Faculty: INSTITUTE OF ADDICTION AND FORENSIC SCIENCES This major prepares students for careers in forensic science, focusing on the application of scientific principles and techniques to legal and criminal investigations. Students develop practical laboratory skills, theoretical knowledge, and analytical abilities to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence. Graduates are equipped for roles in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, government institutions, and private forensic consulting firms. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand fundamentals of forensic science, criminalistics, and legal procedures. - Develop skills in evidence collection, preservation, and analysis. - Learn techniques for crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry, biology, and toxicology. - Explore principles of forensic anthropology, odontology, and digital forensics. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical skills for forensic science practice. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Forensic Science** - Overview of key concepts and industry trends in forensic science. - Fundamentals of forensic science, criminalistics, and legal procedures. 2. **Crime Scene Investigation** - Principles of crime scene investigation, including evidence recognition, documentation, and collection. - Techniques for securing and processing crime scenes. 3. **Forensic Chemistry** - Fundamentals of forensic chemistry, including analysis of drugs, poisons, and trace evidence. - Techniques for chemical analysis and instrumental methods in forensic chemistry. 4. **Forensic Biology** - Principles of forensic biology, including DNA analysis, serology, and bloodstain pattern analysis. - Techniques for biological evidence examination and interpretation. 5. **Forensic Toxicology** - Fundamentals of forensic toxicology, including analysis of drugs, alcohol, and poisons in biological samples. - Techniques for toxicological analysis and interpretation. 6. **Forensic Anthropology and Odontology** - Principles of forensic anthropology and odontology, including human remains identification and dental evidence analysis. - Techniques for anthropological and odontological examinations. 7. **Digital Forensics** - Understanding and applying digital forensics tools for data recovery, analysis, and cybercrime investigation. - Techniques for digital evidence examination and computer forensics. 8. **Forensic Law and Ethics** - Principles of forensic law, including evidence admissibility, chain of custody, and expert testimony. - Ethical considerations and professional standards in forensic science practice. 9. **Practicum in Forensic Science** - Real-world forensic science experiences, including observations, internships, and hands-on projects in crime laboratories or law enforcement settings. - Application of learned skills in practical forensic investigations. 10. **Capstone Project in Forensic Science** - Comprehensive project applying skills in crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry, or digital forensics. - Delivery of a polished forensic science project or case study. **Assessment Methods:** - Crime scene reports, forensic chemistry analyses, forensic biology projects, toxicology reports, anthropology and odontology studies, digital forensics presentations, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internship evaluations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques" by Stuart H. James and Jon J. Nordby. - "Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science" by Richard Saferstein. - "Forensic Chemistry" by Suzanne Bell. - "Forensic DNA Typing: Biological and Technological Principles" by John M. Butler. - "Clarke's Analysis of Drugs and Poisons" by A. C. Moffat et al. - "Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice" by Steven A. Symes et al. - "Digital Forensics for Incident Response" by Gerard Johansen. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology, and criminal justice. Suitable for students interested in forensic science, criminalistics, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practicum, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Forensic Science and pursue professional certifications such as those offered by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or related fields. **Target Audience:** Aspiring forensic scientists, criminalists, law enforcement professionals, and individuals seeking careers in forensic science, criminal investigation, and related fields. This major equips students with the practical, theoretical, and analytical skills needed to excel in forensic science, supporting careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement, and related fields.