Master of Science in Forensics

Transcription

1 Master of Science in Forensics The Master of Science in Forensics provides students with an intensive and holistic criminalistics experience through a combination of didactic and practical educational and research experiences in forensic science education that enables students to reach the highest levels of their intellectual achievement and personal growth. The program requires completion of a total of 40 credits. Each student is required to successfully complete the core curriculum which provides an expansive and broad-based educational experience in forensic science. Consequently, students are required to have a foundation consisting of various chemistry, biology, and mathematics courses equivalent to those in a forensics or biology undergraduate program to satisfy admissions requirements for entrance into the program. Students with undergraduate degrees in a field other than science must complete these foundation courses at the undergraduate level prior to admission into the program. The courses in the graduate program are offered through a combination of on campus and online delivery with the on campus courses taught at Bay Path s main campus in Longmeadow. Goals: The M.S. in Forensics provides students with a very strong foundation in criminalistics, as well as, extensive scientific analytical skills necessary for their success in forensic laboratory careers or advanced academic settings. Graduates of the M.S. program are expected to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles behind crime scene investigation and reconstruction, including proper procedures for the collection and preservation of evidence. 2. Complete intensive hands-on training in forensic laboratory methodologies employed in the analysis of evidence, including DNA, toxicology, and trace evidence analysis. 3. Demonstrate appropriate oral communication skills necessary for effectively testifying in a court of law and demonstrate the ability to provide cogent testimony. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity and importance of effective interaction between forensic scientists, law enforcement personnel, and members of the legal profession. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes professionalism and ethical behavior in forensic science and the vital importance of these behaviors by demonstrating knowledge of codes of ethics outlined by major forensic science organizations. 6. Apply oral and written communication skills for presentation of their findings in accordance with established professional guidelines. 7. Appreciate the value of forensic science research and demonstrate the ability to engage in it at the level of a research scientist. 8. Acquire leadership skills in forensic science research and administration.

2 Program Requirements To earn a Master of Science in Forensics, all students must complete 40 credits (12 courses) of graduate coursework as shown below. With the exception of FSC 500, all coursework is at the 600 level. Students must attain a minimum grade of B- in all courses. If a student receives a grade of less than a B- on a course in the M.S. in Forensics Program, the course must be repeated. Graduate Course Requirements Twelve core courses (40 credits) which include: Course Number Course Name FSC500 Forensic Biology (4) FSC605 Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis (4) FSC600 Forensic Science Seminar I (2) FSC610 Ethical and Legal Issues in Forensic Science (3) FSC620 Advanced Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction (4) FSC625 Trace Evidence Analysis and Microscopy (4) FSC615 Forensic Science Seminar II (2) FSC630 Forensic Science Research Project I (3) FSC645 Forensic Science Administration (3) FSC650 Forensic Science Research Project II (4) FSC665 Statistics and Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis (4) FSC670 Forensic Capstone Seminar (3) Graduate Portfolio Requirement A final portfolio is a graduation requirement. The portfolio requires students to reflect on the student learning outcomes of the program and document their achievement in each area with supporting evidence drawn directly from course work completed throughout the program. It serves as verification of the student s achievement and is evaluated by the graduate Forensics faculty and outside evaluators. Graduate students enrolled in the Master of Science in Forensics program are required to submit their portfolios in virtual format using course management software. The portfolio becomes the property of Bay Path College Prerequisite Competencies Required Undergraduate Foundation Courses As a minimum, a B.S. degree in forensic science or a natural science is required for entrance into the program as well as a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Students from institutions other than Bay Path under consideration for acceptance must also undergo a successful interview with members of the forensic science faculty before admission into the program. The following courses are required at the undergraduate level for admission: 1. Two semesters of General Chemistry 2. Two semesters of Organic Chemistry 3. Two semesters of General Biology 4. Cell or Molecular Biology or Biochemistry 5. Statistics

3 Effective August 2016 Master of Science in Forensics (Full-Time Sequence) Note: This schedule reflects the recommended sequence of course to be taken in fulfillment of the Master of Science in Forensics. This sequence assumes a fall semester start. Students who begin in other sessions should consult with their faculty program advisor to plan their schedule. Fall Semester FSC500 Forensic Biology 4 FSC605 Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis 4 FSC600 Forensic Science Seminar I 2 FSC630 Forensic Science Research Project I 3 Spring Semester FSC625Trace Evidence Analysis and Microscopy 4 FSC665 Statistics and Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis 4 FSC615 Forensic Science Seminar II 2 FSC650 Forensic Science Research Project II 4 Summer Semester FSC620 Advanced Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction 4 FSC610 Ethical & Legal Issues in Forensic Science 3 FSC645 Forensic Science Administration 3 FSC670 Forensic Capstone Seminar 3

4 Effective August 2016 Master of Science in Forensics (Part-Time Sequence) Note: This schedule reflects the recommended sequence of course to be taken in fulfillment of the Master of Science in Forensics. This sequence assumes a fall semester start. Students who begin in other sessions should consult with their faculty program advisor to plan their schedule. Fall Semester FSC500 Forensic Biology 4 FSC600 Forensic Science Seminar I 4 Spring Semester FSC665 Statistics and Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis 4 FSC615 Forensic Science Seminar II 2 Summer Semester FSC620 Advanced Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction 4 FSC610 Ethical and Legal Issues in Forensic Science 3 Year 1 Fall Semester FSC605 Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis 4 FSC630 Forensic Science Research Project I 3 Spring Semester FSC625 Trace Evidence Analysis and Microscopy 4 FSC650 Forensic Science Research Project II 3 Summer Semester FSC645 Forensic Science Administration 3 FSC670 Forensic Capstone Seminar 3 Year 2

5 Course Descriptions MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSICS FSC500 (4 credits) Forensic Biology provides the framework for forensic DNA analysis. The subject is developed so as to provide the student with an enhanced understanding of DNA evidence, its collection, preservation, and processing. The key legal questions raised by the increasing power of DNA analysis will be discussed. The principles and techniques of current methods of forensic DNA analysis will be taught and discussed. FSC600 (2 credits) Forensic Science Seminar I features presentations by faculty, students, visiting lecturers, and crime lab staff on current topics and research in forensic science. Students will also choose a research project topic as a result of exposure to the topics covered in this seminar. FSC605 (4 credits) Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis introduces students to principles and methods employed in forensic toxicological assays. Principles in pharmacology and toxicology will be presented in the context of abused and toxic substances commonly encountered in forensics. The methods for collecting and analyzing substances such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol will be discussed. FSC610 (3 credits) Ethical and Legal Issues in Forensic Science examines the professional code of ethics and the role of the forensic scientist in litigation. Rules of evidence as applied to forensic science will be explored as well as guidelines for professionalism, appropriate expert witness conduct, and what makes good as well as bad science. Students will take part in a moot court exercise. FSC615 (2 credits) Forensic Science Seminar II involves an examination of current issues in forensic science practice and research and in the analysis of evidence from crime scene investigations. Presentations from students on their master s research projects will also be discussed. FSC620 (4 credits) Advanced Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction represents an in-depth study of crime scene procedures including recognition, protection, documentation, and collection of physical evidence; scene documentation, scene search procedures; and reconstructions from evidence and scene patterns. Laboratory exercises will include the microscopic, chemical, biological and immunological analysis of blood, semen and other body fluids. FSC660 (4 credits) Trace Evidence Analysis and Microscopy provides an in-depth examination of the proper collection, preservation, and comparison of items such as hair, paint, glass, fibers and soil and the techniques used to analyze these types of trace evidence. The theory and practical application of various types of microscopy methodologies used in trace analysis are discussed. FSC630 (3 credits) Forensic Science Research Project I engages students in laboratory research in a particular area of forensic science. The data generated will form the basis of an ongoing research project necessary for degree completion. FSC645 (3 credits) Forensic Science Administration provides students with the opportunity to explore the practical applications managing a forensic science laboratory. Topics such as budgeting, resource allocation, managing personnel, issues involving facilities and safety agency compliance, dealing with outside agencies, and other pertinent issues will be discussed.

6 FSC650 (4 credits) Forensic Science Research Project II continues to work on the research project initiated in the spring semester. Data collected will be presented to graduate faculty and/or at a forensic science professional conference utilizing standard scientific presentation format. FSC665 (4 credits) Statistics and Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis combines the latest techniques in DNA analysis including mitochondrial DNA sequencing, Y-STR typing, and kinship analysis with statistical principles used for the specific tests as well as for research and validation projects. Additional subjects may include low-copy number analysis and mixture interpretation. FSC670 (3 credits) Forensic Capstone Seminar provides students with the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired in the program. The required case studies are applied research projects that will include unknown samples that must be analyzed successfully. These projects include the requirements of researching the literature, study of cases, collecting and analyzing evidence, and presenting an oral and written report. Revised