CJE 2645 - Introduction to Forensic Science

College of Public Safety Administration

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2023 (625)

Requisites

(Prerequisite ENC 0025 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite REA 0017 with a minimum grade of C) or
Prerequisite appropriate scores on the English and Reading placement tests.

Course Description

This course exposes the student to the capabilities and functions of a full-service crime laboratory. Also covered is evidence selection and submission to crime lab in accordance with established standards and legal requirements including chain of custody.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will analyze the capabilities of a full-service crime lab by:
    1. recognizing the examination process of the chemistry/toxicology laboratory sections.
    2. evaluating the examination process of the microanalysis/trace evidence of the laboratory.
    3. processing various examinations completed in the firearms section of the laboratory.
    4. reviewing the examination process of questioned documents in the laboratory.
    5. exploring the processing methods for developing friction ridge detail/ enhancement of impression evidence and the comparative examinations in the laboratory.
    6. describing digital computer evidence laboratory sections.
  2. The student will demonstrate the chain of custody and submission protocols by:
    1. listing appropriate procedures.
    2. identifying related legal requirements.
  3. The student will analyze appropriate comparison standards by:
    1. identifying proper standards for laboratory sections for friction ridge examinations and comparisons.
    2. defining proper standards for laboratory sections for chemistry/toxicology examinations.
    3. describing the proper standards for laboratory sections on microanalysis/trace evidence.
    4. reviewing the proper standards for laboratory sections for firearms examinations.
    5. identifying proper standards for laboratory sections for questioned documents examinations.
    6. discussing the proper standards for laboratory sections for tool mark evidence.
    7. reviewing the proper standards for laboratory sections for impression evidence.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70 percent accuracy, demonstrate achievement of the above objectives through: 1. Multiple-choice objective and short answer essay tests. 2. Mock crime scene exercises.

History of Changes

C&I 5/27/97; DBT 6/17/97, Effective Session 19971. Online effective 20001. 3 Year Review 2001. Effective 20061(0370). /# chng SCNS eff 20091(0415). 3-Year Review 2009. # change per dept.: CJE 2640 to CJE 2645. Effective 20103(0440). Amended prerequisites effective 20112(0450).
C&I Approval: 02/24/2023, BOT Approval: 03/21/2023, Effective Term: Fall 2023 (625)

Related Programs

  1. Crime Scene Technology (CST-AS) (620) (Active)
  2. Crime Scene Technology (CST-CT) (625) (Active)
  3. Public Safety (CJPSS-AS) (645) (Active)
  4. Public Safety Administration (PSA-TR) (670) (Active)