To meet the demand for qualified forensic scientists, Suffolk University offers a degree in biochemistry with a concentration in forensic science. Students who successfully complete the forensic science program will be qualified for employment in accredited crime laboratories. They may also pursue graduate studies in forensic science and related fields. Forensic science students complete most course requirements for the degree in biochemistry; therefore, they will be qualified for employment in biotechnology and health sciences laboratories , or to pursue further studies in biochemistry or health sciences.
The Biochemistry/ Forensic Science concentration requires the completion of 36 courses (80 credits).
The following courses are suitable to fulfill program or elective requirements in the biochemistry/forensic science concentration or as electives for students with an interest in forensic science.
3.00
Application of the principles of forensic science in evaluating physical evidence, with emphasis on its role in criminal investigation. Class experiences may include guest lectures and field trips. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered Fall/Spring Does not satisfy University Natural Science requirement.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
FS 303 concurrently and instructors permission
1.00
Laboratory experiences related to the collection and analysis of physical evidence as performed by forensic science professionals. Experiments may include forensic microscopy, drug analysis, forensic serology, physical patterns, fingerprint and firearm evidence analysis techniques. 3-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall/Spring.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Chem 314 & L314; FS 303 & L303 or instructors consent
1.00
This class complements FS 403, Trace Evidence, and consists of lectures and laboratory exercises using microscopical analysis. An emphasis is placed on visual light microscope theory and usage. Stereoscopic and polarized light microscopes (PLMs) are located at individual student workstaions. A comparison microscope is also available. Additionally, microscopes utilizing spectroscopic detection are studied and used. Infrared microscopy experiments are conducted on trace materials such as fibers, paint and glass. Prerequisites: CHEM 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and L303 or instructors permission. Student must be concurrently enrolled in FS 403. 3-hour laboratory. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered in alternate years.
Alternates Fall & Spring
4.00
Introduction to civil, criminal and constitutional law, with special focus on procedural law and the federal and state court systems. Limitations of the courts, forms of remedies, the law of equity and institutional sources of American law will also be studied. Introduction to judicial cases and brief writing. Normally offered each semester.
Social Science
4.00
In recent years, public attention to victims of crime has grown enormously. The reasons for this are complex. They include the effects of political organizing by crime victims; increased media attention to crime (often driven by crime stories as entertainment and advertising vehicles); the exploitation of crime victims by the politicians; and long-standing community frustrations with the criminal justice system. This course will examine the rise of public attention to crime, the response of the criminal justice system to victims, and the problems and possibilities regarding new responses to victims of crime. New developments in restorative justice will be presented as an emerging alternative to problems victims have reported with the criminal justice system.
Occasional
4.00
An overview of issues and social variables involved in the pre-arrest and arrest stages followed by a more in-depth analysis of pre-trial, trial, sentencing, and correctional phases. Sociological and criminal justice models are examined and compared with the actual processes and purported functions of criminal justice agencies. Required for all majors in the Crime and Justice Concentration.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Additionally, Summer Forensic Science Institute offerings are accepted as electives.
Permission of the Forensic Science Advisory Committee
4.00
This weeklong course, divided between lectures and laboratory exercises, teaches the fundamental principles of the discipline through theory and practice. The laboratory exercises allow students the opportunity to experiment with how blood reacts under known conditions. This course will not make instant experts of the students, but it does give a firm foundation on which they can build expert qualifications. Offered occasionally - Most recently offered Summer 2010.
Occasional
FS 303 and a signature from the Forensic Science Advising Committee.
4.00
Provides forensic scientists with legal and practical information concerning courtroom testimony. Topics include: Rules of Evidence of significance to forensic experts; the requirement of scientific reliability as a prerequisite to testimony; ethical considerations; preparation and relationship with the attorney calling an expert; persuasive courtroom behaviors and strategies; basic Fourth Amendment issues for experts; civil liability for forensic experts. Classes include lectures, discussions and simulations and are held in a courtroom. Offered occasionally; most recently offered summer 2006.
Occasional
Organizational Affiliation: Boston Police Crime Laboratory
The recommended course sequence leading to the BS is outlined as follows:
Placement at MATH 104 or better. Students who do not place at MATH 104 must take MATH 104 concurrently. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM-L111.
3.00
Fundamental principles of chemistry are discussed. Topics include introductions to atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodic table, gas laws, nature of chemical bonds, and thermochemistry. 3 lecture hours. Normally offered Fall/Summer I. This course is recommended for science and engineering majors or those considering careers in the heath sciences. Students seeking to satisfy the core science requirement may wish to consider enrolling in CHEM 101/L101.
Offered Fall Term
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 111.
1.00
Exploration of basic principles of chemistry discovery through laboratory investigation, including recognition of the major reaction types, stoichiometry, and qualitative analysis. Additionally, students will be introduced to good laboratory practices and experimental techniques. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall/Summer I.
Offered Fall Term
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
CHEM 111/L111;Take MATHT-MPEL0 MATHT-MPEL1 MATHT-MPEL2 or MATHT-MPEL3; CHEM-L112 must be taken concurrently.
3.00
Continuation of the discussion of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include introductions to solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base systems, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of CHEM 111 and CHEM L111. 3 hours of lecture 1 term - 3 credits. Normally offered Spring/Summer II.
Offered Spring Term
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
CHEM 112 must be taken concurrently; Take MATHT-MPEL0 MATHT-MPEL1 MATHT-MPEL2 or MATHT-MPEL3;
1.00
Laboratory investigation in discovery format of topics from CHEM 112, including introduction to instrumental analysis and acid-base chemistry. Quantitative analysis, particularly volumetric analysis, is emphasized. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Spring/Summer II.
Offered Spring Term
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
Math Placement score or MATH 121 with a grade of C or better
4.00
Functions, limits and continuity; instantaneous rate of change, tangent slopes, and the definition of the derivative of a function; power, product, and quotient rules, trig derivatives, chain rule, implicit differentiation; higher order derivatives; applications(curve sketching, limits at infinity, optimization, differentials); other transcendental functions (inverse trig functions, exponential and log functions, hyperbolic trig functions); anti-derivatives; indefinite integrals; applications (net change). 4 lecture hours plus 1 recitation session each week. Normally offered each semester.
MATH 165 with grade of C or better
4.00
Riemann sums and definite integrals; Fundamental Theorem; applications (areas); integration of exponential functions, trig functions, and inverse trig functions; techniques of integration (by parts, trig substitution, partial fractions); area, volume, and average value applications; differential equations (separable, exponential growth, linear); infinite sequences and series; convergence tests; power series; Taylor and Maclaurin series (computation, convergence, error estimates, differentiation and integration of Taylor series). 4 lecture hours plus 1 recitation session each week. Normally offered each semester.
4.00
This course studies persuasive and expository writing in the essay form through frequent writing assignments based on critical readings of class texts and discussions. Students will also compose a research paper and study the process of writing and revising for an academic audience. Offered every semester.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
ENG 100 or ENG101 or ENG 103
4.00
Further study of persuasive and expository writing through the study of literary form with emphasis placed on critical reading and the revision of academic writing.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Must take BIO L114 concurrently.
3.00
Introduction to organismal biology emphasizing evolution, phylogenetics, form, and function. Only when offered in Fall participation in the annual October (Columbus Day Weekend) field trip to the Friedman Field Station is mandatory (a small fee is associated with this trip). Fall Offering: Biology Majors Only; Spring Offering: Science Majors. ECR credit is only earned during the Fall offering.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Must take BIO 114 concurrently
1.00
A series of laboratory experiences in evolution, diversity, anatomy and physiology. Fall Offering: Biology Majors Only; Spring offering: Science Majors Only.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
CHEM 112
3.00
Basic theories of structure, bonding, and chemical reactivity as specifically applied to modern organic chemistry. Topics include functional groups, acid/base chemistry, nomenclature, resonance, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry. Significant emphasis placed on the use of the arrow formalism to indicate the location and movement of electrons; serves as a basic introduction to organic mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHEM 112, L112 Concurrent enrollment in CHEM L211 required unless L211 has been previously completed. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM L211 required. 3 hours lecture. 1 term - 3 credits. Normally offered Fall, days/Summer I, evenings.
Offered Fall Term
Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 211.
1.00
Laboratory exercises providing an introduction to synthetic organic chemistry techniques, including melting point determination, distillation, crystallization, extraction, chromatographic separations, and infrared spectroscopy. A component of this laboratory course incorporates discussions of experimental design within the context of environmentally benign (green) organic chemistry. Reports are prepared in professional style. Prerequisite: CHEM 112, L112. Concurrent enrollment in 211 required. 4-hour laboratory. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered Fall/Summer, days and evenings.
Offered Fall Term
CHEM 211 CHEM L211
3.00
Builds on the core competencies acquired in Organic Chemistry I, includes detailed discussions of organic mechanisms of substitution, elimination, and addition reactions. Significant emphasis is placed on organic synthesis, structure determination, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 211, L211. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM L212 required. 3 hours lecture. 1 term - 3 credits. Normally offered Spring, days/Summer II, evenings.
Offered Spring Term
CHEM 211/L211
1.00
Builds on the core competencies acquired in Organic Chemistry Laboratory I. Significant emphasis is placed on the characterization of organic molecules via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A component of this laboratory course incorporates discussions of experimental design within the context of environmentally benign (green) organic chemistry. Reports are prepared in professional style. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 212 required. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Spring/Summer II, days and evenings.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
Application of the principles of forensic science in evaluating physical evidence, with emphasis on its role in criminal investigation. Class experiences may include guest lectures and field trips. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered Fall/Spring Does not satisfy University Natural Science requirement.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
FS 303 concurrently and instructors permission
1.00
Laboratory experiences related to the collection and analysis of physical evidence as performed by forensic science professionals. Experiments may include forensic microscopy, drug analysis, forensic serology, physical patterns, fingerprint and firearm evidence analysis techniques. 3-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall/Spring.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Take MATH-121 or MATH 165. PHYS L151 concurrently
3.00
Introduction to the fundamental principles of physics using calculus. The course includes the study of vectors, Newtons laws, rotations, rigid body statics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, heat and temperature.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
PHYS 151 concurrently
1.00
The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: measurements, propagation of errors, vectors, Newtons laws, work and energy, momentum, rotations, oscillations, simple harmonic motion, fluid. Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, differentiation and integration required.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
PHYS 151, PHYS L152 concurrently
3.00
This calculus based course begins with topics in kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. It then covers electric charge and field, Gauss law, electrical potential and capacitance, electric currents and DC circuits. Next magnetism, electromagnetic induction, Faradays law and AC circuits are discussed. This is followed by Maxwells equations, electromagnetic waves, and properties of light.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
PHYS 151 and L151 and PHYS 152 must be taken concurrently
1.00
The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: heat, gas laws, electric forces, field, and potential, DC and AC circuits, magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Faradays law, optics. Calculus, algebra, trigonometry are required. Error propagation, use of Excel, laboratory notebooks, and formal reports required.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS
Must take BIO L111 concurrently
3.00
Explanation of key biological structures and reactions of the cell. This is an introductory course required of all biology majors and minors, and some non-biology science majors. This course is not recommended for the non-science student. Fall Offering: Science Majors ONLY; Spring Offering: Biology Majors ONLY.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Concurrently with BIO 111
1.00
Sessions are designed to familiarize the student with biological molecules, and the techniques used in their study. The techniques covered include basic solution preparation, separation and quantification of molecules, enzyme catalysis, and cell isolation. Fall Offerings: Science Majors Only; Spring Offerings: Biology Majors Only.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
CHEM 212/L212 or permission of instructor. CHEM L330 must be taken concurrently.
3.00
This course explores the foundations of biochemistry, including the structure, organization and behavior of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Topics include enzyme kinetics, membrane structure and signal-transduction pathways. Students will be introduced to the biochemical literature and computer-based bioinformatics techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 212/L212 or permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM L331 required. 3 hours of lecture per week. Offered every Fall, days only.
Offered Fall Term
Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 331. Take CHEM-212 or permission of instructor.
1.00
Laboratory course introducing biochemical techniques. Topics include purification of DNA and proteins, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protein quantitation and detection, and enzyme kinetic assays. lab work will be written up in the style of a professional journal article. Offered every Fall, days only.
Offered Fall Term
CHEM 331
4.00
This course explores the principles of bioenergetics and metabolism of biological compounds. Coverage includes intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, oxidative phosphorylation, and synthesis of purines and pyrimidines. Additional topics include the regulation and integration of metabolism. Lectures will be supplemented with discussions of the biochemical literature. Prerequisites: CHEM 331. 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of recitation per week. Offered every Spring, days only.
Offered Spring Term
MATH 130, MATH 134, MATH 146 OR MATH 165
4.00
Application of statistical analysis to real-world business and economic problems. Topics include data presentation, descriptive statistics including measures of location and dispersion, introduction to probability, discrete and continuous random variables, probability distributions including binomial and normal distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, statistical inference including estimation and hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression analysis. The use of computers is emphasized throughout the course. Normally offered each semester.
Quantitative Reasoning
BIO 111/L111, CHEM 111/L111, Must take BIO L274 concurrently
3.00
An examination of the basic principles of genetics in eukaryotes and prokaryotes at the level of molecules, cells, and multicellular organisms, including humans. Topics include Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, structure and function of chromosomes and genomes, biological variation resulting from recombination, mutation, and selection, and population genetics.
Offered Fall Term
Must be taken concurrently with BIO 274.
1.00
Experiments designed to demonstrate principles presented in lecture, using a range of genetic model organisms that include E. coli, B. subtilis, S. cerevisiae, D. melanogaster, S. fimicola, and C. elegans.
Offered Fall Term
CHEM 211; CHEM L314 must be taken concurrently.
3.00
Theory and application of analytical instruments: ultraviolet, visible, fluorescence, atomic and emission spectroscopy; chromatographic methods; electrochemical measurements. Prerequisites: CHEM 211; CHEM L314 must be taken concurrently. 3 hour lecture. 1 term - 3 credits. Normally offered Fall/Spring, days.
Alternates Fall & Spring
CHEM L211; CHEM 314 must be taken concurrently
1.00
Laboratory experiments in chemical analysis using instrumental techniques, including spectroscopy and chromatography. Data collection and evaluation includes computer-based methods. Reports are prepared in professional style. Prerequisites: CHEM L112; CHEM 314 must be taken concurrently. 4-hour Laboratory. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered Fall/Spring.
Alternates Fall & Spring
*BIO 273 satisfies quantitative reasoning requirement.
CHEM 112; MATH 165; PHYS 152
3.00
Principles of thermodynamics and its general applications to physical and chemical change; introduction to the kinetic theory of gases and concepts of statistical mechanics. 3 hours lecture. 3 hour lecture. Normally offered Fall, days.
Offered Fall Term
CHEM 411 must be taken concurrently
1.00
Laboratory exercises covering classical experiments in thermodynamic and instrumental measurements. Significant emphasis will be placed on experimental design and data analysis skills in addition to technical writing skills as demonstrated by laboratory reports prepared in the professional style. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall, days.
Offered Fall Term
CHEM 411
3.00
Applications of thermodynamics to solutions, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry; chemical kinetics will be covered. Quantum chemistry and the application of spectroscopy to molecular structure. 3 hours lecture. Normally offered Spring, days.
Offered Spring Term
CHEM L411; CHEM 412 must be taken concurrently.
1.00
Laboratory exercises using spectroscopic techniques (optical and electrochemical) to explore kinetic and thermodynamic and quantum mechanical properties of chemical systems. Emphasis will be placed on experimental design and data analysis skills in addition to technical writing skills as demonstrated through reports prepared in the professional style. 4-hour laboratory. Normally offered Spring, days.
Offered Spring Term
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Prerequisite: FS 303 and FS L303 or instructors permission
3.00
This course covers the examination of trace materials, other than DNA sources, by visual microscopic analysis through advanced instrumental analysis. The collection, preservation, analysis, report preparation, and evidential significance for court testimony are described. Examples of common materials, such as textile fibers, paints and glass are used to describe the process of comparison and chemical identification of a known versus a questioned specimen(s) suspect of being associated with a crime scene. Instrumental demonstrations are provided. Prerequisites: CHEM 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and FS L303 or instructors permission. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered in alternate years.
Alternates Fall & Spring
Chem 314 & L314; FS 303 & L303 or instructors consent
1.00
This class complements FS 403, Trace Evidence, and consists of lectures and laboratory exercises using microscopical analysis. An emphasis is placed on visual light microscope theory and usage. Stereoscopic and polarized light microscopes (PLMs) are located at individual student workstaions. A comparison microscope is also available. Additionally, microscopes utilizing spectroscopic detection are studied and used. Infrared microscopy experiments are conducted on trace materials such as fibers, paint and glass. Prerequisites: CHEM 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and L303 or instructors permission. Student must be concurrently enrolled in FS 403. 3-hour laboratory. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered in alternate years.
Alternates Fall & Spring
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Expanded Classroom Requirement
*STATS 250 satisfies quantitative reasoning requirement.
**Participation in government crime labs is subject to requirements of those laboratories and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee; students wishing to major in this program should consult the director of forensic science early in the program. These courses fulfills the Expanded Classroom Requirement (ECR).
***Choose one from the following: CHEM 453, EHS 264, EHS 367, SOC 231, SOC 234, SOC 235, SOC 237, SOC 333. Additionally, Summer Forensic Science Institute offerings may be used toward this Elective Requirement; approval by a member of the Forensic Science Advisory Committee is required.
3.00
Application of the principles of forensic science in evaluating physical evidence, with emphasis on its role in criminal investigation. Class experiences may include guest lectures and field trips. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered Fall/Spring Does not satisfy University Natural Science requirement.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
FS 303 concurrently and instructors permission
1.00
Laboratory experiences related to the collection and analysis of physical evidence as performed by forensic science professionals. Experiments may include forensic microscopy, drug analysis, forensic serology, physical patterns, fingerprint and firearm evidence analysis techniques. 3-hour laboratory. Normally offered Fall/Spring.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: FS 303 and FS L303 or instructors permission
3.00
This course covers the examination of trace materials, other than DNA sources, by visual microscopic analysis through advanced instrumental analysis. The collection, preservation, analysis, report preparation, and evidential significance for court testimony are described. Examples of common materials, such as textile fibers, paints and glass are used to describe the process of comparison and chemical identification of a known versus a questioned specimen(s) suspect of being associated with a crime scene. Instrumental demonstrations are provided. Prerequisites: CHEM 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and FS L303 or instructors permission. 3-hour lecture. Normally offered in alternate years.
Alternates Fall & Spring
Chem 314 & L314; FS 303 & L303 or instructors consent
1.00
This class complements FS 403, Trace Evidence, and consists of lectures and laboratory exercises using microscopical analysis. An emphasis is placed on visual light microscope theory and usage. Stereoscopic and polarized light microscopes (PLMs) are located at individual student workstaions. A comparison microscope is also available. Additionally, microscopes utilizing spectroscopic detection are studied and used. Infrared microscopy experiments are conducted on trace materials such as fibers, paint and glass. Prerequisites: CHEM 314, CHEM L314, FS 303 and L303 or instructors permission. Student must be concurrently enrolled in FS 403. 3-hour laboratory. 1 term - 1 credit. Normally offered in alternate years.
Alternates Fall & Spring
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Instructors permission is required for registration
1.00- 4.00
The practicum involves participation in government crime laboratories, private forensic laboratories, private analytical chemical laboratories (including biomedical laboratories), a forensic science project at Suffolk University or other laboratories where the student can demonstrate that he or she can acquire skills applicable to forensic analysis. Students are encouraged to seek a practicum sponsor that suits his/her skills and interests; assistance may be provided by the Forensic Science Program faculty. However, the Forensic Science faculty member teaching FS 436 must approve any outside practicum sponsor for this course, and if a suitable outside sponsor is not found, the student will fulfill this requirement through a forensic science project at Suffolk University. Participation at the laboratories is subject to requirements of the particular laboratory and will be open only to those students approved by the Forensic Science Committee. Ten contact hours per week, or 140 hours total, a project plan, regular project reports, and a final written and oral report are required. Normally offered Fall/Spring/Summer. ECR approved.
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Permission of the Forensic Science Advisory Committee
4.00
This weeklong course, divided between lectures and laboratory exercises, teaches the fundamental principles of the discipline through theory and practice. The laboratory exercises allow students the opportunity to experiment with how blood reacts under known conditions. This course will not make instant experts of the students, but it does give a firm foundation on which they can build expert qualifications. Offered occasionally - Most recently offered Summer 2010.
Occasional
FS 303 and a signature from the Forensic Science Advising Committee.
4.00
Provides forensic scientists with legal and practical information concerning courtroom testimony. Topics include: Rules of Evidence of significance to forensic experts; the requirement of scientific reliability as a prerequisite to testimony; ethical considerations; preparation and relationship with the attorney calling an expert; persuasive courtroom behaviors and strategies; basic Fourth Amendment issues for experts; civil liability for forensic experts. Classes include lectures, discussions and simulations and are held in a courtroom. Offered occasionally; most recently offered summer 2006.
Occasional
