Course Descriptions

FIS-I 495 - Internship in Forensic Science

Credits:

0 - 5

Description:

The internship experience is designed to bring together the diverse areas of knowledge that the student has gained during the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. It is a synthesis of knowledge; where the student takes what they learn in the classroom and translates that to the real world of forensic science. This is usually completed at the end of the student's undergraduate career in Forensic Science. The experience of an internship can aid with the transition to a crime laboratory. However, students have the opportunity to complete an internship at any time during their undergraduate career. The internships should be related to forensics and have ranged from a variety of experiences. Internship location must be approved by the instructor.

Prerequisite:

Completion of application and permission of instructor.

FIS-I 496 - Special Topics in Forensic Science

Credits:

1 - 6

Description:

This is a variable topic course. Repeatable with different topics.

FIS-I 500 - Crime Scene Investigation and Quality Assurance

Credits:

2

Description:

This course will cover material on crime scene investigation, blood spatter analysis, and various quality assurance/control procedures and recommendations that allow labs to maintain a high degree of confidence in their analyses.

FIS-I 505 - Overview of Forensic Biology

Credits:

1

Description:

This course will cover material on serology, an overview of DNA processing and analysis, and how DNA profiles can be identified via DNA databases.

FIS-I 510 - Advanced Forensic Microscopy Lecture

Credits:

1

Description:

P: Previous microscopy experience or FIS-I 300. Spring. Discussion of advanced topics in forensic microscopy. This will include review of common forensic laboratory microscopes such as, stereomicroscope, compound light microscope, and polarizing light microscope. The course will include the fundamentals of light, matter, and optics common to microscopy. Introduction to the application of spectroscopy to microscopy will be examined as well as thermal microscopy and comparison microscopy. Discussion on advanced trace evidence analysis will be covered, including impression evidence, plant material, feathers, polymers, and minerals.

FIS-I 511 - Advanced Forensic Microscopy Laboratory

Credits:

2

Description:

This will be a hands-on laboratory course. During this course, students will perform analysis of trace evidence. This will include a more complex use of light and comparison microscopes and instrumental microscopes. Topics will include mineral content in soil, dispersion of glass particles, physical matches and impressions of trace evidence, polymer identification and microspectrophotoscopy. Students will also participate in a mock case and trial at the conclusion of the course.

FIS-I 515 - Overview of Forensic Chemistry

Credits:

1

Description:

This course will cover the theory and application of forensic chemistry techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, spectrometry, and toxicology.

FIS-I 520 - Forensic Chemistry I

Credits:

3

Description:

Fall. This course will focus on the analysis and identification of commonly abused chemicals such as ethanol, controlled substances, and prescription drugs. The history, legal issues, synthesis, chemical/physical properties, and laboratory analysis of these materials will be discussed. Special topics of the students' choosing will also be included in the form of student presentations. A separate laboratory section will also be offered in which students will complete practical exercises utilizing spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry that reflect common practice in forensic science laboratories.

Prerequisite:

Forensic Science or Chemistry graduate student.

FIS-I 521 - Forensic Chemistry I Lab

Credits:

1

Description:

Fall. This laboratory section includes practical exercises utilizing spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry that reflect common practice in forensic science laboratories.

Prerequisite:

or C: FIS-I 515 and FIS-I 520 or instructor consent.

FIS-I 530 - Forensic Chemistry II

Credits:

3

Description:

Spring. This course will focus on the use of instrumental techniques to analyze trace evidence types such as ink, fibers, paint, adhesives, tape, ignitable liquids, and explosives. A separate lab section will include practical laboratory exercises utilizing spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry that reflect common practice in forensic science laboratories. Special topics will also include current research such as pattern recognition techniques, novel sampling methods, and provenance determination.

Prerequisite:

FIS-I 520.

FIS-I 531 - Forensic Chemistry II Lab

Credits:

1

Description:

P: FIS-I 521 or instructor consent. P or C: FIS-I 530. Spring. This laboratory section will include practical laboratory exercises utilizing spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry that reflect common practice in forensic science laboratories.

FIS-I 540 - Forensic Biology I

Credits:

3

Description:

Fall. This course is an introduction to the use of biological materials to assign identity to persons associated with a crime. The course will introduce methods for the preliminary detection of biological evidence and introduce the use of DNA. The materials learned will encompass broader topics such as immunology, molecular biology, and genetics.

Prerequisite:

or C: FIS-I 505 or Biology graduate student.

FIS-I 541 - Forensic Biology I Lab

Credits:

2

Description:

Fall. This laboratory section includes practical exercises that reflect common practice in forensic science laboratories, including but not limited to collection and preservation of biological evidence, presumptive and confirmatory tests, DNA extraction, and PCR amplification. Open only to graduate students in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program or by instructor permission.

Prerequisite:

or C: FIS-I 540.

FIS-I 550 - Forensic Science and the Law

Credits:

3

Description:

Application of various laws and rules of evidence to the forensic sciences and how the admission of evidence derived from forensic sciences can impact the administration of justice in the United States. Topics include preparation for testimony, expert testimony, subpoenas, basic judicial processes, admissibility of scientific evidence.

Prerequisite:

Open only to graduate students in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program, students enrolled in the IU School of Law, or by instructor permission.

FIS-I 560 - Population Genetics

Credits:

3

Description:

Spring. This course will serve as an introduction to the principles of population genetics. The course will cover the theory behind population genetics that includes a historical perspective to the current accepted models of population theory; examine the relationships between allele and genotype frequencies, and the fundamentals of molecular evolutionary genetics.

Prerequisite:

Undergraduate genetics lecture and laboratory, Undergraduate statistics.

FIS-N 570 - Laboratory Project Design

Credits:

2

Description:

Design of a laboratory study to include a literature search into a forensic science topic, experimental plan, and final presentation, and a grant proposal.

Prerequisite:

Forensic Science graduate student.

FIS-N 580 - Forensic Science Laboratory Management

Credits:

2

Description:

Fall. This course focuses on management of forensic science laboratories: various organizational models, budgeting, and common laboratory policies. Differences in the management style for public and private sector laboratories, strategies for employee recruitment, training, and retention, managing workflow and maintaining compliance with accreditation bodies.

FIS-I 590 - Seminar

Credits:

1

Description:

Spring. Weekly seminars presented by FIS faculty, visiting faculty and FIS graduate students. Required for graduate students admitted into the M.S. in Forensic Science Program.

FIS-I 595 - Internship to Forensic Science

Credits:

1-6

Description:

The internship provides students with an opportunity to experience the workings of a practicing forensic science laboratory. Although a research project is usually the centerpiece of the internship experience, students will be given an exposure to all sections of the laboratory including case management. Students will also have an opportunity to attend a crime scene as an observer and to attend court to observe a forensic scientist offer expert testimony.

FIS-I 596 - Special Topics: Forensic and Investigative Sciences

Credits:

1-6

Description:

Lecture or lecture/lab courses offered on topic areas that are not part of the regular M.S. ‎curriculum. These topics may include firearms and tool marks, questioned documents, forensic ‎pathology, fingerprints, and others. They are electives in the M.S. in Forensic Sciences program.