Forensic Science

This course covers all facets of criminal procedure in the Canadian system of criminal justice from a forensic science perspective. Topics include : the criminal trial process, the elements of a crime, the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the role of the defence. PREREQ: Acceptance into an Honours program in Forensic Science. (Lec 3), cr 3.

This course introduces the basic concepts of criminal law and provides an introduction to common law criminal procedure as practised in Canada. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of a Canadian criminal trial from the laying of charges to the actual trial. The key concepts that determine criminal responsibility will also be examined. Mens rea, actus rea and some of the defenses that can be raised to exonerate the defendant will also be covered. PREREQ: FORS 1006 (lec 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00).

This course introduces students to the analysis and interpretation of biological evidence in forensic contexts. Topics include entomology, botany, fingerprints, toxicology, DNA, pathology, anthropology and odontology. PREREQ: 1st-year program requirements or permission of instructor. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 2106 and BIOL 2205 Forensic Biology. Lecture (3.00), Lab (3.00).

This course introduces students to the principles and practices found in forensic science laboratories. Topics covered in this course include crime scene procedures and practices, the collection of evidence, and the basis of analysis of that evidence. An emphasis is placed on the proper procedures involved in maintaining the chain of custody of evidence in a variety of contexts. PREREQ: FORS 2106. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 2107 and BIOL 2205 Forensic Biology. Lecture (3.00), Lab (3.00).

This course examines the essential rules for the admissibility of expert witness testimony The course also explores the basic principles of ethical inquiry relevant to the ethical challenges facing forensic scientists as they analyse evidence and testify in court. PREREQ: FORS 1006 (lec 3) cr 3.

Selected topics in the area of forensic biology will be discussed. The topics of discussion will centre on current issues surrounding the analytical procedures and interpretation of biological evidence. PREREQ: FORS 2106. (sem/cst 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00).

Selected topics in the area of forensic science will be discussed. The topics of discussion will centre on current issues surrounding the analytical procedures and interpretation of non-biological evidence. PREREQ: FORS 2107. (sem/cst 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00).

The anatomy of the human skeleton, including the normal range of metrical and morphological variation, is presented in the context of forensic medicine. PREREQ: BIOL 2105. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 3036 and ANTR 3036. Lecture (3.00).

This course describes the analysis of various forms of forensic evidence in terms of chemical principles. Fundamental operational principles and characteristics of instrumental and classical chemical analysis of evidentiary items including fire debris, explosives, paint analysis, glass, fibres, and suspected drugs will be presented. An emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of the implications and limitations of analytical results, and the design of analytical methods in a forensic context. PREREQ: CHMI 2426, CHMI 2427, and CHMI 3116. (lec 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00).

This course introduces concepts specific to forensic DNA typing. Topics include basic biochemical concepts associated with DNA, fundamental concepts of analysis specific to DNA typing, concepts related to the polymerase chain reaction, interpretation of analytical data in the forensic context, based on considerations of population genetics, and limitations due to artefacts. PREREQ: FORS 2106/2107 and CHMI 2227. (lec 3) cr 3. Restricted to students enrolled in the Forensic Science program. Lecture (3.00).

The themes explored in this course will include the role of a code of ethics, professional accountability and dilemmas in intellectual property, privacy and conflict of interest. In any given year, other topics of current relevance will also be explored. The study of these issues will be structured around the systematic examination of the nature and function of a profession. PREREQ: FORS 3006. (lec 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00).

This course is an in-depth study of practical aspects of criminal investigation relevant to the forensic scientist. The application of knowledge gained in previous courses pertaining to crime scene procedures such as recognition, protection, documentation and collection of evidence will be emphasized. Study of major case management, use of witnesses, interview/interrogation, modus operandi, etc., will be enhanced through case studies, mock crime scenes and mock trial scenarios. PREREQ: Completion of third-year program requirements, or permission of instructor. (lec 3, cst/lab 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00), Lab (3.00).

This course is recommended for students who plan on pursuing graduate studies. Students will conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member in order to produce an undergraduate thesis. Students in this course must also present the results of the research to their peers at the end of the academic year in the form of a conference. This course is only open to students in the fourth year of the Forensic Science program. PREREQ: Completion of third-year requirements and permission of chair and potential supervisor. (tut 3) cr 6. Lecture (3.00).

This advanced laboratory course covers the analysis of the human skeleton in forensic contexts. Topics include estimating age at death, sex determination, analysis for genetic and geographic ancestry, stature estimation, method for establishing a positive identification, taphonomic considerations, pathology, and estimation of the postmortem interval. PREREQ: FORS 3036. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 4106 and ANTR 4106. Lecture (3.00), Lab (3.00).

This course covers the areas of instrumental analysis as they pertain to drug analysis in biological samples as well as basic pharmacological principles in a forensic context. Information pertaining specifically to alcohol and drugs of abuse are examined for their role in post-mortem toxicology and impairment as it applies to driving, sexual assault and homicide. The experimental confounds that affect toxicological interpretation will be discussed. PREREQ: PREREQ: CHMI 2426/2427, FORS 2106/2107 or permission of instructor. (lec 3) cr 3.

This course builds upon the basic botanical training covered in previous courses. Students will receive instruction in the application of plant anatomy, morphology, family characteristics, soils, and environment in the context of forensic analysis. Students will develop skills in the recognition of plant material, its documentation, collection, and preservation at crime scenes. Additionally, this course covers in detail the analytical techniques utilized to forensically compare scene samples with known reference specimens. The preparation of a forensic botany report by each student will act to coalesce the material covered in this capstone course. PREREQ: BIOL 1507, BIOL 2356, FORS 2106, and FORS 2107. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Lecture (3.00).

The student will undertake an approved placement with a suitable agency during the final year prior to graduation. Students must be available to commit one working day equivalent per week to the placement. An internship report in the form of a research paper is required. The grade will be based on the student's report and the agency's evaluation. This course is restricted to students in the Forensic Science program. Students must pre-apply for available positions to allow for appropriate agency matching. PREREQ: Enrolment in the fourth year of the Forensic Science program and permission of the chair of Forensic Science. (exp 200 hours) cr 6. Lecture (3.00).