Forensic Science – Death Investigations (BS)

Detailed examination of the chemical structure, conformation and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides; analysis of the energetics, enzymes and control of the metabolic pathways by which these molecules are degraded or synthesized.

Chemistry of organic compounds.

Continuation of CHM 233.

Science of genetics, gene flow, and genetic engineering in humans and other organisms.

Investigational activities using modern molecular techniques to analyze various genetic phenomena.

Introduces key concepts and skills needed to succeed in the program and the forensic science professional field. Students review the CSI effect, the forensic science program at ASU, and begin planning for their culminating experience. Additionally, introduces forensic science professional organizations, basic scientific writing skills, and hearing from experts in the field.

Offers a comprehensive introduction to medicolegal death investigation, its theory and practice. Examines the history of death investigation internationally and focuses on the ways in which practitioners in this field are trained, the spheres in which they work and the ways in which they do their job in the United States. Particularly focuses on the complex roles of those individuals operating within the U.S. medicolegal and judicial systems. Medicolegal death investigation lies at the intersection of science and the community. Its practitioners offer a critical service to the public and operate under intense scrutiny and expectations, yet with limited resources. Death investigators at every level of occupation are required to navigate the delicate spaces between the deceased and those left behind with questions. Examines the practice of death investigation through the complex lens of diverse sociocultural notions of death, taking into consideration the mental burden often placed on the investigator in this context. Topics include forensic science, pathology, the medicolegal and judicial systems, ethics, medicolegal death investigation, mass disaster and human rights responses, and second responder mental health.

Examines the history of forensic anthropology and focuses on the ways in which practitioners in this field are trained, the spheres in which they work and the ways in which they do their jobs. Puts particular focus on the complex role of the anthropologist operating within the medicolegal and judicial systems.

Covers the practical use of photography in documenting human remains, crime scenes and evidence. Topics include camera operation, lenses, focus, exposure, depth of field, lighting, composition, flash, injury documentation, digital cameras and video and court presentation of photographic evidence.

Introduces the ways in which science is applied within the legal system. In particular, students examine the diverse disciplines and techniques that comprise forensic science through detailed discussion of each of the major sections recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): anthropology, criminalistics, digital & multimedia sciences, engineering & applied sciences, general, jurisprudence, odontology, pathology/biology, psychiatry & behavioral science, questioned documents and toxicology. Defines and discusses the roles of these disciplines along with ethics and best practices in their application. Students also participate in laboratory activities related to these disciplines and gain an understanding of how to write a case report and provide expert testimony.

Statistical concepts and methods applicable to forensic science and the evaluation of forensic evidence. Emphasizes the practical application to forensic contexts and communication of results. Explores statistical concepts and methodologies including hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation, probability and regression within forensic science contexts. Introduces through applied examples advanced topics related to forensic science such as likelihood ratios, classification, evidence evaluation, error limits and DNA population probabilities.

Builds on foundational material learned in previous coursework while focusing on the procedures and techniques used in forensic science laboratories. Applies lecture material to hands-on laboratory exercises based on current practices across forensic science subdisciplines including chemistry, biology and criminalistics. Covers quality assurance procedures specific to these areas of forensic science in the lecture and laboratory sections.

Focuses on the relationship between forensic science and the courtroom. Students learn the accepted standards and professional practices as they relate to forensic scientists and other forensic practitioners. Topics include ethical obligations of a forensic scientist, quality assurance practices and the accreditation process. Students also review the role the expert witness plays within the court system while obtaining an understanding of behavioral and ethical issues that can be encountered from crime scene investigation through to the courtroom. Includes mock trial scenarios.