BCIT is planning for a substantial return to on-campus activity for the fall 2021 term as informed by BC Public Health Officer guidelines. Refer to each course listing for details.
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.
Co-instructor is Lyn Mehta. Due to COVID, we are offering this course ONLINE for the Fall term. Class presentation/debate and participation will be held/marked live, so attendance is mandatory. There is no required textbook and the instructor will distribute any course material in class. 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: https://www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Status
This course offering is in progress and full. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive email updates.
In Progress and Full
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
FSCT 7320 is offered as a part of the following programs:
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Registration is currently open for the Fall 2021 term.
The sneak preview for the Winter 2022 term starts Fri, Oct 22 at 8:30 am (PDT).
Students may register for Winter 2022 term courses online or by phone
starting Wed, Oct 27 at 9:00 am (PDT).
Classroom Locations
Classroom locations are subject to last minute changes. Please check the Part-time Studies Classroom Locations listing at www.bcit.ca/rooms on the first day of any course you are registered for.