CJS/215 - Introduction to Forensics
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to forensic science. This survey course is developed specifically for non-science majors to familiarize them with the different forensic science disciplines, the types of examinations crime laboratories conduct, and how forensic science is applied in current American criminal justice systems. Students gain a basic understanding of the principles of science, specifically the scientific method and its application.
This undergraduate course is 5 weeks.
This course has a prerequisite. Please see details in the Prerequisite section below.
PLEASE NOTE:
Attendance and participation are mandatory in all university courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.
Course Objectives
Week 1
- Identify forensic science disciplines and their capabilities.
- Describe the history and development of forensic science.
Week 2
- Explain the procedures for collecting crime scene evidence.
- Identify methods for safely securing and recording the crime scene.
Week 3
- Identify types of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes.
- Describe the collection and preservation of firearms evidence, latent prints, and drug evidence.
Week 4
- Identify the various types of biological evidence.
- Describe the collection and preservation of biological evidence.
- Explain the use of biological specimens in forensic toxicology.
Week 5
- Analyze the importance of computer forensics.
- Describe the roles of the forensic pathologist, forensic anthropologist, and forensic entomologist in death investigation.
Notes
A prerequisite is required for this course. The purpose of a prerequisite is to ensure students have the knowledge and/or skills needed to be successful in the course. Students are required to provide proof of prerequisite during the enrollment/registration process. To meet to a course prerequisite requirement, a student must have successfully completed the prerequisite course at University of Phoenix, provide proof via transcript of completing a comparable course (at least 75% match) or higher level course with at least a grade of C at another institution or have a University of Phoenix approved Student Appeal on file with the University.
This course requires the prerequisite below. Click on the prerequisite course to review the course topics and objectives.
Prerequisites
CJS/201 – Introduction to Criminal Justice or equivalent
Disclaimers
The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with an Enrollment Representative.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.