Course Descriptions

FIVS 205 Introduction to Forensic & Investigative Sciences (3 hrs).
An overview of the principles, procedures, and concepts of forensic and investigative sciences, students will receive instruction in the definitions, scope, and use of tools, techniques and protocols in forensic applications used to resolve social, regulatory, and legal disputes.

FIVS 316 Biotechnology & Forensics (3 hrs).
This course is designed to illustrate the uses of biotechnology advances and techniques as applied to the broad fields of medicine and forensics. The students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the underlying molecular biology techniques that are used in a diverse array of settings; including DNA fingerprinting, genetic testing, gene therapy and genetically modified organisms. Additionally, the social, ethical and legal implications of these procedures and applications will be fully considered.

FIVS 415 Practice & Principles of Science & Law. (3 hrs).
Students will be introduced to a series of practitioners of forensic science and the justice system and receive instruction on the principles, procedures, and practices used in solving legal and societal issues. Students will examine the scientific method and scientific knowledge as applied through expert testimony. Students will enhance their critical thinking and reasoning skills in studying and debating different positions of current issues at the interface of science and law. Practitioners will include crime scene investigators, forensic laboratory managers, detectives, medical examiners, attorneys, and judges.

FIVS 431 The Science of Forensic Entomology. (3hrs).
The course explores the uses of information about insects and other arthropods in the science of forensics, particularly as this information pertains to investigations of human and animal deaths and abuse, food and other product contamination, thefts, the illegal drug trade and unethical entomological practices and the subsequent use of this information in court-of-law proceedings that may result from such investigations.

FIVS 432 Applied Forensic Entomology. (3hrs).
Hands-on instruction and experience in forensic application of insect identification, ecological principles, evidence collection and processing as this pertains to investigations of human and animal deaths and abuse, food and other product contamination, thefts and illegal drug trade and unethical entomological practices and the subsequent use of this information in court-of-law proceetings that may result from such investigations.

FIVS 435 Case Studies in Problem Solving. (3 hrs). 
Development of reasoning strategies through examination of case studies; solving real-world problems as part of an investigative team.  Students will assess and define problems from simple to complex levels; formulate and analyze reasoning strategies to solve different types of problems;  develop a range of intellectual abilities, including critical thinking, logical argument, appropriate uses of evidence, and integration of varied types of information (quantitative, qualitative, text, image, etc.).

FIVS 481.  Seminar.  (1 hr). 
Report of original investigations, current literature, case studies, and special features of Forensic and Investigative Sciences.

FIVS 482  Occupational & Professional Development.  (2 hrs). 
This course will provide organized instruction in written and oral communication.  The course will acquaint students with private and public-sector companies and agencies as well as leading professionals from these firms to reinforce academic instruction and prepare students for the transition to employment, graduate and professional schools.

FIVS 484 Professional Internship.  (1-4 hrs). 
Independent study and supervised field experience related to a professional area of interest in Forensic and Investigative Sciences. 

FIVS 491  Research.  (1-4 hrs). 
Faculty supervised research in Forensic and Investigative Sciences.