Forensic Sciences (FRSC)

The following courses are restricted to those students accepted into the Certificate in Forensic Sciences Program at Saint Mary’s University.  

***All the following courses have 3 hour classes and 3 hour lab/tutorial per week.

FRSC 1800 – 1825 Special Topics in Forensic Science
6 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year.

FRSC 1826 – 1849 Special Topics in Forensic Science
3 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year.

FRSC 2200  Basic Sciences for Forensics I    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: acceptance into Certificate in Forensic Sciences Program
Faculty and external specialists from several scientific disciplines provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of the application of sciences within Forensics. Applications include the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of physical evidence within the judiciary process of criminal investigation. Scientific theories and principles underlying these applications are examined.
FRSC 2201  Basic Science for Forensics II    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: acceptance into Certificate in Forensic Sciences Program.
This course is a continuation of Basic Sciences for Forensics I.

FRSC 2800 – 2825 Special Topics in Forensic Science
6 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year.

FRSC 2826 – 2849 Special Topics in Forensic Science
3 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year. 

FRSC 3007  Forensic DNA Typing  BIOL 3007  
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: BIOL 2307
Students study all aspects of forensic DNA typing protocols, and interpretation. Lectures focus on theory and laboratory sessions involve actual DNA typing, where students work with their own DNA. These skills are highly transferrable, and are applicable to the genetic analysis of populations in general.
FRSC 3310  Role of Science in Forensics    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: FRSC 2200 and 2201
Students gain the skills needed to develop a critical perspective regarding the science underlying the practice of different fields in forensics. These skills are applied to critique different fields, and to learn from the problems forensics has faced regarding a historical lack of scientific rigor.
FRSC 3350  Forensic Sciences in Practice    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: FRSC 2200 and 2201 and 3310
This is the capstone course for the certificate in Forensic Sciences Program. Students will integrate their learning from previous courses, gain a deeper understanding of areas of interest, and improve communication skills through student-centered activities, such as the completeion of research projects and collaboration with experts.
FRSC 3400  Forensic Human Anatomy    
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: FRSC 2200 and FRSC 2201
Students are provided with a systematic approach to the study of human anatomy and the relation of structure design to facilitate function. Students investigate applied aspects of forensic anatomy of the deceased (cause and manner of death), as well as stress analyses and material properties of trauma and biomechanical forces acting on tissue.

FRSC 3800 – 3825 Special Topics in Forensic Science
6 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year.

FRSC 3826 – 3849 Special Topics in Forensic Science
3 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year. 

FRSC 3876-99 Directed Studies in Forensic Science
3 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year. 

FRSC 4002  Wildlife Forensics  BIOL 4002  
3 credit hours  
Prerequisite: BIOL 2307
The goals of this course are for students to learn about the techniques involved in wildlife forensics, how the resulting data are interpreted, and how this information is used in a legal setting. Although many aspects of wildlife forensics are covered, there is a focus on DNA methods. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week

FRSC 4800 – 4825 Special Topics in Forensic Science
6 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year.

FRSC 4826 – 4849 Special Topics in Forensic Science
3 credit hours
Course content varies from year to year.