducting complex criminal or civil investigations - historically tend to produce very successful outcomes. These concepts, using the strength of teams and project management, each have followers on an individual basis. The focus of this course will be to expose the student to both concepts to enable them to develop and experience an organized approach of any type of investigation.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course demonstrates principles of forensic archaeology and methodical scene examination, showing how these principles are used in the search, excavation and recovery of human remains. The theories and methodologies employed are explored during lectures as well as during the field component. During the field component of the course (3x 8 hour days), teams will learn to process a scene from start to finish, including: initial scene assessment, surface scatter search, mapping, measuring, recording, gridding, screening, excavation and recovery of the remains. The course will conclude with a de-briefing session.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course demonstrates the ways Forensic Odontology may assist in the resolution of criminal cases involving dental evidence. It provides an opportunity for technologists to learn the principles of handling dental evidence and the physical comparison and analysis of dental exhibits. A combination of lecture and laboratory format is used to demonstrate the various aspects of forensic dental science and to allow experience in using various materials to collect the physical, biological and photographic evidence used by the forensic odontologist.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides the basic legal and scientific factors relevant to forensic pathology. The medical examiner and coroner systems are examined. The course determination and the presentation of pathological findings as evidence in court.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Forensic entomology is the study of insects associated with a human corpse, usually a homicide victim, to determine elapsed time since death. It can also be used to determine whether the body has been moved, disturbed after death, used drugs prior to death, etc. It is the most accurate and frequently the only method of determining elapsed time since death after 72 hours. The course provides the students with an overall understanding of entomology and its applications to criminal investigations, collecting insect evidence at a crime scene in a manner defensible in court, and the value of insect evidence and the results which can be expected from an entomologist.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides instruction in forensic biology with a focus on current short tandem repeat (STR) technologies. The design of the course follows the logical progression of a forensic DNA case by including instruction in: evidence gathering and preservation techniques, the identification of biological evidence including presumptive and confirmatory testing, the extraction, quantitation and PCR amplification analysis strategies for common types of biological evidence (bodily fluids, hard and soft tissues and "touch" DNA), and the interpretation methods utilized for single-source profiles, mixed profiles, parentage and kinship scenarios. Each module also includes practical interpretation exercises based on real case work scenarios in order to underpin the theoretical aspects of this applied forensic discipline.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

With the advent of new molecular techniques, DNA is the material of choice for forensic analysis. The current technology of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) makes it possible to identify an individual with a high degree of accuracy. A series of lectures and laboratory exercises will show students the strength of this powerful technique and how it applies to law enforcement.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8150

This course involves condensed, but comprehensive investigation of human skeletal anatomy. The emphasis is placed upon the practical identification of skeletal elements, and student participation in laboratory sessions is expected.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

The course involves the application of forensic science to the investigation of fires and explosions. It covers the legal framework which governs fire and explosion investigations and encompasses best practices for crime scene investigation for pertinent physical evidence, and its subsequent seizure and transportation to a forensic laboratory. Essential precautions against contamination of evidence are emphasised. Laboratory procedures are described. Case studies and demonstrations of typical physical evidence are used to illustrate the criteria for handling and examination of exhibits, and for selection and application of analytical instruments. The essence of forensic science examinations is the determination of the significance of analytical results, so this aspect of forensic reports and expert testimony is covered in depth, and students are taught best practices throughout. Problems which have arisen in casework from less than optimal practices are described, and the necessity for documentation of all steps in investigations of fires and explosions is strongly emphasized and illustrated.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course covers the role of the forensic laboratory in the investigation of fibres (which includes textiles and cordages) and glass involved in cases such as break and enter and theft, hit and run, assault, sexual assault, attempted murder and murder; paint that involves vehicles; and other less common types of chemical trace evidence. The forensic chemist's role in discussion of the potential and the proper handling of exhibit materials, laboratory examination and analysis, identification and interpretation of results, and understanding of laboratory reports for investigation and court purposes.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course examines the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol consumption on the human body. The theoretical basis and practical applications of various technologies, both laboratory based and field use based, that are currently utilized to determine blood alcohol concentration in the body will be thoroughly reviewed. Students will be given practical training in the usage of Approved Screening Devices and Evidentiary Breath Testing Instruments. Actual application and interpretation of the obtained blood alcohol concentration results within a courtroom setting will also be discussed and further reinforced by use of sample case studies.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course serves as an introduction to the analysis, interpretation and reporting of common drugs encountered by a practicing forensic toxicologist. Other topics that are explored include laboratory techniques and instrumentation, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of common drugs including cannabis, CNS stimulants, Opioids, CNS depressants and novel psychoactive drugs, the application of forensic toxicology to post-mortem, sexual assault and impaired driving cases, and presenting expert testimony in court. Directed reading, practical quiz and participatory discussions will introduce you to the science of forensic toxicology.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This laboratory course introduces the chemistry and analytical requirements for the testing of illicit and controlled drugs. The student will conduct experiments in the characterization of drugs in typical street form including cannabis, cocaine and crack, heroin, designer drugs and hallucinogens and others. The student will learn how to use various chemical tests, isolation and purification techniques, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques and will also conduct experiments in drug synthesis. Other experiments will include topics related to clandestine laboratories and toxicological screening in body fluids.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides the students with advanced forensic digital imaging concepts, imaging handling policies and procedures for the purposes of preserving and maintaining the chain of custody during the investigative process. Various techniques of image enhancement, video surveillance, multiple snapshots for comparison and image formatting for internet and intranet communication are covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8360

The course introduces the students to the theory, methodology and mathematical concepts in support of geographic profiling. Crime pattern theory, mental maps, crime hunting area concepts and supporting technology are also covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course builds on FSCT 8303 Geographic Profiling 1. This is a computer lab based course that focuses on using geographic profiling techniques applied to actual cases in property crime investigation. Emphasis is on analysis, jeopardy surface, peak geoprofile, scenario and strategy development and final report preparation.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8303

This course provides a broad overview of forensic document examination. It is intended for anyone who may have a need to interact with forensic document examiners, e.g. investigators, lawyers, corporate compliance officers, police and crime scene officers. The course will include the requirements needed to enable forensic document examiners to conduct examinations of signatures, handwriting, office printers, printing and other physical evidence relating to documents. NOTE: This course will not train students to become forensic document examiners.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course covers firearms and ammunition, serial number restoration, physical matching and comparison, range determination, gunshot wounds and exhibit handling. Emphasis is placed on firearm and tool mark identification to increase understanding of the uniqueness of tool marks as an aid in investigating and solving crimes.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

The multi-faceted field of Forensic Photography is used in diverse disciplines as Forensic Odontology, Dactyloscopy, Document Examination, Forensic Pathology and Forensic Tool Mark Examination. Forensic photography's role as well as its limitations are emphasized in this course. Students will be thoroughly immersed in the theory of photography, providing them with an understanding of the techniques which will be used in the practical exercise. Topics include crime scene photography, alternate light source photography, unltraviolet and infrared photography, photomicrography, macro photography, theory of light and photographic evidence in the courtroom.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of the uses and evidentiary value of both digital and analogue video. It analyzes the proliferation of video cameras in today's society and demonstrates to investigators how they can take advantage of this accurate and powerful source of evidence. Through site surveys, students will gain an increased awareness and understanding of the use of video surveillance technologies and techniques. Students interpret recent Supreme Court decisions. Investigators are challenged to look for video at every crime scene; learn how to use it, and how to apply proper rules of evidence in order to protect it for court. Students are shown how to optimize a video surveillance system so the full evidentiary potential is obtained.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This hands-on course provides the students with a thorough understanding of the latest in CCTV technology and system design. Using the latest in digital video forensic tools, students will learn techniques on how to extract, interpret, and clarify video evidence from both digital and analog CCTV sources for investigative purposes. A thorough understanding of the many different types of CCTV technology and systems being employed in today’s security environment will be explored. Students will evaluate the capabilities and limitations of CCTV recorded information for the purpose of forensic video examination and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides the students the understanding of the problems faces by Law Enforcement Professionals with video evidence and addresses how Avid Xpress DV can address these problems. From the receipt of the evidence to the results of the examination, students will gain hands-on experience as a Forensic Video Examiner.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8351

This course provides the students a review of the latest trends and technologies in CCTV security and forensic video examinations. Students will complete an in-class forensic video examination project using Avid Xpress DV video processing techniques.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8421 and 60% in FSCT 8490
• FSCT 8352 or equivalent. Contact department to determine equivalency.

Focuses on the technologies of comparing questioned and known objects, clothing and humans with videotaped images. The process of cataloguing class characteristics and unique characteristics in evidence will be examined. Using specialized computer software systems in a forensic lab environment, students develop a scientific work flow involving the analysis of video evidence, criminal case report writing and courtroom presentation.
Prerequisite(s):

• FSCT 8350 or FSCT 8351 or equivalent. Contact department to determine equivalency.

This five-day hands-on workshop will introduce the user to the key features of Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Bridge for use in a law enforcement setting. This will include setting up a valid forensic workflow, utilizing best practices, testimony issues, and using Photoshop and Bridge for basic image adjustments as well as for clarification and analysis of fingerprints, questioned documents, footwear and tool marks, video and the preparation of courtroom presentations. Through a series of lectures and computer lab sessions, students will learn about relevant court issues, best practices for a forensic workflow, and valid forensic procedures for using Adobe Photoshop in the forensic environment.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides an introduction to the assessment of risk for sexually deviant and violent behaviour. Participants learn about factors which are correlated to prediction of violent behaviour in people. The discussion of psychopathy, mental illness, personality disorders, deviance, and substance abuse takes place in the context of the behavioural science approach to police investigation.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course is designed to meet the needs of crime scene examiners working in primarily urban settings. This course covers a variety of types of scenes encountered by urban investigators and includes a considerable emphasis on examining a variety of fire scenes for physical evidence. Participants in this course become part of small crime scene teams with others on several problem-based scenarios. This course heavily emphasizes hands-on practice. Most of the class time is spent in the field.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8110

This course is designed for persons interested in death scene investigations. Participants will learn about the identification and appearance of corpses in violent and natural death. Relationship to the scene of death is emphasised, as are features of wounds on external examination. Some of the material on external examination will apply to the living. (e.g., assault victims). This course outlines the interdisciplinary approach to death investigation by highlighting the roles of the coroner (medical examiner), pathologist and forensic scientists.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Environmental Forensics involves systematic examinations of environmental information to determine sources of chemical contamination, timing of releases to the environment, spatial distribution of contamination, cost recovery actions, liability claims, and potentially responsible parties to allocate remedial costs. Environmental Forensics developed approximately twenty years ago as a result of an effort to distinguish different petroleum hydrocarbon products in the environment. During the past five to ten years, environmental forensic investigations have evolved beyond analyses of petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents and environmental fate and transport modelling, to include a wide range of scientific investigative tools and techniques. The techniques are applicable to any contaminant source, i.e. inorganic, organic, metals, surface or subsurface water based contamination, etc.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course introduces the various types of forensic art and applicability in a criminal investigation. Topics include: use of composite drawings of suspects; post-mortem drawings of deceased persons for identification; use of computers doing image modification (altering photos to provide a better image) and age-enhancement. Various forms of facial reconstruction of skeletal remains are also demonstrated.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.