LAW 741LEC - Forensic Science

This course is intended to provide a general introduction to forensic science, the application of science to the purposes of the law. The emphasis in this course is on forensic science in criminal matters. The course examines the use of various scientific disciplines in criminal investigation, prosecution, and defense. Among the topics to be considered are: crime scene investigation; forensic photography; analysis of physical evidence & trace evidence; forensic toxicology; serology; DNA analysis; fingerprint comparison; firearms analysis; document examination; forensic medicine; forensic pathology; and forensic psychology. No background in science is necessary, but some understanding of the law of evidence will be assumed, and extensive student participation will be required.

Credits: 3