Plan of Study –

Survey of the theory and application of modern forensic science techniques as applied to the analysis of evidence. Fundamental science concepts applied to evidence analysis, primarily in the forensic biology, forensic chemistry and pattern matching criminalistics concentrations within the forensic science discipline. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours of laboratory per week. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 5010.LB

Laboratory course focused on the application of fundamental science concepts and analysis in forensic biology, forensic chemistry and pattern matching criminalistics. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 5010

Examination of the nature of the legal environment and the ethical issues that confront managers and administrators in a criminal justice agency: the underlying legal process and contemporary issues related to the decision-making functions of managers and administrators; the adjudicatory process (civil, administrative, and criminal); contract law. Analysis of current issues and controversies of our legal system including an examination of employment issues, such as discrimination, administrative agencies, civil liability, and vicarious liability. Emphasis placed on the ethical administration and application of authority to both internal and external entities.

The application of quality assurance practices to research and development and the forensic science laboratory. Implementation of ISO standards for accredited forensic lab facilities. Explore topics such as: ethical decision making, root cause analytics, and safety implementation, corrective actions, method validation, roles of different professions within the US legal system.

Coursework in this area explores the rules of criminal law and procedure: the application of the criminal law to specific conduct; the rules and practices governing courtroom testimony; the customs and norms related to evidence collection; and the theoretical basis behind our current criminal system and its practices.

Focus on the preparation of a scientific paper based on original research, including scientific paper structure, types of publications, journal impact score, steps for writing a scientific paper, data analysis application, literature review and proper in-text citations, and dissemination of findings in public forums. This course must be taken within the final six hours of the program.

Supervised internship provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills from work experience in forensic science. Entry-level career-related experience to include laboratory and/or investigative field work is gained through the internship providing career-related experience employers value when hiring new employees.

Address the challenges faced by for-profit and nonprofit organizations by understanding the unique institutional context and the behavior of individuals within these organizations. Review relevant research related to for-profit and nonprofit organizations, bridging theory and practice to address complex management issues. Examine relevant legal and ethical issues related to organizational theory and human behavior and the implications of such intersection for the modern organization.

Independent analysis of data generated during the implementation phase of the advanced forensic science research project is completed under the supervision of a forensic science graduate supervisor. Prerequisite: FOR 5130.

Coursework in this area explores the importance of initial crime scene investigation, processing of evidence, reconstruction of the scene, and working with other criminal justice disciplines (Investigators, Medical Examiners, Prosecuters and Defense Attorneys) to determine the facts of the case. This course will also cover search and seizure, courtroom testimony, and presentation of evidence.

Forensic microscopy in important in analyzing physical evidence, especially trace evidence. Explore topics in forensic microscopy including microscopy fundamentals and basics, types of microscopes and their applications, types of evidence that can be analyzed via microscopic methods. Corequisite: FOR 5370.LB.

The practical theories of microscopy discussed in lecture will be put into practice. Different microscopic techniques (flourescent scope, stereoscopes, dissecting scopes, compound scopes) will be used to analyze examples of physical evidence. Corequisite: FOR 5370.

An overview of current methodology and research topics pertaining to Forensic Biology for individuals outside the Forensic Biology concentration.

An overview of current methodology and research topics pertaining to Forensic Chemistry for individuals outside the Forensic Chemistry concentration.

An overview of current methodology and research topics pertaining to Forensic Pattern Matching for individuals outside the Pattern Matching Criminalistics concentration.

Independent development and writing of an advanced research project proposal under the supervision of a graduate supervisor, including a project timeline and an assessment of resources required. Prerequisite: permission of program director.

Independent implementation of experimentation to explore a proposed question for an advanced forensic science research project under the supervision of a forensic science graduate supervisor. Prerequisite: FOR 5110.

Advanced experimentation to address the question posed in an independent advanced forensic science research project under the supervision of a forensic science graduate supervisor. Prerequisite: FOR 5110; prerequisite or co-requisite: FOR 5120.

Presentation of the accumulated research data and analysis completed during advanced research and data analysis phases under the supervision of a graduate supervisor. Prerequisite: FOR 5130 or equivalent; prerequisite or corequisite: FOR 5140 or equivalent.

An advanced course in molecular biology which will explore cellular mechanisms at a molecular and biochemical level. Review of the central dogma of biology and introductory materials, common assays used to study cellular processes and how they can be applied to crime scence evidence. Review of current literature using innovative techniques and explore biotechnology as it applies to molecular biology. Corequisite: FOR 5410.LB

Laboratory to support advanced course in molecular biology. Use of innovative techniques to explore biotechnology as it applies to molecular biology. Implementation of common assays used to study cellular processes and how they can be applied to crime scence evidence. Corequisite: FOR 5410.

Principles of the forensic analysis of blood and other biological materials. Theoretical background of specific procedures and techniques used in forensic biology and serology, DNA analysis, and PCR amplification. Corequisite: FOR 5420.LB.

This laboratory section includes practical exercises that reflect common practice in forensic science laboratories, including but not limited to collection and preservation of biological evidence, presumptive and confirmatory tests, DNA extraction, and PCR amplification. Corequisite: FOR 5420.

Theory related to the fundamentals of the DNA testing process, including STR analysis and whole genomic sequencing of human genomes. Topics will include: advances in biology, technology, and genetic interpretation of DNA markers with special attention paid to SNP phenotyping, familial genetics, and high-profile forensic cases. Corequisite: FOR 5430.LB.

An overview of the DNA testing process, from sample collection to statisitical interpretation of a DNA match, in order to gain an understanding of the fundamentals behind STR typing and future trends in the forensic DNA field. Corequisite: FOR 5430.

Focus on drugs associated with idiosyncratic adverse reactions and studies to define their metabolic basis and assessment of toxic risk in humans. The course reviews pharmacokinetics in detail, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion regarding drug toxicities. Corequisite: FOR 5450 LB.

Laboratory course integrating advanced knowledge of the scientific literature and toxicological theory into practical applications and research. Includes hands-on experience testing controlled substances in the laboratory, developing independent research skills and improving the ability to present complex scientific research. Corequisite: FOR 5400 00.

This course is designed for students who are interested in skeletal biology and the diverse fields of forensic anthropological research that depend on the study of human skeletal and dental remains. Corequisite: FOR 5430.LB.

Laboratory course to support skill building in handling human skeletal remains, understanding skeletal development, implementing methods for determining a biological profile to identify remains, and using osteological analyses for examing evidence from crime scenes, including expert witness testimony. Corequisite: FOR 5460.

Focus on drugs associated with idiosyncratic adverse reactions and studies to define their metabolic basis and assessment of toxic risk in humans. The course reviews pharmacokinetics in detail, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion regarding drug toxicities. Corequisite: FOR 5450 LB.

Laboratory course integrating advanced knowledge of the scientific literature and toxicological theory into practical applications and research. Includes hands-on experience testing controlled substances in the laboratory, developing independent research skills and improving the ability to present complex scientific research. Corequisite: FOR 5400 00.

Focuses on the theory, instrument operation, and skills needed to conduct laboratory analysis and research, including sample handling, method validation, quality control, and data interpretation in he analytical chemistry laboratory. The course provides an understanding of instrument design for selected major instrumentation and applications. Corequisite: FOR 5510 LB.

The laboratory course covers instrument operation of spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, GC-MS, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS, as well as hands-on practice on sample handling, method validation, and quality control in the analytical chemistry laboratory. The course develops students' skills to a point where graduate students can work on instrument operation with confidence in an advanced chemical laboratory. Corequisite: FOR 5510.

Identify different types of common physical evidence found at crime scene. Examination of glass and soils using immersion, polarized light, x-ray diffraction analysis, and classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Examination of accelerants, paints, plastics, and fibers using GC-MS and classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Corequisite: FOR 5540.LB.

Laboratroy to identify different types of common physical evidence found at crime scene. Examination of glass and soils using immersion, polarized light, x-ray diffration analysis, and classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Examination of accelerants, paints, plastics, and fibers using GC-MS and classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Corequisite: FOR 5540.

Fundamental aspects of drug chemistry emphasizing forensic laboratory analysis on relevant controlled substances. Examine dosage forms of varying durgs using classical and advanced methodologies. The course uses a foundation in organic and analytical chemistry to explore the theory behind the analytical techniques used for drug analysis, the biochemistry of drug interactions within the body, dosage determination, and drug classifications. Corequisite: FOR 5550.LB.

Examine dosage forms of varying drugs using classical and advanced techniques. Apply the theory behind the analytical techniques used for drug analysis to drug samples in the laboratory, and identify physical evidence samples of unknown substances using common methods available in the forensic science laboratory. Corequisite: FOR 5550.

Using advanced theoretical principles, laboratory methodologies, and interpretive frameworks to identify, compare, and evaluate physical evidence such as impression and trace evidence. Emphasis is placed on the scientific foundations of pattern recognition, quantitative and qualitative comparison techniques, error rates, and the role of human cognition in forensic interpretation. Knowledge of issues of admissibility, standards of practice, and current research in the validation and reliability of pattern evidence disciplines will be discussed. Corequisite: FOR 5330.LB

Laboratory course work provides hands-on experience in examinations, documentation, and comparison of impression and trace evidence commonly encountered in forensic investigations. Building upon theoretical knowledge advanced analytical and comparative techniques will be used to analyze evidentiary samples such as fingerprints, footwear and tire impressions, fracture patterns, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, soil, and fire debris. Practical exercises will include impression recovery, casting and lifting techniques, digital image capture and enhancement, 3D scanning, and comparative microscopy. Corequisite: FOR 5330.00

This course examines the most current methods of shooting reconstruction including the use of principles of trigonometry in determining angles of impact, ballistic trajectory muzzle-to-target distance, range/direction of fire, tool marks, and identification of gunshot residues. Corequisite: FOR 5340.LB.

Laboratory providing practical exercises on the determination and reconstruction of shooting incidents, and subsequent expert testimony. The course covers identification of firearms, and analysis of crime scenes involving single-fire-gun projectiles. Corequisite: FOR 5340

Course focuses on the skills required to perform blood stain analysis and develops advanced abilities used in complex scenes by providing opportunites to recognize and practice critical observation and analysis skills. Corequisite: FOR 5350.LB.

Laboratory to support active learning and skill develoment for blood stain pattern analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Corequisite: FOR 5350.

Using advanced theoretical principles an in-depth exploration of scientific methodologies, and technologies in the detection and recovery of impression evidence. An emphasis on the advanced processing and interpretation of fingerprints, footwear impressions, tire tracks, and toolmarks will be explored within the context of forensic casework. Corequisite: FOR 5360.LB

Practical applications in the detection, recovery, enhancement, and comparative analysis of impression evidence. Fingerprint development, footwear and tire track recovery, toolmark comparison, and digital documentation of impression evidence will be analyzed using advanced physical, chemical, and digital enhancement techniques within the context of real-world forensic applications. Practical laboratory exercises simulate casework conditions to include the preparation of case reports, and courtroom-style presentations of scientific findings. Corequisite: FOR 5360.

An advanced course exploring topics, concepts, and practices central to conservation biology, especially those relevant to human influence on wildlife protection. The course will cover topics related to threats to biodiversity, restoration and population ecology, and how forensic practitioners can help to improve, protect, and manage wildlife resources. Corequisite: FOR 5610.LB

A laboratory course where students will apply skills and techniques from conservation biology to forensic science settings. Students will explore how empirical data can be used to conduct quantitative analyses of wildlife populations, conduct soil and water quality tests, and conduct field sampling methods to characterize and quantify wildlife community composition on the Madonna University campus. Corequisite: FOR 5610.

This course will explore the wildlife management decision making, ethics, and legal approaches at local, national, and global scales. Topics will include discussing how resource management decisions are made, important legal frameworks and laws, and the environmental ethics of our society. Students will explore the ideas and history that have led to much of the conservation goals and strategies used in Michigan and the United States. Students will also engage with important case studies that have guided environmental ethics over the years. Corequisite: FOR 5620.LB

This lab course will provide students with experiential learning opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to visit and interact with practitioners to see how lecture topics are implemented institutionally in practice to protect and conserve natural resources. Corequisite: FOR 5620.00

An advanced One Health course investigating the effects of infectious disease, invasive species, and environmental toxins on wildlife populations. During the course students will learn about disease models, sampling methods and data collection, and how these can be used to inform conservation efforts. The course will cover the effects of invasive species on native wildlife. These topics will be discussed in the context of humans as important vectors of novel disease and invasive species, the introduction of pollutants, and our ability to combat their effects. Corequisite: FOR 5630.LB

A laboratory course focused on practice and methodologies discussed in lecture. The course will implement empirical, computational, and practical approaches to investigate pathogens, toxins, and invasive species. Students will identify and quantify the effects of these environmental and ecological stressors on wildlife and human health. Corequisite: FOR 5630.

This advanced course will define and cover the broad aspects of wildlife forensics. Topics will include scene processing in natural settings including specific conditions in rural and urban case work. The course will focus on the analysis of wildlife forensics evidence including DNA sampling, injury assessment including wound examination and bite mark analysis, and trace evidence analysis of fur, hair, and feathers. The course will also cover topics in entomology and botany. Corequisite: FOR 5640.LB.

This laboratory course will provide practical experience where students will learn to identify and work with trace evidence from a variety of vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant species common to the Midwest. Students will analyze physical evidence to characterize interactions between species, humans, and crime scenes. Students will be able to analyze wounds caused by humans and animals. Students will perform experiments to identify wildlife and investigate insect/invertebrate time-to-colonization. Corequisite: FOR 5640.