Forensic Science (FORS)

FORS 1390  Survey of Forensic Science  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): CHE 1101/1301; or consent of instructor  

An introduction to forensic science with a focus on the history and current state of disciplines including crime and death scene investigation, chain of custody procedures, the forensic laboratory and its components and expert testimony. Field trips, guest speakers and hands-on activities.

FORS 2391  Topics in Forensic Science Methods I  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor  

Lecture and field experience in the methods and techniques of forensic science. Topics will vary. May be repeated once under a different topic.

FORS 3310  Bloodstain Pattern Analysis  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

Recognition of bloodstain pattern evidence, flight characteristics, motion, and force. Includes hands-on activities.

FORS 3320  Trace Evidence  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

Trace evidence at crime scenes; includes hair, fibers, soils, paint, bloodstains, fluids, and other substances.

FORS 3330  Impression Evidence  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

Impression evidence at crime scenes; includes fingerprints, footwear, tires, firearms, tool marks, and bite marks.

FORS 3331  Human Osteology  (3)  
Cross-listed as ANT 3331  

See ANT 3331 for course information.

FORS 3340  Expert Witness Testimony  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

The forensic expert witness in the courtroom. Class taught in conjunction with practice court presentations at the Baylor Law School.

FORS 3350  Forensic Application of White-Collar Crime  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

Investigations of white-collar crimes and their place in forensic science.

FORS 3357  Crime Scene Investigation  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

Examining and processing the crime scene for physical evidence such as fingerprints, footwear impressions, trace evidence, occult blood, and DNA. Photography, search strategies, collection methods, and legal considerations will be reviewed. (Students may not receive credit for both FORS 2357 and FORS 3357).

FORS 3360  Forensic Firearms Evidence  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

Firearm evidence; includes nomenclature, analytical methods, gunshot residues, ballistics, and shooting incident reconstruction.

FORS 3370  Medicolegal Death Investigation  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

An in-depth study into the practices and principles of death investigation and autopsy protocols from medical, scientific, and legal perspectives, including the investigation of natural and unnatural causes of death, such as asphyxia, toxicity, blunt force trauma, sharp force trauma, and natural disease processes.

FORS 3380  Advanced Forensic Investigations  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

This course provides training in crime scene investigative specialties in conjunction with forensic science techniques, including simulated crime scenes beginning with the initial report of the offense and continue through courtroom procedures and the legal process.

FORS 3392  Topics in Forensic Science Methods II  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor  

Lecture and field experience in the methods and techniques of forensic science. Topics will vary. May be repeated once under a different topic.

FORS 3393  Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 1390  

A specialized course on biological materials relevant to a legal setting. Topics include microorganisms and bioterrorism, invertebrates, pathology, hair, and human biological materials.

FORS 3394  Forensic DNA Analysis  (3)  
Cross-listed as ANT 3394  
Pre-requisite(s): ANT 1404 or BIO 1305 or BIO 1306 or consent of instructor  

A specialized course on the use of DNA evidence in legal situations. Topics include basic DNA techniques, forensic DNA profiling, DNA databases, and DNA statistics in a lecture and applied format.

FORS 4355  Forensic Anthropology  (3)  
Cross-listed as ANT 4355  

See ANT 4355 for course information.

FORS 4359  Death, Injury, and Physical Remains  (3)  
Cross-listed as ANT 4358, ANT 4359  
Pre-requisite(s): FORS 3331 or ANT 3331 and FORS 4355 or ANT 4355  

An in-depth study looking at the information the forensic anthropologist provides the medical examiner or coroner in determining the manner of death in a forensic context.

FORS 4V50  Independent Topics in Forensic Science  (1-3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor  

Individual topics not available in formal courses of the department. May include independent study or research; directed reading; supervised work in the library, laboratory, or field; or presentation of material.