Online Undergraduate Certificate in Forensics

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles associated with the structure and function of the human body. It is intended to prepare students for careers in the health sciences and healthcare systems (medical assisting, medical technology, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, health information management, medical coding, etc.). Lessons and laboratory exercises focus on the organization, microscopic and gross anatomy, and the functions of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems of the human body. The basics of chemistry and cell biology are introduced in order to provide the foundation for discussion of the individual organ systems. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component, and students are required to perform dissection of preserved animal specimens. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens. Refrigerated storage is not required. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video. This is a time and resource-intensive course. Students intending to pursue a career in the health sciences should verify that this course meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy & physiology.

This course is an analytical examination of crime detection and solution, including such topics as crime scene procedures, physical evidence, interviews, field notes and reporting, follow-up investigation, interrogation, and rules of evidence. Specific detail is given to investigations involving homicide, sex-related offenses, and crimes against children, robbery, larceny, vehicle thefts, computer crime, environmental crime, arson, and drug abuse. There is an in depth analysis of investigation methodologies addressing inductive and deductive reasoning to assess the decision making process to solve crimes.

This course explores criminal behavior, its motivation, and the environmental influences and patterns of offending. Other topics examined are the approaches to profiling and how these investigative techniques are applied to helping solve crimes. This course will address aspects of behavior, taking into consideration the definition of criminal profiling as the inference of offender traits from physical and/or behavioral evidence. Evaluations will be made of the history, theories, and investigative techniques regarding profiling crime offenders, using a unique blend of both social science, as well as psychological and legal research. It includes legal case excerpts to demonstrate the role of the profiler (investigator). This provides the student a solid knowledge foundation of the integral relationship between the profiling techniques and theories of criminal behavior and the court system. It is recommended students take either CMRJ101 or CMRJ306 prior to enrolling in this course.

This course will examine contemporary practices for analysis and measurement of crime including the use of geographical information systems (GIS) to map various aspects of crime. Modern crime analysis focuses on reducing crime and improving police efficiency by illustrating the impact of crime on the community and community impact on crime through the use of the SARA (scanning, analysis, response, & assessment) problem-solving model. Crime analysis facilitates informed decision making on criminal activity and prevention, thereby being instrumental in helping society learn the linkages between crime and other factors such as poverty or drug abuse. Additionally, there is a review of the crime analysis function within the law enforcement organization and a demonstration of how to develop, implement, and operate a crime analysis unit.

The purpose of this course is to educate students regarding the everyday operations of state and federal crime laboratories and the forensic services provided by these organizations. The course is scientifically oriented and will concentrate on the significance of forensic evidence and various testing procedures and instrumentation used to analyze biological, chemical, pattern, and trace items of evidence. Another focus will be the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence obtained from systematic searches of crime scenes.

This course will examine contemporary practices for investigating sudden, unexpected and violent death. Two major topics will be explored: the first focusing on the manner of death (the social circumstances under which the death occurs), the second focusing on the cause of death (the particular material actions which result in death).The following types of deaths will be considered: asphyxial, blunt and sharp force, firearms, natural causes, mass disaster, child abuse, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suicide. Estimating the postmortem interval and identification of human remains will also be considered. It is recommended that students take CMRJ306 before enrolling in this course.

This course introduces students to the principles of basic chemistry, the terminology, methodology and worldview of chemistry, and the practical application to everyday living. Topics are both descriptive and mathematical and include acids and bases, atomic structure, chemical equations and reactions, chemical language and nomenclature, gases, molecular structure, solution chemistry, chemical mathematics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. The chemistry lab is designed for students to learn how to make qualitative and quantitative observations about physical and chemical phenomena, to make calculations, and to test their own reasoning. Students will acquire skills in laboratory techniques and thought processes through interactive virtual laboratories designed to help reinforce and build upon the concepts presented in the lecture portion of the class.