01:202:305 Scientific Applications in Justice
Description: Contributions of physical science to crime prevention, detection, and prosecution; significant forensic aspects of chemistry, biology, geology, and physics as applied to prevention planning, contraband control, preserving evidence, ballistics, optics, sound, and sampling natural materials.
 
Prerequisites: 01:202:201
Course Synopsis: Professor DESIRE: This course teaches the proper use of forensic science necessary for a successful criminal justice system.  The students will be involved in the examination of data from the various forensic discipline such as crime scene, fingerprinting, impression evidence, serology, DNA, ballistics, pathology, toxicology, anthropology, trace, etc.  Each student will learn how to determine the quality of this evidence and draw conclusions based on their findings.  Studying what are valid scientific findings has extreme importance to policing, prosecution and post-conviction.  Specific techniques utilized in homicides, arson, sexual assaults, property crimes and homeland security will be studied and demonstrated.  Although a classroom setting, students will have the opportunity to use and train with select equipment.  Students will conduct mock trials demonstrating their ability to use science in the courtroom.  Strict emphasis on evidence admissibility and the hearings involved include review of Frye, Daubert and the Federal Rules of Evidence.
 
Current Syllabus: Fall 2016 DESIRE
Previous Syllabi:

Fall 2014 DESIRE
Spring 2014 DESIRE (LISA)
Spring 2013 DESIRE

Spring 2012 EMANUEL
Spring 2011 EMANUEL
Fall 2010 EMANUEL