An Introduction to Forensics

Quarters
Spring Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Andrew Brabban

How can we think analytically and critically about criminal investigation? How is a crime scene analyzed? How are crimes solved? This program will focus on the forensic science perspective in order to investigate crime and societal responses to it. Through our forensics investigations, we will learn biology, chemistry, pathology, and physics. We will study evidentiary techniques for crime scene analysis, such as the examination of fingerprints, DNA, blood spatter, fibers, glass fractures and fragments, hairs, ballistics, teeth, bones, and body remains. Hands-on laboratory and field approaches will be key in our weekly learning. We will also learn to apply analytical, quantitative, and qualitative skills to the collection and interpretation of evidence. Students can expect seminars, labs, lectures, and workshops, along with both individual and group project work. This is an introductory program about science; critical thinking, chemistry, and biology as applied to crime analysis. Students interested in developing their skills in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies should consider this program.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Forensic Science with Laboratory: Time of Death, Materials Evidence and Patterns Evidence

3 - Forensic Science with Laboratory: Toxicology and Serology

4 - Forensic Science with Laboratory: DNA Analysis and Blood Spatter

2 - Forensic Science with Laboratory: Ballistics and Tool Markings

3 - Quantitative Reasoning, Data Analysis and Presentation

Registration

Academic Details

Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice

16
23
Freshman

$50 lab fee

Schedule

Spring
2025
Open
In Person (S)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Day
Schedule Details
Purce Hall 8 - Classroom
Olympia